Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army, 3rd Generation

Serial Number: 90082SA

Year of Manufacture: 1978, ATF C&R

Caliber: .45 Colt

Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder

Barrel Length: 7 1/2”

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 and Condition: The grips are Joe Reid custom two-piece panels with gold-colored Colt medallions. The inside of the left panel is hand-scribed with "Joe Reid / MAKER / LBCA '80 / 90082SA", the inside of the right panel has "082" hand-written. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue & 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, but there is a little stubborn grease. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There is a spot of minor oxidation on the top of the ejector housing near the middle and a little faint oxidation on the left face of the hammer. There is very minor turn-wear on the cylinder. The trigger guard assembly has gone to a plum hue. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in Fine-Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes with a Colt Custom Shop presentation case and a Colt Archives letter. The letter confirms that this revolver was produced as a 7 1/2" .45, blue finish, stocks not listed, factory Class D engraved, furnished with unfluted cylinder and shipped September 20, 1978 to Mr. William Winkelman in Merrill, Wisconsin (Bill's House of Guns) as one of four guns of the same type in the shipment.

Our Assessment: In 1974, Colt quietly discontinued production of the single Action Army; this would be the second time they discontinued production of this glorious revolver. Luckily, the loyal fans of the SAA would not need to wait long as colt would bring back the SAA in 1976 as the "3rd Generation". Some changes were incorporated such as a pressed-in cylinder bushing, the ratchet at the rear of the cylinders was re-shaped, which necessitated a different shape on the rotating hand. Additionally, for some unknown reason, the pitch of the barrel’s threads was changed from the 20 threads per inch (TPI) as used on 1st and 2nd Generation SAAs to 24 TPI for these new ones. Toward the end of 2nd Generation production Colt had begun using some investment cast parts, but the frames continued to be forged. The introductory caliber for 3rd Generation SAAs was .45 Colt, just as with the original.

Everyone should have a Colt Single Action Army, and this would be a gorgeous example to add to any collection. Manufactured in 1978, this revolver has full-coverage Class D factory engraving and was custom-ordered with an unfluted cylinder, giving the engraver just a little more canvas to work with. While the Joe Reid grips aren't original, they ought to be, setting off the blue and case color finish nicely. With a 7 1/2″ barrel and chambered for .45 Colt, this is a classic Single Action Army chambered for a classic cartridge, as well as being in high condition. The pistol’s condition and factory custom features will make it more than suitable for addition to a collection. Please see our photos and good luck!