Custom Pair Colt 2nd Gen Single Action Army SAA .38 Special Revolvers, C&R
SOLD FOR: $3352.77
LSB#: 221104GW008, 221104GW009
Make: Colt
Model: Pair Single Action Army, 3rd Generation
Serial Number: 12543SA, 21356SA
Year of Manufacture: 1957, 1958 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: Single Action Revolvers with Side Loading Gate Cylinders
Markings: The left side of each barrel is marked “COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY 38 SPECIAL”. 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 “J” and “P”, respectively. The revolvers are marked with assembly numbers “307” and “490” on their loading gates and frames. 12543SA’s cylinder has the assembly number on the front face of its cylinder while 21356SA does not have any marking on the front of its cylinder. The rear face of each cylinder has a rampant Colt logo.
Barrel Length: 5 1/2”
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:
12543SA: The grip is a one-piece yellow synthetic with a flower and “Nurse Bobbi” carved on the left side. The grip shows scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches and some spots of discoloration. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grip is in about Very Good condition as not original to the gun.
21356SA: The grip is a one-piece yellow synthetic with a flower and “Nurse Bobbi” carved on the right side. The grip shows scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches and some spots of discoloration. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grip is in about Very Good condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish:
12543SA: Blue & Case Color
21356SA: Blued
Finish Originality:
12543SA: Original
21356SA: The frame has been refinished, other finish appears Original to the parts. The lack of a partial serial or assembly number on the cylinder may indicate that it has been replaced.
Bore Condition:
12543SA: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bore, mostly at the muzzle-end. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates a 9 out of 10.
21356SA: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There are some scattered spots of minor erosion in the bore, mostly at the muzzle-end. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates an 8 out of 10.
Overall Condition:
12543SA: This handgun retains about 70% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is scattered finish wear, consistent with holster use and handling. The frame’s case color has muted in some areas but is strong in others. There is infrequent minor oxidation, mostly on the frame and butt. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. 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.
21356SA: This handgun retains about 75% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is scattered finish wear, similar to 12543SA’s, though the frame’s wear is mostly concentrated on the topstrap and recoil shield. There are infrequent spots of minor surface oxidation. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows moderate operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good condition as partially refinished.
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 1957 and 1958, chambered for .38 Special with 5 1/2? 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. The guns are in great mechanical shape with strong bores, so 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!
