Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army

Serial Number: 63791

Year of Manufacture: 1881

Caliber: .45 Colt

Action Type: Single Action Side-Loading Gate Revolver

Barrel Length: 7 1/2"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a tapered blade fixed to the front of the barrel; it appears to have been re-profiled. The rear sight is a "V" notch integral to the topstrap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black hard rubber with rampant colt in oval at their tops. The grips have light-moderate handling wear with some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is a more notable ding at the bottom edge of the left panel. The checkering has some wear, but is generally well defined. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips are in Good-plus condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Nickel

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is erosion and pitting scattered through the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 5 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 15% of its metal finish. Remaining finish is scattered, mostly in protected areas or around raised features. Most surfaces have worn to white. There is infrequent minor surface oxidation. There are scattered nicks and scratches, most notable along the bottom of the barrel. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in 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 standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a Colt Archives letter indicating it shipped to B. Kittredge & Company in Cincinnati, Ohio on January 26, 1881 as one of 50 guns of the same type in the shipment.

Our Assessment: Colt's Single Action Army is, perhaps more than any other, an iconic American pistol. It was the U.S. issue sidearm for the last two decades of the 19th century, used by pioneers, outlaws and lawmen across the expanding nation, and captivated audiences on the silver screen and television (and still does, today).

This example was made in 1881 and shipped to the Benjamin Kittredge Company, a major Colt distributor. Kittredge was actually responsible for giving the SAA the moniker "Peacemaker". The gun shows honest wear consistent with its age, retaining about 15% of its original and desirable nickel finish. This is a neat Single Action Army that will add to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!