Make: Colt
Model: Second Generation Buntline Special
Serial Number: 22442SA, barrel number BB 2664.
Year of Manufacture: 1958
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Single Action Revolver
Barrel Length: 12"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a quarter round blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square groove in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth walnut panels. The grips have a few light nicks and handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color
Finish Originality: Original, numbers match.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 97% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning lightly at some edges. The cylinder has some scattered minor turn-wear. The trigger guard has minor tool marks on each side at the rear mounting screws. There are a few other minor marks. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Fine-Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: This revolver comes in a black hinge-lid cardboard Colt box with model-matching label, the serial number hand-written on the bottom, bore brush, and factory paperwork including manual, "Handling the Handgun" pamphlet and warranty card. The box shows scattered wear, tears, and tape repairs.
Our Assessment: Everyone should have a Colt Single Action Army, and this would be a nice one to add to any collection. Manufactured in 1958, this revolver is a Buntline Special chambered in the classic .45 Colt cartridge, the original chambering for the SAA and with a 12" barrel. It is in Fine-Excellent condition, retaining 97% original finish, a great bore and strong mechanics. Serial numbers are matching and the Buntline Barrel number on the bottom of the barrel is correct for an early Buntline Special.
The Buntline designation originally referred to any SAA with a barrel longer than the longest standard length of 7 1/2". First Generation Buntlines were only available by special order with the pre-war guns being quite rare. When the Buntline Special was reintroduced as a standard configuration in 1957, starting in the 12400SA range, the barrels were marked with a "Buntline Barrel" number starting with BB 100 to prevent nefarious characters from pulling the barrels and installing them on 1st generation guns to pass them off as pre-war buntlines. Colt would eventually sell BB marked barrels separately, but this revolver including its original box should be sufficient to confirm its authenticity. This is going to be popular with collectors, a 2nd Generation Buntline Special in this high condition doesn’t come around every day, especially one with its original box. Please see our photos and good luck!
