Make: E. Remington and Sons

Model: 1875 Single Action Army

Serial Number: 522, actually a batch number.

Year of Manufacture: 1875-1889

Caliber: .44-40 WCF, Black Powder Only

Action Type: Single Action Side Loading-Gate Revolver

Barrel Length: 7 1/2"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is an after-market round blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch integral to the top strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth wood. The inside of the right panel has initials "JH" hand-carved. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are a few more notable dings on the bottom of the right panel. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition as refinished Antique.

Type of Finish: Nickel

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is dark with well defined rifling. There is erosion and pitting scattered through the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 4/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 60% of its metal finish. There is scattered polishing, some in and some through the finish, mostly on the frame. There is scattered surface erosion, most notable in the polished areas. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches including tool marks around the front of the ejector housing. The action shows operational wear including a turn line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to disfigured with usable slots. The markings are legible. Overall, this revolver is in about Very Good condition as Antique.

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.

Our Assessment: The 1875 Single Action Army is basically a cartridge version of the Remington 1858 New Model Army which was very popular during and after the Civil War for its sturdiness and ease of disassembly. Unfortunately for Remington, their production release was two years too late, and Colt had already established their 1873 SAA, with large orders from the Army and civilian populace. Ordinary citizens and Old West lawmen alike recognized the sturdy quality of the new Remington revolvers but they never caught fire like the competing Colt. While a great gun, the lackluster market performance resulted in not many of these revolvers being made making it a nice piece for collectors of Remingtons and Antiques. This example retains the majority of its original nickel finish with eroded areas showing polishing. It will make a nice addition to a Remington or early cartridge revolver collection. Please see our photos and good luck!