Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army, 1st Generation

Serial Number: 325509

Year of Manufacture: 1913

Caliber: .45 Colt

Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder

Barrel Length: 5 1/2"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a "V"-notch at the rear of a groove in the top strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black hard rubber with rampant colt in oval at the top of each panel. The grips have faint handling wear. The checkering is well defined and there is good detail in the rampant colts. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine- Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 97% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish is strong and complete throughout with faint thinning on some of the edges and the ejector piece. The outside of the cylinder has light scattered turn-wear. The case color is vibrant throughout with minimal muting toward the lower portions of the frame. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. Lockup produces barely perceptible play on all six chambers. The trigger is crisp. The cylinder has a removable bushing. 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: This revolver comes with a Factory Box and a Colt Factory Letter confirming a shipment date of March 10, 1913 to Simmons Hardware St. Louis, Missouri with a 5 1/2 inch barrel, blue finish, and chambered in .45 Colt.

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). Produced for nearly a century and a half, they are still being made, today! This example is a 1st Generation Single Action Army made in 1913. It is in Excellent condition, retaining much of its original finish, a great bore, and excellent mechanics. The condition is really exceptional given that the gun is more than 100 years old. The revolver originally shipped to Simmons Hardware in St. Louis, Missouri in 1913. Any 1st Generation SAA would make a great addition to a Colt collection, and this early 20th Century example should be no exception.