Colt 3rd Gen Single Action Army SAA P1956 .44-40 5.5″ Nickel Revolver, 1996

SOLD FOR: $2,275.00

WOA#: WY240602AC025

Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army, 3rd Generation

Serial Number: S13373A

Year of Manufacture: 1996 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .44-40 WCF

Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder

Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “SINGLE ACTION ARMY .44-40”, the top is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”. The left of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19. 1871 / JULY 2. 72 JAN. 19. 75” with a rampant colt. The bottom of the frame in front of the trigger guard and the left of each portion of the grip frame are marked “S13373A”. The left of the trigger guard has a verified proof and “6”. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “44-40”, the front is marked “373”. The rear of the loading gate is marked “373”. The inside of each grip panel is hand-scribed “373”. 

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 & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black plastic panels with rampant colt in oval at the top and American eagle at the bottom. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The checkering is well defined. There is good detail in the colts and eagles. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Nickel

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore but there is some fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 96% of its metal finish. There are some scattered minor nicks, scuffs and scratches, not through the finish. There is some stubborn fouling, mostly at the front of the cylinder and around the cylinder gap. The action shows operational wear including a light turn line on the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lockup produces very minor play on each chamber. We have cleaned this firearm and performed a mechanic’s check but expect many will want to clean the firearm again depending on their standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

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. 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. Chambered for the classic .44-40 Win cartridge, the revolver is in Fine condition, appearing to have seen some responsible use. This revolver is more than suitable for addition to a collection, but it would also make an attractive revolver for recreational target shooting or could be used in Cowboy Action Shooting competitions. Please see our photos, good luck and happy bidding! 

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud