Custom Engraved 3rd Gen Colt Single Action Army SAA .45 Revolver, MFD 1981

SOLD FOR: $4,513.00

WOA#: WY240415EH041

Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army, 3rd Generation

Serial Number: SA50330

Year of Manufacture: 1981

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 side 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 bottom of the frame and the left side of each portion of the grip frame are marked “SA50330”. The left of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle and “K”. The front of the cylinder is marked “0330”. There is foliate scroll relief engraving on the frame, grip frame, barrel, ejector housing and cylinder. The screw heads have also been engraved. There are gold bands on the barrel at the front and rear, gold-line motif at the top of the backstrap, and the trigger guard has an ovalled “DM” initial in gold.

Barrel Length: 7 1/2”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a 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 checkered bone panels with rampant colt in oval at the top of each panel. The grips are a “one-piece” set, actually two-pieces adhered to a center wood piece. The right panel has come free of the center piece. Otherwise, the grips have only light handling marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The panels are in Excellent condition, though the right panel needs to be re-adhered to the center piece.

Type of Finish: Blued, Gold Trim

Finish Originality: Refinished at time of engraving.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 10 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 98% of its current metal finish. The action shows very minor operational wear. Some areas have a plum hue, most notable on the trigger guard. The markings are clear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. Overall, this revolver is in Excellent condition as custom engraved.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. Lockup produces minor play on all six chambers. The trigger is crisp. The cylinder has a fixed bushing. 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: Colt’s Single Action Army is, perhaps more than any other, an iconic American pistol. It was the U.S. issue sidearm for the last two decades of the 19th century, used by pioneers, outlaws and lawmen across the expanding nation, and captivated audiences on the silver screen and television (and still does, today). Produced for nearly a century and a half, they are still being made, today! 

Everyone should have a Colt Single Action Army, and this would be a great one to add to any collection. Manufactured in 1981, this revolver is chambered for .45 Colt with a 7 1/2″ barrel. It has been engraved with a full blue finish and equipped with an attractive set of stocks, though they need a repair. The engraving is beautiful relief foliate-scroll with matte background and gold-band motif, we really wish the engraver had signed their work! In any case, it is a beautiful revolver. This is THE classic sixgun chambered for THE classic Colt cartridge. This pony would be a welcome addition to any stable. Please see our photos and good luck!

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud