Make: Colt Custom Shop
Model: Single Action Army, 3rd Generation, P2940Z, BP Frame
Serial Number: S03073A
Year of Manufacture: 1993 / Modern
Caliber: .44-40
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder and "bullseye" ejector rod head.
Barrel Length: 4 3/4". "FRONTIER SIX-SHOOTER" Etched Panel
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 two-piece checkered black hard rubber with rampant colt in oval at their tops and American Eagle at the bottom. The grips have no notable wear or damage. The checkering is sharp and there is good detail in the colts and eagles. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is light fouling on the lands. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 9.75/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish is strong throughout. The blue is deep and the case color is vibrant. There is faint operational or handling wear. There is a faint intermittent turn line on the cylinder. There is carbon buildup at the front of each chamber. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions properly. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes in a two-piece blue cardboard Colt box with a white cardboard sleeve with serial-matching label.
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”. 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. 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, but other chamberings would soon follow, including .44 Special.
Everyone should have a Colt Single Action Army, and this would be a beauty to add to any collection. Manufactured in 1993, this Colt Custom Shop revolver is in Excellent condition, appearing to have spent more time in the included box than out. With a 4 3/4" etched panel barrel, Blue & Case Color finish on a Black Powder frame with a case colored hammer, and chambered for .44-40, this is a classic Single Action Army chambered for a classic cartridge, as well as being a scarce configuration. The pistol’s high condition will make it suitable for addition to a collection, but it should also make for a fun shooter.
