Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, 2nd Generation
Serial Number: 23538SA
Year of Manufacture: 1959
Caliber: .44 Special
Action Type: Single Action Side Loading-Gate Revolver
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 square notch integral to the topstrap.
Grip Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black hard rubber with rampant colts in ovals at their tops. The inside of each panel has "538" hand-scribed. The grips have only a few scattered small marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in Fine to Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There are a few spots of minor erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 94% of its metal finish. Most of the balance is scattered light turn-wear on the cylinder. The finish is thinning at some edges. There is a void in the finish on the right frame flat, appearing to be minor oxidation which has been cleaned. There is a spot of minor erosion on the right edge of the trigger guard. There are a few other scattered minor marks. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with minor play and has a removable bushing. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes in the original Vintage 1950s Colt black cardboard box with the gold end label confirming the model, caliber, and barrel length, the serial number hand-written on the bottom, and the original bore-brush, manual, and assortment of factory paperwork included.
Our Assessment: The expiration of Smith & Wesson's patent on the bored-through cylinder in 1869 led Colt to design the revolutionary M-1873 Single Action Army, which soon earned the moniker the "Peacemaker", "Equalizer", and "gun that won the West". Carried by soldiers, cowboys, lawmen and outlaws alike, the Colt SAA quickly became synonymous with the untamed wilds of the American West. Manufactured from 1873-1941, the Single Action Army was discontinued by Colt as it tooled up to provide for the war effort in WW2. Colt also believed that the design was obsolete, as swing-out cylinder revolvers had been around for half a century, and autoloaders were gaining in popularity. The SAA most likely would have never been made again if not for the “cowboy craze” of the 1950s. Demand for Colt SAAs skyrocketed, and led Colt to reintroduce this American classic in 1956, birthing the 2nd Generation Colt Single Action Army.
This Colt 2nd Gen SAA was made in 1959 and is in Fine condition, with a 5 ½” barrel, strong bore, and great mechanics. Most notably, it retains about 94% of its original finish, with lustrous bluing throughout, and beautiful color case hardening on the frame. The gun is chambered for the .44 Special cartridge, a more mild round than the .44 Magnum, suitable for target shooting and some small game, and also desirable among collectors. This configuration is scarce in 2nd Generation SAA production; according to George Garton's book on the post-war Single Action Army revolvers, only 1,131 were produced with a 5 1/2" barrel and blued finish, such as this one. The revolver comes with the original Vintage 1950s Colt black cardboard box, and would make a wonderful addition to a Colt collection.
Pistol