Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army
Serial Number: 63296SA
Year of Manufacture: 1972
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Action Type: Single Action Side Loading Gate 6-Shot Revolver
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 colt in oval at the tops and American Eagle at the bottoms. The interior of each panel has "296" hand-scribed. The grips have only a few minor marks. The checkering is well defined with good detail in the colts and eagles. 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 with sharp rifling. There are a few spots of minor erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are some scattered minor nicks, scuffs and small scratches, mostly on the right of the barrel toward the muzzle-end. There is some light turn-wear on the cylinder. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Fine 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: 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 now referred to as the 2nd Generation SAAs.
This example was produced in 1972 with blue and case color finish, a 5 1/2" barrel and is chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge. It is in Fine condition, appearing to have seen minimal if any use over the last 54 years. This would make a fantastic addition to any collection and should still prove to be a fun shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!
