Colt 3rd Gen. Single Action Army Sheriff’s Model 3” .44 SAA Revolver 1984

SOLD FOR: $2,125.00

LSB#: LSB250902JM053

Make: Colt

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

Serial Number: SA63794

Year of Manufacture: 1984 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .44-40 WCF. Comes with a .44 SPL cylinder. 

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. 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 smooth blackened wood. 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 9.5/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 98% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows little wear, with only a faint turn line on the cylinder. There are scattered scratches generally concentrated 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 Very Good 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 with a Colt Wood display case with a cleaning rod and its additional cylinder in .44 SPL. 

Our Assessment: Colt’s Sheriff’s Model is one of the most distinctive members of the Single Action Army family, combining the classic lines of the Peacemaker with a shortened barrel, rounded ejectorless profile, and the fast-handling characteristics prized by frontier lawmen who preferred a compact, snag-free sidearm. This 3rd Generation example, manufactured in 1984, reflects Colt’s return to traditional SAA craftsmanship, featuring vivid case coloring, deep blue finishes, and rollmarks faithful to the late-19th-century originals. The 3-inch barrel and sighting groove give the revolver its iconic close-quarters silhouette, while the blackened grips provide a clean, simple complement to the polished metalwork.

Chambered in .44-40 Winchester and accompanied by a second .44 Special cylinder, this revolver offers the versatility of two historic chamberings—one tied directly to the frontier era and the other long valued for its accuracy and mild recoil. The revolver shows exceptionally strong finish coverage, a bright 9.5/10 bore, and excellent mechanical character with a tight lockup and crisp trigger. Paired with its Colt display case, this Sheriff’s Model stands out as an attractive, lightly used example from Colt’s 3rd Generation production, blending collectible appeal with the timeless aesthetics of America’s most iconic single-action revolver. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.