Colt 3rd Gen Single Action Army SAA Sheriff’s Model 3” 44 Spl Revolver 1980

SOLD FOR: $1,775.00

LSB#: LSB251118PV001

Make: Colt

Model: Sheriff’s Model Single Action Army, 3rd Generation

Serial Number: SA42274

Year of Manufacture: 1980 / Modern 

Caliber: .44 Special

Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT SHERIFF’S MODEL”. The left side of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19, 1871 / JULY 2, 72 JAN. 19, 75”, along with the rampant Colt logo. The face of the cylinder is marked with a partial serial number “2274”.  The cylinder is marked “.44 SPL”. The bottom of the frame and the left side of the grip frame is marked with the serial number  “SA42274”. The inside of the grips are marked with a non-matching serial number, “95486”. The right side of the barrel is marked “COLT S.A.A. 44 CAL.”. The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.”. 

Barrel Length: 3”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a square-notch at the rear of a groove in the top strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are plastic Colt Eagle grips with the Rampant Colt at the top and the American Eagle at the bottom.  The inside of the grips are marked with a non-mathing serial number, “95486” but they fit extremely well to the grip frame.  There are no notable handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original.

Bore Condition: The bore is mirror bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 99% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows little wear or handling marks.  There is no turn line on the cylinder showing very little action wear.  The case color is vivid, and in great shape. The screws are sharp, and the pins are unmarred. The markings are clear and legible. Overall, this revolver is in Excellent condition. 

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. Lockup produces very little play side-to-side and minor end-shake on all six chambers. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this revolver, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes in a Blue Colt box lined with a blue felt insert and paperwork.  The box is not numbered.

Our Assessment: Colt’s Sheriff’s Model occupies a distinctive niche within the Single Action Army family, blending the iconic Peacemaker profile with a compact, ejectorless configuration intended for fast handling and close-range use. Historically associated with late 19th century lawmen and plainclothes carry, the Sheriff’s Model dispensed with the ejector rod housing and shortened the barrel to create a smooth, snag-free revolver that emphasized balance and immediacy. Though far less common than standard barrel lengths, the pattern has long held strong appeal for collectors due to its visual uniqueness and its roots in frontier-era practicality.

This Third Generation example, manufactured in 1980, reflects Colt’s renewed commitment to traditional Single Action Army production during the late twentieth century. Chambered in .44 Special, it pairs a historically significant cartridge with a configuration that remains closely tied to classic SAA proportions. Features such as the 3 inch barrel, fixed sights, and correct rollmarks maintain fidelity to the original concept, while modern production methods provide consistent fit and finish. The inclusion of the original Colt box and paperwork further enhances the revolver’s overall presentation and collector appeal.

Condition on this revolver is exceptional, with nearly all of its original blue and case colored finish intact and showing minimal evidence of handling or use. The bore is mirror bright with sharp rifling, the cylinder shows virtually no turn line, and the action exhibits tight lockup with a crisp trigger. Taken as a whole, this is a high-quality and visually striking example of a Third Generation Colt Sheriff’s Model that captures both the historical character and refined craftsmanship associated with Colt’s most iconic revolver, Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!

BF