1963 Colt 2nd Generation 5 1/2" .44 Special Single Action Army Revolver & Box
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 SAA's.This one such example from 1963. It is in about excellent condition with a great bore, strong mechanics and light wear given its age of 60 years. 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, also desirable among collectors. The chambering is scarce in 2nd Generation 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 a period-correct "Stagecoach" box. This would make a great addition to a Colt collection as an early second generation and should prove to be a fun and classy shooter.
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army
Serial Number: 38456SA
Year of Manufacture: 1963
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. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in about excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are some scattered tiny marks on the cylinder. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: This revolver comes in a two-piece cardboard Colt "Stagecoach" box.
CA LEGALITY: C&R: YES, CA PPT: NO.
HANDGUNS/PISTOLS