Colt 3rd Gen Single Action Army SAA Sheriff’s Model 3” .45 LC Revolver 1985
SOLD FOR: $2,610.00
LSB#: LSB260412PC001
Make: Colt
Model: Sheriff’s Model Single Action Army, 3rd Generation
Serial Number: SA69705
Year of Manufacture: 1985 (https://www.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 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 bottom of the frame is marked with the serial number. The right side of the barrel is marked “COLT S.A.A. 45 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 set into 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 two piece smooth ivory with gold-colored Colt medallions at their tops. 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 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, with only a faint turn line on the cylinder. 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. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Colt Single Action Army is one of the most important revolvers in American firearms history, introduced in 1873 and forever associated with the frontier, U.S. Cavalry service, lawmen, outlaws, and the expansion of the American West. Colt’s 3rd Generation production began in the late 1970s, bringing the legendary Peacemaker pattern back for collectors and shooters who wanted the look, feel, and mechanics of the original black powder-era design with modern manufacture. The Sheriff’s Model is especially distinctive, using a short 3 inch barrel and omitting the traditional ejector rod assembly for a compact profile reminiscent of historic “Storekeeper” and hideout configurations. Chambered in .45 Colt, the cartridge originally paired with the Single Action Army in 1873, this revolver combines classic chambering, iconic styling, vivid case colors, and short-barrel Colt charisma in one highly collectible package.
This 1985 production example presents in Excellent condition, retaining about 99 percent of its original blue and case color finish with only minimal evidence of use, primarily a faint cylinder turn line. The case colors remain vivid, the markings are clear, the screws are sharp, and the pins are unmarred. The smooth ivory grips with gold-colored Colt medallions are in Excellent condition, showing no notable handling wear, chips, or cracks, and they give the revolver a particularly handsome presentation. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating 10 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion. The action functions correctly, the trigger is crisp, and lockup shows very little side-to-side play with minor end-shake noted across the chambers. Overall, this is a beautiful 3rd Generation Colt Sheriff’s Model SAA in .45 Colt with strong collector appeal and classic short-barrel Peacemaker presence. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! – L.S.