Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army 2nd Generation
Serial Number: 35451SA
Year of Manufacture: 1961
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: 6-Shot Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Barrel Length: 4 3/4"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a quarter-round blade fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a square groove in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black hard rubber with rampant colt in oval at their tops. The interior of each grip has "451" hand-scribed. The grips have only a few light marks around the edges. The checkering is well defined with good detail in the rampant colts. 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 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 99% of its metal finish. There is no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in 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 requirements
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a black hinge-lid cardboard Colt box with model matching label and the serial number hand-written on the bottom. In the box is a manual, "Handling the Handgun" pamphlet, warranty card and bore brush.
Our Assessment: Production of Single Action Army revolvers was halted at the outset of World War II to free up machines and manpower for filling wartime orders. After the war, Colt decided not to bring the iconic revolver back into production as it was seen as obsolete. The advent of swing-out cylinder revolvers and reliable semi-automatic pistols, they thought, meant that there was no place in the market for the antiquated single action revolver. 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 SAAs.
This is an example from 1961, fairly early in 2nd generation production. It is a 4 3/4" model chambered for the .38 Special cartridge. The revolver shows little to no sign of use over the last 65 years, appearing to have spent more time inside its included original box than out. It will make a wonderful display in a collection as one of the earliest 2nd Generation SAAs, especially with the box and factory papers, but should also still prove to be a great shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!
