Colt Single Action Army The Legend Rodeo SAA .45 Colt 5.5″ Nickel Revolver
SOLD FOR: $3,114.00
LSB#: LSB260412RR060
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, 3rd Generation, “The Legend” NFR 1996 Rodeo Standard Model (P1856ER). Limited run of 1,000.
Serial Number: LEGEND0026
Year of Manufacture: 1997. Production run 1996-1998 / Modern
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Barrel Length: 5 ½”
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 two-piece smooth buffalo horn with NFR medallions at their tops. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Nickel, Machine Engraved in 24K gold.
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 10/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 99% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows no handling or operation wear. There is no notable turn line. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Excellent – Like New condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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 its factory box and sleeve, Colt Records Letter, owner’s manual/paperwork, a Galco Leather belted holster rig with Colt serpentine logo medallion in Excellent condition and a glass top Colt NFR PCRA etched logo wooden presentation case with French fit Colt blue interior. The glass top is broken.
Our Assessment: Few firearms carry the legendary reputation and unmistakable silhouette of the Colt Single Action Army. Introduced in 1873 and forever associated with the American frontier, cavalry service, ranch work, lawmen, outlaws, rodeo culture, and Hollywood Westerns, the “Peacemaker” remains one of the most iconic revolvers ever produced. This 3rd Generation Colt Single Action Army “The Legend” NFR 1996 Rodeo Standard Model was part of a limited production run of only 1,000 revolvers produced for the National Finals Rodeo and discontinued just two years later in 1998. Chambered in the timeless .45 Colt cartridge, the revolver combines classic SAA lines with bright nickel finish and smooth buffalo horn grips fitted with NFR medallions, giving the revolver both traditional Western styling and commemorative appeal. The .45 Colt cartridge itself, introduced alongside the original SAA in the 1870s, remains one of the most historically significant revolver cartridges ever developed and is still respected today for its deep connection to the American West.
This example remains in Excellent to Like New condition overall, retaining approximately 99 percent of its original nickel finish with virtually no visible handling or operational wear. There is no notable cylinder turn line, the screw heads remain sharp, and the markings are crisp throughout. The smooth buffalo horn grips remain in Excellent condition with no noted cracks or chips and complement the polished nickel finish exceptionally well. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no visible erosion, rating 10 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion. The revolver includes its factory box and sleeve, owner’s paperwork, and Colt wooden display case, adding significantly to the presentation and collector appeal of the package, though the glass panel of the display case is broken. Overall, this is a highly attractive limited-production Colt Single Action Army commemorative with strong visual appeal, desirable accessories, and the enduring presence that has made the SAA one of the most collectible revolvers in firearms history. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! – L.S.