Colt Single Action Army 3rd Gen SAA .45 Colt 7 1/2″ Revolver, 1979

SOLD FOR: $2,175.00

LSB#: LSB251101JS012

Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army, 3rd Generation

Serial Number: SA18927 (All matching)

Year of Manufacture: 1979 / 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 “J”. The bottom of the frame and the left of each portion of the grip frame are each marked “SA18927”. The front face of the cylinder is marked with the matching serial number “18927”. The inside of the grips are marked in pencil with the matching serial number, “18927”. 

Barrel Length: 7 1/2″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a quarter-round blade fixed to the front of the barrel. The blade has been filed to a flat top. The rear sight is a square notch at the rear of a groove in the top strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are a two-piece wood grips with very few minimal handling nicks and dings. There are no chips or cracks in the grips. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Nickel

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. This revolver appears to have had VERY few rounds through it. 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 nickel finish.  This revolver appears to have had VERY few rounds through it. There are no turn lines or carbon rings on the cylinder.  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 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: Comes with the original (matching) Colt factory cardboard box and paperwork.

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. Following the close of Second Generation manufacture, Third Generation SAAs retained traditional design elements such as the fixed sights, side loading gate, and four click hammer, while being produced with contemporary steels and machining practices. By the late 1970s, these revolvers appealed strongly to shooters and collectors who wanted a factory Colt that remained faithful to historic specifications without drifting into modern reinterpretation.

This example, manufactured in 1979 and chambered in .45 Colt, is configured with the classic 7 1/2 inch barrel most closely associated with the Single Action Army’s frontier, military, and early sporting legacy. The long barrel length enhances sight radius and balance, reinforcing the traditional handling qualities that defined the model from its introduction in the 19th century. The nickel finish further elevates the revolver’s presentation, reflecting a factory option long favored for its visual appeal and resistance to corrosion, particularly on revolvers intended for both use and display.

Condition on this revolver is exceptional, with nearly all of its original nickel finish intact and signs of minimal use or handling wear. The bore is bright with sharp rifling, the cylinder shows no turn line or carbon buildup, and the action exhibits tight lockup with a crisp trigger and strong hammer engagement. With matching numbered components and excellent overall preservation, this revolver stands as a high quality example of a Third Generation Colt Single Action Army in one of its most desirable configurations, Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!

BF