Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army
Serial Number: 50252SA
Year of Manufacture: 1969
Caliber: .357 Magnum
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 smooth walnut with silver-colored Colt medallions. The interior of each panel has "6634" and "N" hand-written in red ink. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The medallions have some minor discoloration and verdigris. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-Excellent condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Nickel
Finish Originality: Original, numbers match.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent minor erosion and scattered stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 7+/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are some scattered minor nicks, scuffs and light swirls. The action shows light operational wear including turn-wear 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 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: This revolver comes in a Colt Stagecoach box, one end of the lid is missing. Included is a Colt Archives letter indicating that this revolver shipped in its current configuration October 15, 1969 to Swanson Custom Firearms Ltd. in Denver, CO as one of two guns of the same type in the shipment.
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 example was produced in 1969 with nickel finish, a 7 1/2? barrel and is chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge. It comes in a period-correct Colt "Stagecoach" box and is in Fine condition, appearing to have seen light and responsible use over the last 57 years. This would make a fantastic addition to any collection and should still prove to be a fun shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!
