Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army
Serial Number: 4970SA
Year of Manufacture: 1956
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: Single Action Side Loading Gate 6-Shot Revolver
Barrel Length: 7 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. The interior of each panel has "4970" hand-scribed. The grips are showing slight discoloration to a brownish color, more notable on the right panel. Otherwise, they show minor handling wear with only a few light marks. The checkering is well defined with good detail in the colts. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color
Finish Originality: Original, numbers match.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, just a little stubborn fouling. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There are a few scattered minor marks. There is a little faint oxidation on the side faces of the hammer. 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 is an example from 1956, the very first year of 2nd generation production. It has a 7 1/2" barrel and is chambered for the .38 Special cartridge. The revolver is in Fine condition, retaining 96% original metal finish. While appearing to have seen little, if any actual use, the grips have just started to go to a brownish color, common to the material with aging. In its high condition, this will make a fine addition to any collection and should still prove to be a good shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!
