Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army

Serial Number: 247640

Year of Manufacture: 1903

Caliber: .38-40 WCF

Action Type: Single Action Side Loading-Gate Revolver

Barrel Length: 4 3/4"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a "V"-notch integral to the topstrap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black hard rubber with rampant colt in oval at their tops. The inside of the left panel has "LL H" hand-carved, the right has "EG 1914" and other scribing which is too faint to make out. The grips show even light handling wear with a few nicks and scratches. The checkering is generally well defined. There is a tiny chip at the bottom-front corner of the left panel. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Refinished, numbered parts match.

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with well defined rifling. There is scattered erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 5+/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 50% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The grip areas are worn to white. There is finish wear along the ejector housing and the left of the barrel. There is finish wear around and behind the cylinder flutes with finish in between and in the flutes. The frame has finish wear along the topstrap, the left recoil shield, and the loading gate. There is some scattered minor surface oxidation. There are light nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear including a turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this handgun. 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. Produced for nearly a century and a half, they are still being made, today! This example is a 1st Generation Single Action Army made in 1903. The revolver is chambered for the classic .38-40 Winchester cartridge, which would make it a nice companion for a lever action carbine chambered for the same round. It is in Good condition as refinished, retaining a fair bore and strong mechanics. Any 1st Generation SAA would make a great addition to a Colt collection, and this early 20th Century example should be no exception. Please see our photos and good luck!