Colt 3rd Gen Single Action Army SAA Nickel P1756 .44 Special Revolver, 1980
SOLD FOR: $1,760.00
LSB#: WY250328JS037
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, 3rd Generation
Serial Number: SA31029
Year of Manufacture: 1980
Caliber: .44 Special
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Barrel Length: 5 1/2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a quarter round blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch integral to the top strap.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth faux-ivory panels with gold-colored Colt medallions. The grips have a few scattered minor marks, but no notable wear or damage. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Nickel
Finish Originality: Original, numbers match.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore but there is a little stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There is some scratching on the left of the barrel below the front sight. There is minor turn-wear on the cylinder. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions properly. The cylinder locks up with minor play on each chamber. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes in a faux-wood cardboard Colt box with an assortment of factory paperwork not including manual and two-piece styrofoam inserts. Most of the box ears have torn off, two end-ears are included and one has a serial-matching label.
Our Assessment: In 1974, Colt quietly discontinued production of the single Action Army; this would be the second time they discontinued production of this glorious revolver. Luckily, the loyal fans of the SAA would not need to wait long as colt would bring back the SAA in 1976 as the “3rd Generation”. Changes were made but the basic SAA was the same, i.e. three standard barrel lengths of 4 3/4”, 5 1/2” and 7 1/2”, finishes of full nickel or blue, with color case hardened frame, and grips of hard rubber.
Some changes were incorporated in an effort by Colt to keep prices down. One new change was a pressed-in cylinder pin bushing instead of the removable ones used in 1st and 2nd Generation cylinders. Also, the ratchet at the rear of the cylinders was re-shaped, which also necessitated a different shape on the rotating hand. Additionally, for some unknown reason, the pitch of the barrel’s threads was changed from the 20 threads per inch (TPI) as used on 1st and 2nd Generation SAAs to 24 TPI for these new ones. Toward the end of 2nd Generation production Colt had begun using some investment cast parts, but the frames continued to be forged. The introductory caliber for 3rd Generation SAAs was .45 Colt, but other chamberings would soon follow, including .44 Special.
Everyone should have a Colt Single Action Army, and this would be a beauty to add to any collection. Manufactured in 1980, this revolver is in Fine condition, appearing to have seen limited and responsible use. With a 5 1/2″ barrel, desirable nickel finish and chambered for .44 Special, this is a classic Single Action Army chambered for a classic cartridge, as well as being a fairly scarce configuration. The pistol’s high condition will make it suitable for addition to a collection, but it should also make for a fun shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California -Bud
