Colt Single Action Army 3rd Gen SAA .45 Colt 4 3/4″ Revolver, 1980

SOLD FOR: $2,345.00

LSB#: LSB251006JW006

Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army, 3rd Generation

Serial Number: SA25482

Year of Manufacture: 1980 / Modern

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 “K” at the rear. The right of the trigger guard is marked “U”. The bottom of the frame and the left of each portion of the trigger guard are each marked “SA25482”. There is a partial matching serial number on the face of the cylinder of “5482”. The grips are inscribed with the serial number.

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 a set of two-piece rubber Eagle grips with a rampant colt in oval at the top of each panel and Eagle on the bottom. There are signs of minimal handling wear on the grips. There is good detail in the Colt and Eagle motifs. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blued & Case Hardened

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 97% of its metal finish. There are no noticeable dings or marks on the finish.  There are minor indications of previous firing but any operational use was very limited.  There are no carbon rings on the cylinder.  There is no turn line on the cylinder.  The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. Lockup produces no perceptible play.  The Hammer spring is tight and 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: This revolver comes with a Colt Factory cardboard box and paperwork.

Our Assessment: The Colt Single Action Army Third Generation represents Colt’s continued stewardship of its most iconic revolver design into the modern era, preserving the classic lines, balance, and mechanical character that have defined the SAA since 1873. Introduced in the late 1970s, Third Generation production benefited from improved consistency in machining and finishing while remaining faithful to traditional specifications. Revolvers from this period are increasingly appreciated for their combination of historical continuity and modern build quality, particularly in high-condition examples chambered in the classic .45 Colt.

This 1980 example is fitted with the highly desirable 4 3/4 inch barrel, a configuration long favored for its compact profile and lively handling. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating a strong 9.5 out of 10. The revolver retains approximately 97 percent of its original blue and case-hardened finish, with no noticeable dings or surface marks and no carbon rings on the cylinder. Any prior firing appears very limited, with no visible cylinder turn line present. Markings remain clear and well defined, and the screw heads are sharp.

The revolver is fitted with two-piece rubber Eagle grips bearing Rampant Colt ovals and Eagle branding. These show only minimal handling wear, retain good detail, and are free of chips or cracks, rating in Fine overall condition. Mechanically, the action functions correctly with tight lockup, a strong hammer spring, and a crisp trigger pull. Accompanied by its Colt factory cardboard box and paperwork, this Single Action Army stands as a clean, well-preserved Third Generation example that combines a classic barrel length, desirable .45 Colt chambering, and excellent overall condition, making it an attractive addition to any Colt or Single Action Army collection. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bids!

BF