Rare Colt Single Action Army 3rd Generation Buntline Special RevolverOur Assessment: The Colt Buntline Special is a long-barreled variant of the Colt Single Action Army revolver, which Stuart N. Lake described in his best-selling but largely fictionalized 1931 biography "Wyatt Earp: Frontier Marshal". According to Lake, the dime novelist Ned Buntline commissioned the production of six Buntline Specials equipped with 12" barrels and presented them to five lawmen as well as to Buffalo Bill Cody in thanks for their help in contributing local color to his western yarns. Two of the recipients were supposed to be Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson, but there is no record of them ever owning such handguns. That didn't stop Hollywood from equipping Hugh O'Brian with a Buntline Special when he played Wyatt Earp in the TV series "The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp". The Buntline Special was never made by Colt as a standard model, but they did make short runs of 2nd and 3rd Generation "Buntline Specials" as well as a "New Frontier Buntline Special" with adjustable sights. This example is in Great shape, showing light use. This a classic Single Action Army chambered for a classic cartridge in a very desirable configuration, she'll go nicely in any Colt collection. Please see our photos, good luck and happy bidding!
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army 3rd Gen Buntline Special
Serial Number: SA47024
Year of Manufacture: 1980s-1990s
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Single Action 6 Shot Revolver with Side Loading Gate
Barrel Length: 12"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a quarter round blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square groove in the top strap.
Grip Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black hard rubber with rampant colt in oval at their tops and American eagles at their bottoms. The grips show light handling and storage marks. These grips rate in about Fine Plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is some minor fouling in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates a 9.5 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97-98% of its metal finish. The metal shows a few light nicks and scratch marks. There is a faint turn line through the finish on the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions Correctly. The cylinder locks with barely noticeable play on each chamber. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
CA LEGALITY: C&R: NO, CA DEALER Transferable: YES, CA PPT: YES.
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