Colt 1st Generation Single Action Army Dual Caliber .44 Special/Russian Revolver
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! The 1st Generation Single Action Army was produced from 1873 to 1941, though sales did fall off toward the end of the 1st Generation. While more than 344,000 of the revolvers were made from 1873 to 1922, in the last 18 years of production there were only about 13,000 made.This one of the later 1st Generation, made in 1930 during the Great Depression. It is an exceptional piece not only for its scarce chambering, but also for its factory checkered backstrap. It is what collectors refer to as a "Dual Caliber", chambered for .44 S&W Special and marked for this cartridge and for the .44 Russian cartridge. With approximately 500 such revolvers produced, it is a scarce chambering, and there may not be another with factory checkering on the backstrap. The revolver shows honest wear for its age and comes with a Colt factory letter confirming its configuration. This will take a prized place in even an advanced Single Action Army collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, 1st Generation
Serial Number: 354248
Year of Manufacture: 1930
Caliber: .44 Russian and .44 S&W Special
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 integral to the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece stag panels. The grips have minor handling wear and some shaping marks around the edges. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-plus condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blued & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There are some spots of very minor erosion in the bore at the muzzle-end. In this writer's opinion, this bore rates 8 or 9 out of 10.Many military and C&R-eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 70% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The grip areas show handling wear. The frame has strong case color in protected areas and around raised features with other areas muted. There is finish wear on the left of the barrel and along the ejector housing. There are some light nicks and scratches. There is some scattered minor oxidation. The action shows operational wear including a turn-line on the cylinder. The head of the cylinder pin is tool marked. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. Lockup produces almost light 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: Included is a Colt letter which confirms the revolver's configuration, shipped December 19, 1930, sold to Kimball Sporting Goods Company in Tacoma Washington and shipped to Adams-Semler Co., address not available in Colt's records. It was the only gun in the shipment.
CA LEGAL: C&R: YES, PPT: NO
HANDGUNS/PISTOLS