Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army, 2nd Generation

Serial Number: 29978SA

Year of Manufacture: 1960

Caliber: .357 Magnum

Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate

Barrel Length: 5 1/2"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a quarter-round blade fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch integral to the topstrap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black hard rubber with rampant colts in ovals at their tops. Each grip has “627” hand-scribed on the interior. The grips have only a few scattered minor marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The grips are alternately slightly proud and slightly shy to the grip frame. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

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 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 87% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There is some light wear at the front of the ejector housing and the barrel on the left. The top and sides of the hammer have been polished. There are some minor nicks and scratches, mostly around the outside of the cylinder. The cylinder has a thin, incomplete turn-line. The frame’s case color is strong with some muting on the loading gate. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good-plus 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: The Colt Single Action Army is perhaps the quintessential old west handgun, produced for more than a century, serving the U.S. Army as its sidearm from 1873 into the first world war and captivating audiences on the silver screen. The SAA was discontinued by Colt as it tooled up to provide for the WWII war effort, and it was thought by Colt that the design was obsolete, swing-out cylinder revolvers had been around for half a century and autoloaders were gaining in popularity. 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 is now referred to as the 2nd Generation SAA’s. This example is from fairly early in the 2nd generation, made in 1960, the same year that the .357 Magnum cartridge was introduced for the SAA. In Very Good-plus condition, the revolver has light wear, but retains a great bore and strong mechanics. This would make a great addition to a Colt collection as one of the earlier second generations, but it will also make for a fun shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!