Colt Buntline Special Single Action Army SAA 12″ .45 Colt Revolver 1957 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,950.00
LSB#: LSB260430DB017
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army Buntline Special (2nd Generation)
Serial Number: 16532SA
Year of Manufacture: 1957 / C&R (Colt Serial Number Lookup)
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Single Action Revolver
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”. The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT BUNTLINE SPECIAL .45”. The bottom of the barrel is marked “BB892”. The left side of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19, 1871 / JULY 2,72 JAN. 19,75” and the Rampant Colt logo. The interior of the grip straps and bottom of the frame is marked with the serial number. The loading gate and face of the cylinder is marked with “636”. The interior of the grip panels are scribed with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 12″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a quarter round blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square groove in the top strap and is visible when cocked.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered hard rubber with a rampant colt in an oval at their tops. There are light handling scratches and compressions marks. The checkering remains sharp. There is slight discoloration from age. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue, Case Colored
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10 condition.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are scattered handling marks and compression dings. There is minor oxidation freckling along the barrel, frame, and grip straps. There is a turn line on the cylinder along with some thinning of the finish. The case-color is vibrant. The action shows operational use. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in Very Good-Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lockup is tight at each chamber. 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: Cardboard box. (not serial matching)
Our Assessment: The Colt Buntline Special is one of the most distinctive Single Action Army variants, best known for its extra-long barrel and strong association with frontier legend, dime-novel lore, and later television-era Western collecting. The original Buntline legend centers on long-barreled Colt revolvers supposedly presented by writer Ned Buntline to famous lawmen, though the historical details remain debated. Colt revived the concept during the 2nd Generation SAA period, offering the Buntline Special as a dramatic long-barreled variation of the classic Peacemaker pattern. Manufactured in 1957, this example comes from early 2nd Generation production, when Colt had recently reintroduced the Single Action Army after its postwar absence. Chambered in .45 Colt with a 12” barrel, fixed sights, side-loading gate, blue and case-colored finish, and hard rubber stocks, this revolver has strong appeal for Colt collectors, SAA enthusiasts, Western arms collectors, and buyers who appreciate one of the most recognizable specialty configurations in the Colt single action family.
This Colt Buntline Special retains about 97% of its metal finish with scattered handling marks, compression dings, minor oxidation freckling, cylinder turn line, light cylinder thinning, and vibrant case color. The grips rate Very Good with light handling wear, sharp checkering, slight age discoloration, and no chips or cracks. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating 9 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion. The action functions correctly with tight lockup at each chamber and a crisp trigger. This revolver includes a cardboard box that is not serial matching, adding display value while keeping the non-matching status clear. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY