Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army
Serial Number: SA68781
Year of Manufacture: 1988
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Single Action, Side Loading-Gate Revolver
Barrel Length: 4 3/4"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a 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 fancy checkered walnut with gold-colored Colt medallions, fleur de lis accents and smooth diamonds in the centers. The interior of each grip has "68781" and "$88" hand-written. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color
Finish Originality: Original, numbers match.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are a few scattered minor nicks and little scratches, most notable on the butt and on the trigger guard behind the frame serial-marking. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about 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: None.
Our Assessment: In 1974, Colt quietly discontinued production of the single Action Army, 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". Changes were made but the basic SAA was the same, i.e. three standard barrel lengths of 4 3/4", 5 1/2" and 7 1/2", finishes of full nickel or blue with color case hardened frame, and grips of hard rubber.
Some changes were incorporated in an effort by Colt to keep prices down. One new change was a pressed-in cylinder pin bushing instead of the removable ones used in 1st and 2nd Generation cylinders. Also, the ratchet at the rear of the cylinders was re-shaped, which also necessitated a different shape on the rotating hand. For some unknown reason, the pitch of the barrels' threads was changed from the 20 threads per inch (TPI) as used on 1st and 2nd Generation SAAs to 24 TPI for the third generation. The introductory caliber for 3rd Generation SAAs was .45 Colt, but other chamberings would soon follow.
Everyone should have a Colt Single Action Army, and this would be a beauty to add to any collection. Manufactured in 1988, this revolver is in Excellent condition, appearing to have seen little if any use. With a 4 3/4" barrel, blue and case color finish, and chambered for .45 Colt, this is a classic Single Action Army chambered for the original SAA cartridge. Of particular note to collectors is the grip frame, produced by Colt Custom Shop with an extra-long back strap, more comfortable for those with particularly large hands. It appears to be a less common feature chosen for Custom Shop revolvers as we have only observed a few. The pistol's high condition and scarce extended grip makes it suitable for addition to a collection, but is also something that would make an interesting "BBQ Gun" that will stand out even while still holstered. Please see our photos and good luck!
