Colt 3rd Generation Single Action Army .45 Colt 7.5″ SAA Revolver 1978, Box
SOLD FOR: $1,800.00
LSB#: LSB250801KW023
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army (3rd Generation)
Serial Number: 95947SA
Year of Manufacture: 1978
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Single Action Revolver
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .45.” The left side of the frame is marked with the Colt patent dates “PAT. SEPT. 19. 1871 / JULY 2. 72 JAN. 19. 75” followed by the Rampant Colt logo. The right side of the frame is marked with the serial number “95947SA.” The right side of the trigger guard shows the verified proof “VP” triangle mark. The markings are crisp, clear, and factory-applied.
Barrel Length: 7.5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade, and the rear sight is a topstrap groove, typical of the SAA configuration.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The revolver wears black hard rubber Colt Eagle grips with Rampant Colt medallions. The grips show minimal handling wear and retain their sharp checkering.
Type of Finish: Blued and Case Color Hardened
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10. Revolver does not appear to be fired outside of the factory setting.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains approximately 99% of its original finish. Light handling marks are visible on the underside of the barrel and a faint turn line is present on the cylinder. The color case hardening on the frame displays vivid tones of blue, straw, and charcoal. All screw heads are sharp, and the edges remain crisp. This revolver presents as very lightly handled and unfired outside the factory.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly with solid lockup and proper cylinder timing. The hammer locks into all notches, and the trigger pull is crisp. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Includes the original white Colt styrofoam tray and outer brown cardboard sleeve with gold Colt logo.
Our Assessment: Colt’s 3rd Generation Single Action Army revolvers carried forward the timeless legacy of the Peacemaker into the late 20th century. Introduced in 1976, these post-2nd Generation guns continued to use traditional case color hardening and deep Colt bluing, but were built with updated metallurgy and slightly revised internal components. The .45 Colt cartridge, developed alongside the original SAA in 1873, remains synonymous with the American West — a powerful, straight-walled revolver round that became the standard for military and civilian sidearms alike.
This 1978 example, with its 7.5” barrel, original finish, and factory packaging, represents an exceptionally well-preserved revolver from Colt’s reintroduction era. Its vivid case colors, deep bluing, and nearly unfired condition make it a fine collector-grade piece that bridges the frontier legend with modern Colt craftsmanship. We are no longer offering layaway. KF
