Colt Single Action Army 3rd Gen SAA .45 Colt 5 1/2″ Revolver, 1982

SOLD FOR: $1,975.00

LSB#: LSB251005DH009

Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army, 3rd Generation

Serial Number: SA51859

Year of Manufacture: 1982 / 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 “Z”. The bottom of the frame and the left of each portion of the trigger guard are each marked “SA51859”. There is a partial matching serial number on the face of the cylinder of “1859”. 

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 a one-piece Walnut grip with a few minimal handling dings and slight loss of finish. There are no chips or cracks in the grips. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blued & Case Hardened

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is heavy stubborn fouling and carbon buildup. This revolver should be heavily cleaned before use. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7/10. 

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 97% of its metal finish. There is slight thinning of finish on the leading edges.  There are no significant dings or marks on the finish.  There is some carbon buildup on the face of the cylinder.  There is an intermittent 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: None

Our Assessment: The Colt Single Action Army Third Generation represents Colt’s continuation of its most iconic revolver into the late twentieth century, preserving the classic Peacemaker profile while benefiting from improved consistency in modern production. By the early 1980s, Third Generation SAAs were produced in relatively modest numbers and remained true to traditional Colt specifications, retaining the balance, handling, and mechanical simplicity that had defined the model since 1873. Chambered in .45 Colt, these revolvers carried forward the cartridge most closely associated with the Single Action Army’s frontier and sporting legacy.

This 1982 example is fitted with the popular 5 1/2-inch barrel, a configuration long favored for its balance between sight radius and carry comfort. The revolver retains approximately 97 percent of its original blue and case-hardened finish, with only slight thinning noted on the leading edges and an intermittent cylinder turn line. Carbon buildup is present on the face of the cylinder, and heavy stubborn fouling is noted in the bore, though there is no erosion. The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling and rates 7 out of 10, and a thorough cleaning is recommended prior to use. Markings remain clear and legible, and screw heads are sharp.

The one-piece walnut grip shows only minimal handling dings and slight finish loss, with no cracks or chips, presenting in Fine condition. Mechanically, the revolver functions correctly, with tight lockup, a strong hammer spring, and a crisp trigger pull. Overall, this Third Generation Single Action Army from Colt presents as a well-preserved example with honest signs of limited use, combining strong original finish, correct configuration, and classic Colt character that will appeal to both collectors and shooters. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bids!

BF