Make: Colt

Model: Second Generation Buntline Special

Serial Number: 28121SA

Year of Manufacture: 1959

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 notch integral to the top strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black hard rubber with rampant colt in oval at the top and American Eagle at the bottom. The inside of each panel has "121" hand-scribed. The grips have only a few minor marks. The checkering is well defined, there is good detail in the colts and eagles. There are no chips or cracks. The grip screw has been altered or replaced, with a wider, deeper slot than standard. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original, numbers match.

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There are a few spots of faint erosion and a little stubborn fouling at the muzzle-end. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates about 9 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 90% of its metal finish. There are a few minor nicks and tiny scratches. The frame has some muting and faint surface oxidation. There is some minor oxidation on the grip frame, mostly under the grips. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good 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: None.

Our Assessment: Everyone should have a Colt Single Action Army, and this would be a nice one to add to any collection. Manufactured in 1959, 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 Very Good condition, with some minor surface oxidation and a few scattered light marks. The bore is strong and the mechanics are great. 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″. They were originally 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, so it would be worthwhile for the winning bidder to contact Colt Archives for a letter to confirm this one's authenticity.

This is going to be popular with collectors, a 2nd Generation Buntline Special doesn’t come around every day. Please see our photos and good luck!