Custom Pair Colt 2nd Gen Single Action Army SAA .357 Magnum Revolvers, C&R
SOLD FOR: $3325
LSB#: 221104GW006, 221104GW007
Make: Colt
Model: Pair Single Action Army, 3rd Generation
Serial Number: 49269SA, 37746SA
Year of Manufacture: 1969, 1963 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Action Type: Single Action Revolvers with Side Loading Gate Cylinders
Markings: The left side of each barrel is marked “COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .357 MAGNUM”. 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. Each revolver’s frame, frontstrap and backstrap are marked with their serial number. The left front of each trigger guard is marked with a “VP” in a triangle and the rear with “V”. The fronts of the cylinders are marked “962” and “M746”, respectively, the rear face of each cylinder has a rampant Colt logo.
Barrel Length: 4 3/4”
Sights / Optics: The front sights are blades fixed to the barrels. The rear sights are square grooves in the top straps.
Stock Configuration and Condition:
49269SA: The grips are two-piece synthetic panels with American Flag motif texturing and “DR GEORGE” etched on each panel. The grips show light handling wear with some scuffing on the bottom and a few scattered light nicks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-plus condition as not original to the gun.
37746SA: The grips are two-piece synthetic panels with American Flag motif texturing and “DR GEORGE” etched on each panel. The grips show light handling wear with some scuffing on the bottom, a few scattered light nicks, and one more notable nick at the top border of the stars on the left panel. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Remaining finish is Original. 49269SA’s hammer has been polished on and it appears that the spur has been repaired and re-checkered.
Bore Condition:
49269SA: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates a 10 out of 10.
37746SA: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there are two shallow bulges, approximately equidistant from each other, the muzzle and the forcing cone. These are not visible on the exterior of the barrel. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates a 5 out of 10 due to the bulges.
Overall Condition:
49269SA: This handgun retains about 65% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is fairly evenly scattered finish wear, consistent with holster use and handling. The frame’s case color has muted in some areas but is strong in protected areas. There is infrequent minor oxidation, mostly on the frame and loading gate. There is more notable scraping on the butt of the grip frame. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The tip of the hammer spur appears to have been repaired and checkering re-cut. The action shows moderate operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Very Good condition.
37746SA: This handgun retains about 70% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is scattered finish wear, similar to but a little lighter than 49269SA’s. The frame retains more and stronger case color. There are infrequent spots of minor surface oxidation. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows light-moderate operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver appears in Very Good condition but rates Good due to the bulges in the bore.
Mechanics: The actions function properly. The cylinders lock up with light play on each chamber. The mainsprings appear to have been lightened or replaced, resulting in a light, smooth hammer pull. The cylinders have removable bushings. 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: None.
Our Assessment: The Colt Single Action Army is perhaps the quintessential old west handgun, produced for more than a century, serving the U.S. Army as its sidearm from 1873 into the first world war and captivating audiences on the silver screen. The SAA was discontinued by Colt as it tooled up to provide for the WWII war effort, and it was thought by Colt that the design was obsolete, swing-out cylinder revolvers had been around for half a century and autoloaders were gaining in popularity. Then, with the advent of television and western programs such as Hopalong Cassidy, The Lone Ranger, The Cisco Kid, and The Gene Autry Show, American interest in the guns that won the west was reborn. In 1956, Colt reintroduced the Single Action Army, this new production run now referred to as the 2nd Generation SAA’s.
This is a pair of 2nd Generation SAA revolvers made in 1963 and 1969, chambered for .357 Magnum with 4 3/4? barrels and matching custom grips. The actions have had some work, with a very smooth hammer pull, light triggers and the guns show all the signs of use in Cowboy Action Shooting. One of the bores has a couple of shallow bulges, but the guns are in otherwise great mechanical shape. We’d recommend having a gunsmith check out the bulged barrel, but if that’s repaired this should still make for a great pair of Colts for use in competition. You could also replace the grips and add them to your collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California -Bud
