Colt 3rd Gen Single Action Army SAA P1841 Nickel 4 3/4″ .45 Revolver, 1997

Sold for $2175.00

LSB#: 220716HL003

Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army, 3rd Generation

Serial Number: S18082A

Year of Manufacture: 1997 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .45 Colt

Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .45”. The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”. The left side of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19, 1871 / JULY 2, 72 JAN. 19, 75” and with the “Rampant Colt” logo. The underside of the frame at the grip frame is marked “S29126A”. The left side of each portion of the grip frame is marked “S18082A” under the grip.  The left front of the trigger guard is marked with a “VP” in a triangle and the left rear with “4 / 4”. The front face of the cylinder is marked “082” and the rear “45”. The rear of the loading gate is marked “082”.

Barrel Length: 4 3/4”

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a quarter round blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square groove in the top strap.

Stock Configuration and Condition: The installed grips are two-piece chekcered black synthetic panels with Colt ponies and American eagles mounted to a center synthetic piece which is concealed by the grip frame when assembled. The grips have some scattered minor nicks but are othereise free. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the installed grips are in Very Good-plus condition.

Type of Finish: Nickel

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is very well defined. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 98% of its metal finish. The finish is rather strong throughout. There are a few scattered marks, some scuffs, and tiny scratches, but all of this is minor. The cylinder has minor turn-wear, not through the finish. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Fine-plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly and smoothly. The lockup produces little play on all six chambers. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This revolver comes in a Blue plastic Colt case with serial-matching label, the original grips as described, and a manual.

Our Assessment: In 1974, Colt quietly discontinued production 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 ¾”, 5 ½” and 7 ½”, 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. And 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 .357 Magnum came along by the end of 1976.

Everyone should have a Colt Single Action Army, and this would be a beauty to add to any collection. Manufactured in 1997, this revolver has a beautiful nickel finish with a 4 3/4″ barrel and chambered for the original .45 Colt cartridge. In Fine-plus condition, it appears to have seen very seldom use. The gun is more than suitable for addition to a collection, but it would also make an attractive “BBQ Gun” or could be used in Cowboy Action Shooting competitions. Please see our photos and good luck!