Colt Single Action Army SAA Nickel Revolver .45 Colt 7 1/2″ C&R 1960-1961
SOLD FOR: $2,225.00
LSB#: LSB250727DW038
Make: Colt’s P.F.A. Mfg. Co.
Model: Single Action Army (2nd Generation)
Serial Number: SA19498
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1960–1961 (2nd Generation)
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Single Action Revolver, Six-Shot
Markings: The left side of the frame is marked with three patent dates “PAT. SEPT. 19. 1871 / JULY. 2. 72. JAN. 19. 75.” and the Rampant Colt. The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S P.T.F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.” and the left of the barrel is marked “COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .45.” The front strap/butt is marked “SA19498.” The left front of the trigger guard bears Colt’s Verified Proof “VP” within a triangle along with additional inspector marks.
Barrel Length: 7 1/2 inches
Sights / Optics: Fixed blade front sight, rear sighting groove in the topstrap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: Two-piece smooth grips (appear to be later replacement walnut rather than factory checkered hard rubber). Fit is good with light handling marks and surface swirls from past polishing. No cracks observed.
Magazine / Cylinder / Accessories Quantity & Condition: Six-shot fluted cylinder. No accessories are present.
Type of Finish: Nickel
Finish Originality: Appears Original in this writer’s opinion, but minor softened edges, polishing waves, and dished screw slots can be observed. There is fog in the nickel. Most markings remain sharp. Please review our photos and judge accordingly.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: About 95% of the present nickel remains with scattered fine scratches, polish swirls, a few small nicks, and minor edge wear. The screw heads show turning and some dish from past polishing. The markings remain legible though slightly softened in places.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly with distinct safety, half-cock, and full-cock notches; cylinder lock-up is positive at full cock and timing appears proper on our check. The hammer and trigger return as expected. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Accessories: None.
Our Assessment:
Colt revived the legendary 1873 “Peacemaker” in 1956, launching what collectors call the Second Generation. These guns carry the SA-suffix serials and the classic removable cylinder bushing, and they were built to satisfy the mid-century resurgence of Western enthusiasm. In .45 Colt with the cavalry-length 7 1/2″ barrel, this example is about as quintessential as they come—everything people picture when they think “Single Action Army.”
The .45 Colt cartridge dates to 1873 as the U.S. service revolver round—originally a black-powder load sending a 255-grain bullet at authoritative velocity. In a modern, properly maintained SAA, it remains a mild-recoiling, accurate, and thoroughly satisfying field and range cartridge, especially with standard-pressure loads appropriate to the platform.
Collectors will appreciate the classic roll-marks, the Colt “VP” Verified Proof on the trigger guard, and the bright nickel finish that gives this sixgun real show-case presence. The grips appear to be later replacements and the metal shows signs consistent with polishing, but the revolver retains crisp mechanics and a strong bore—ideal for the Colt enthusiast who wants a handsome shooter-grade 2nd Gen with the most iconic barrel length. This one is C&R-eligible and ready for the next caretaker. So bid high and bid firm. I encourage you to take a look at the condition of the revolver in our high-quality photos. Good luck with your bid. -K.F. Luke 22:36: “But now, whoever has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise a knapsack; and whoever has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one”.
