Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army
Serial Number: 145DT
Year of Manufacture: 1999
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Barrel Length: 4 3/4"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black hard rubber with rampant colt in oval at their tops and American eagles at their bottoms. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling 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 Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue and Case Hardened, Fire-Blue Screws
Finish Originality: This revolver shipped in the white to Doug Turnbull who finished the gun. 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 revolver retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The actions function 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: In 1974, Colt quietly discontinued production of the single Action Army for the second time. 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 including a pressed-in cylinder pin bushing, re-shaped cylinder ratchet and hand, and a change in the barrel thread pitch. 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.
This is a fantastic find for aficionados of the Single Action Army. Ordered in the white by Doug Turnbull, the revolver was finished with traditional blue and bone charcoal case hardening on the frame and hammer, appearing to not have seen any use outside the factory. The revolver also has traditional 1st Generation serial placement. This DT-suffix Turnbull finished Single Action Army will make a wonderful addition to any collection and is sure to turn some heads at the range. Please see our photos and good luck!
