Colt Single Action Army 2nd Gen SAA .45 Colt 4 3/4″ Revolver, 1959 C&R
SOLD FOR: $4,034.98
LSB#: LSB251007CL016
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, 2nd Generation
Serial Number: 28485SA
Year of Manufacture: 1959 / C&R (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup),
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”, the left is marked “COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .45”. The left of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19, 1871 / JULY 2, 72 JAN. 19, 75” and with a rampant colt logo. The left of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle at the front and “P” at the rear. The right of the trigger guard is marked “S”. The bottom of the frame and the left of each portion of the trigger guard are each marked “28485SA”. The rear face of the cylinder is marked with a rampant colt logo. There is a partial matching serial number on the face of the cylinder. Each grip panel is marked with the matching partial serial number “485”. The loading gate is marked with assembly number “304”.
Barrel Length: 4 3/4″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a quarter-round 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 two-piece checkered black hard rubber panels with rampant colt in oval at the top of each panel. There is minor handling wear on the grips. The checkering is slightly sharp. There is good detail in the rampant Colts. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine 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 the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 95% of its metal finish. The case coloring is vivid. There are no carbon rings on the cylinder. The balance of the finish shows minimal handling and operation wear. There is very minor thinning of the finish on the leading edges of the cylinder. There is a very faint thin turn line on the cylinder and wear in the cylinder stops. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. Lockup produces no perceptible play. The Hammer spring is tight. The cylinder’s bushing is separate from the cylinder. 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: This revolver comes with a Colt Factory cardboard box, including original paperwork and cleaning tools.
Our Assessment: The Colt Single Action Army Second Generation represents Colt’s celebrated return to one of the most iconic revolver designs in American firearms history. After First Generation production ceased in 1941, Colt revived the Single Action Army in 1956 to meet renewed demand driven by postwar Western films, television, and a rapidly expanding collector market. These Second Generation revolvers were produced using original Colt tooling and closely adhered to prewar specifications, making them highly regarded for their craftsmanship, materials, and continuity with nineteenth-century Colt production. By 1959, the line had reached a mature production phase, and revolvers from this period are often considered among the best examples of the Second Generation.
This 1959 example is chambered in the classic .45 Colt and fitted with the highly desirable 4 3/4 inch barrel, a configuration long favored for its balance and fast handling. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating 9.5 out of 10. The revolver retains approximately 95 percent of its original blue and case-colored finish, with vivid case colors still present. Condition reflects minimal use, including very slight thinning at the leading edges of the cylinder, a very faint cylinder turn line, and light wear at the cylinder stops, all consistent with careful handling rather than heavy firing. Markings remain clear and well defined, and screw heads are sharp. The revolver retains the correct separate cylinder bushing characteristic of early Second Generation SAAs.
The revolver is fitted with original black hard rubber grips bearing Rampant Colt ovals. These show minor handling wear with slightly softened checkering but retain strong detail and are free of chips or cracks, rating in Fine condition. Mechanically, the action functions correctly with solid lockup, no perceptible play, a tight hammer spring, and a crisp trigger. The revolver is accompanied by its Colt factory cardboard box, further enhancing its collector appeal. Overall, this Colt Single Action Army stands as an excellent example of a late-1950s Second Generation revolver, combining desirable configuration, strong originality, and high overall condition in one of Colt’s most enduring and historically significant designs. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bids!
BF
