Colt Single Action Army .45 Colt 4 3/4″ Revolver 3rd Generation MFD 1997
SOLD FOR: $1,925.00
LSB#: LSB260217GM019
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army SAA
Serial Number: S18686A
Year of Manufacture: 1997
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .45”. The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT FA MFG CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.” The left side of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19, 1871” / “JULY 2, 72 JAN. 19, 75”, and the Colt logo. The left side of the trigger guard is marked with a “VP” proof mark. The bottom of the frame is marked with the serial number. Under the grips are marked with the serial on the left front and back strap. The left grip has “258”, and the right has “823” scribed inside. The last three numbers of the serial “686”, are marked on the loading gate. The face of the cylinder is marked with the serial number. The rear of the cylinder is marked with “45”.
Barrel Length: 4 3/4″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade at the muzzle. The rear sight is a ‘U’ notch the length of the top strap. Visible when the hammer is cocked.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are a two-piece, black checkered, hard plastic. There is a rampant colt in a circle at the top of the grip, and an eagle with shield at the base. There is light handling wear on the panels. 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. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 98% of its finish, with minor handling scratches and scuffs along the metal surfaces and the cylinder shopping operational wear. The cylinder shows a faint turn line. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this revolver is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lockup produces minimal play. 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’s Manufacturing Company Single Action Army remains one of the most iconic revolvers ever produced, first introduced in 1873 and carried through decades of American history as both a working sidearm and a cultural symbol. The 3rd Generation revolvers, produced from the mid-1970s onward, represent Colt’s modern continuation of this legendary design, maintaining the traditional single action lockwork and profile while benefiting from improved manufacturing consistency. Chambered in .45 Colt, the original cartridge developed alongside the SAA, this revolver reflects a direct connection to the black powder era, with the .45 Colt long regarded for its substantial bore size and authoritative performance.
This 1997 example remains in Excellent condition, retaining approximately 98% of its original nickel finish with only minor handling marks and light operational wear visible on the cylinder. The 4 3/4″ barrel configuration provides the classic balance and quick handling associated with early frontier-era revolvers. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no visible erosion, rating 9.5/10 in this writer’s opinion. The action functions correctly with minimal play at lockup, and the revolver exhibits consistent matching numbers across major components where applicable. The black checkered grips with Colt motifs remain in Excellent condition, showing only light handling wear. Overall, this is a clean and attractive 3rd Generation Colt Single Action Army in its traditional chambering and finish. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY