Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army
Serial Number: 19803SA
Year of Manufacture: 1958
Caliber: .44 Special
Action Type: Single Action Side Loading Gate 6-Shot Revolver
Barrel Length: 5 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 smooth bone. The panels have a couple of small losses at corners, otherwise showing light handling wear and minor discoloration. There are grain lines visible on the bottom. The panels are notably thicker than standard grips and fit with some gaps to the frame. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Nickel
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 95% of its metal finish. There are evenly scattered minor scuffs and swirling. There are infrequent areas that have a slightly cloudy appearance. There are a few minor nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear including a turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good-plus 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 1958, early in 2nd generation production, and is a particularly scarce variant. It has a 5 1/2" barrel and is chambered for the .44 Special cartridge, scarce enough already, but also has factory nickel finish. As few as 124 2nd Generation SAA revolvers were produced in this configuration before the chambering was discontinued in 1967. The revolver is in Very Good-plus condition, retaining 95% original metal finish, a strong bore, good mechanics, and a set of aftermarket grips. Its rare configuration will make for a fine addition to any collection and it should still prove to be a good shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!
