Colt Single Action Army 2nd Gen SAA .45 Colt 7 1/2” Revolver 1960 C&R
SOLD FOR: $4,282.00
LSB#: WY250310TP058
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, 2nd Generation
Serial Number: 31317SA
Year of Manufacture: 1960 (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” at the front of the trigger bow and “P” at the rear. The right of the trigger guard is marked “P”. The bottom of the frame and the left of each portion of the grip frame are each marked “31317SA”. The front face of the cylinder is marked with a matching serial. The rear face of the frame (under the right grip panel) and the rear face of the loading gate are each marked with assembly number “200”. The inside of each grip panel is hand-scribed “317”.
Barrel Length: 7 1/2”
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 smooth walnut panels. There is no handling wear. The checkering is sharp. There is good detail in the colts. 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 the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 99% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows faint handling and operation wear. There is a faint intermittent/ incomplete turn line. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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 in a Colt black cardboard hinged-lid box with green interior, model-matching label, and “31317” hand-written on the bottom. Inside the box is an assortment of factory paperwork. The box has minor storage wear, in about Fine-plus condition.
Our Assessment: The Colt Single Action Army is perhaps the quintessential old west handgun, produced for more than a century, serving the U.S. Army as its sidearm from 1873 into the first world war and captivating audiences on the silver screen. The SAA was discontinued by Colt as it tooled up to provide for the WWII war effort, and it was thought by Colt that the design was obsolete, swing-out cylinder revolvers had been around for half a century and autoloaders were gaining in popularity. Then, with the advent of television and western programs such as Hopalong Cassidy, The Lone Ranger, The Cisco Kid, and The Gene Autry Show, American interest in the guns that won the west was reborn. In 1956, Colt reintroduced the Single Action Army, this new production run now referred to as the 2nd Generation SAA’s. This revolver is in fantastic condition, appearing to have spent more time in its included original box than out and appears unturned. This would make a great addition to a Colt collection. Please see our photos and good luck! – L.S.
