Consecutive Pair Custom Colt Single Action Army SAA P3840Z .38-40 Revolvers
SOLD FOR: $3,826.00
LSB#: WY240904MM001, WY240904MM002
Model: Single Action Army, 3rd Generation
Serial Number: S35183A, S35184A
Year of Manufacture: 2004
Caliber: .38-40 WCF (Winchester Center Fire)
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Markings: The left side of each barrel is marked “COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY 38-40”. The top of each barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F. A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”. The left side of each frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19, 1871 / JULY 2,72 JAN.19,75” and with the “Rampant Colt” logo. The underside of each frame at the grip frame, the front and back strap of each are marked with their respective serial numbers. The front of each cylinder is marked with the last three digits of their respective serial numbers, the rear is marked “38-40”. The rear of each loading gate is marked with the last three digits of their respective serial numbers.
Barrel Length: 4 3/4”
Sights / Optics: The front sights are quarter round blades fixed to the barrels. The rear sights are square grooves in the top straps.
Stock Configuration and Condition: Each revolver has been equipped with a beautiful one-piece birdseye burl wood grip. Some grain irregularities are filled, but the grips show minor handling wear. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-plus condition.
Each revolver also comes with its original two-piece checkered black hard rubber grips with American Eagle at the bottom and rampant colt at the top. The original grips have only light handling marks. The checkering, eagles and colts are well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the original grips are in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Silver Plate
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: Both bores are mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bores, just a little stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate about 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition:
S35183A: This revolver retains about 95% of its current metal finish. The silver plate is generally strong throughout. There is a little bit of flaking on the recoil shield and front face of the cylinder. There are some scattered light nicks and small scratches. There is infrequent discoloration with some scattered pink residue. The action shows light operational wear with a thin turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Fine condition as customized.
S35184A: This revolver retains about 93% of its current metal finish. The silver plate is generally strong throughout. There is a little bit of flaking on the recoil shield, the inside of the frame around the ejector rod, and front face of the cylinder. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and small scratches. There is infrequent discoloration with some scattered pink residue. The action shows light operational wear with a thin turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good-Fine condition as customized.
Mechanics: The actions function properly. The revolvers have had action jobs performed, the mainsprings are notably thinner than standard and the actions are buttery smooth. The cylinders lock up with barely perceptible play on each chamber. The cylinder bushings are removable. We did not fire these handguns. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Each revolver comes in a blue cardboard two-piece Colt box with a white cardboard sleeve, serial-matching label, cable lock, and the original grips as described above.
Our Assessment: In 1974, Colt quietly discontinued production of the single Action Army; this would be the second time they discontinued production of this glorious revolver. Luckily, the loyal fans of the SAA would not need to wait long as colt would bring back the SAA in 1976 as the “3rd Generation”. Changes were made but the basic SAA was the same, i.e. three standard barrel lengths of 4 ¾”, 5 ½” and 7 ½”, finishes of full nickel or blue, with color case hardened frame, and grips of hard rubber.
Some changes were incorporated in an effort by Colt to keep prices down. One new change was a pressed-in cylinder pin bushing instead of the removable ones used in 1st and 2nd Generation cylinders. Also, the ratchet at the rear of the cylinders was re-shaped, which also necessitated a different shape on the rotating hand. And for some unknown reason, the pitch of the barrel’s threads was changed from the 20 threads per inch (TPI) as used on 1st and 2nd Generation SAAs to 24 TPI for these new ones. Toward the end of 2nd Generation production Colt had begun using some investment cast parts, but the frames continued to be forged. The introductory caliber for 3rd Generation SAAs was .45 Colt, but other chamberings would soon follow, including .38-40 WCF.
This is a beautiful consecutive pair that would make a wonderful addition to any collection. Manufactured in 2004, these revolvers have 4 3/4″ barrels and are chambered for .38-40, one of the original SAA (and Winchester) cartridges. The comparative scarcity of 38-40 chambering in the 3rd generation guns would make either suitable for addition to a collection on their own, but this pair has also seen some customization. They now sport beautiful silver plate finish, gorgeous burl wood grips, and have had a quality action job performed resulting in buttery smooth operation. With a studded drop-loop B-Western rig, this pair would make an interesting “BBQ Gun” option or could even used in Cowboy Action Shooting competitions. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
