Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army

Serial Number: 201634

Year of Manufacture: 1900

Caliber: .45 Colt

Action Type: Single Action Side Loading-Gate Revolver

Barrel Length: 7 1/2"

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 checkered hard rubber with rampant colt in oval at their tops. The inside of each panel has "8384" hand-scribed. The interior of each panel is cracked around the screw escutcheons, the right panel has had an over-size escutcheon installed. The exterior shows even moderate-heavy handling wear with much of the checkering worn smooth. Originally black, the grips are going to a brown color. There are some light nicks and scratches. Overall, the grips are in Fair-Good condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color

Finish Originality: Original to the parts. Serial numbered parts match, the fit of the loading gate may indicate replacement.

Bore Condition: The bore is gray. The rifling ranges from well defined to worn, but visible. There is erosion and pitting scattered through the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates about 5/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 5% of its metal finish. Exposed surfaces have mostly worn to white or gone to a light patina. There is strong finish on the barrel under the ejector housing and a little on the grip frame under the grips. There is infrequent muted case color on the frame. There is some scattered light surface erosion. There are some scattered nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear including a turn-line on the cylinder. The head of the cylinder pin is tool marked. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly, however we were not able to remove the bushing from the cylinder. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a Colt Archives letter which indicates it shipped November 16, 1900 to Simmons Hardware Company in St. Louis, Missouri as one of 3 guns of the same type in the shipment.

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 1900. The revolver is chambered for the original .45 Colt cartridge, which would make it a nice companion for a lever action carbine chambered for the same round. The revolver shows wear consistent with a 125 year old gun which actually saw carry and use, retaining matching serialized parts, a fair bore and strong mechanics. The grips have been replaced and possibly the loading gate as well, not surprising for a working gun. Overall, it's in better shape than any of us will be at its age! Any 1st Generation SAA would make a great addition to a Colt collection, and this turn-of-the-century example should be no exception. The included letter is nice as it shows that this revolver originally shipped to Simmons Hardware in St. Louis. Please see our photos and good luck!