Colt Single Action Army 3rd Gen SAA .357 mag 5.5″ Revolver, MFD 1977
SOLD FOR: $1,866.00
LSB#: LSB250927RD039
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, 3rd Generation
Serial Number: 89376SA
Year of Manufacture: 1977 / Modern (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup),
Caliber: .357 Magnum
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 .357 MAGNUM”. 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 “2” at the rear. The right of the trigger guard is marked “7”. The bottom of the frame in front of the trigger guard is marked “89376SA”.
Barrel Length: 5 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 non-factory antler/stag grips. They are slightly oversized for the grip frame. They have minor handling wear and the previously mentioned fit issues. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition as replaced.
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 but there is minor fouling present that should clean out easily. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 98% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows no handling or operation wear. There is a faint turn line between some of 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 barely perceptible side to side play. 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: None
Our Assessment: The Colt Single Action Army is one of the most iconic revolvers in history, introduced in 1873 and still produced today. The 3rd Generation guns, such as this one, were built starting in 1976 and reflect Colt’s continued commitment to the traditional Peacemaker design. Chambered in .357 Magnum with a 5.5” barrel, this revolver represents the classic western movie star configuration, offering excellent sight radius and balance. The blued and case colored finish was a popular option for buyers who wanted a revolver that would show like it was right out of a John Wayne or Roy Rogers movie.
This example, manufactured in 1977 remains in Excellent condition, retaining about 98% of its original Blue and case coloring. There is a faint turn line on the cylinder. The bore is bright with sharp rifling, rating 9 out of 10, and the mechanics are solid with a crisp trigger and minimal play at lockup. The replacement antler or stag grips give it a true “Old West” appearance.
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. With the popularity of western movies in the 1950’s, Colt brought out the 2nd Generation series of SAA’s. Beginning in 1976, Colt introduced the 3rd Generation Single Action Army (SAA) which kept the classic look but introduced modern manufacturing for consistency, featuring investment-cast parts, a re-designed cylinder stop/hand for better function with modern ammo, while maintaining the iconic 4 ¾”, 5 ½”, 7 ½” barrel lengths, case-hardened frame, and blued/nickel finishes. This example would make a great addition to any Colt collection or to just be used for Cowboy Action Shooting. Please see our high quality photos and good luck on your bids! –
BF
