Colt 3rd Gen Single Action Army SAA .45 Colt Revolver 4.75” MFD 1999
SOLD FOR: $2,725
WOA#: WY240127MF009
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, 3rd Generation
Serial Number: S27226A
Year of Manufacture: 1999
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Markings: The bottom of the frame in front of the trigger guard metal is marked “S27226A”. The inside of the loading gate is marked “266”. The left side of the frame has patent numbers and a Colt Rampant. The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .45”. The left side of the trigger guard is marked “N” and “VP” within a triangular outline.
Barrel Length: 4.75”
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.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered hard rubber panels, each with the Rampant Colt at the top and an American eagle at the bottom. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Colored
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mirror bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. The cylinder has very faint turn-wear and a few scattered minor marks. Otherwise, there are only light marks on the muzzle. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. The case color is vibrant. Overall, this handgun rates in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions properly. There cylinder has SOLID lockup on each cylinder. The timing is excellent. The trigger is crisp. 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 with its factory box.
Our Assessment: In 1974, Colt quietly discontinued production of the single Action Army; this would be the second time they discontinued production of this glorious revolver. Luckily, the loyal fans of the SAA would not need to wait long as colt would bring back the SAA in 1976 as the “3rd Generation”. Changes were made but the basic SAA was the same, i.e. three standard barrel lengths of 4 ¾”, 5 ½” and 7 ½”, finishes of full nickel or blue, with color case hardened frame, and grips of hard rubber.
Some changes were incorporated in an effort by Colt to keep prices down. One new change was a pressed-in cylinder pin bushing instead of the removable ones used in 1st and 2nd Generation cylinders. Also, the ratchet at the rear of the cylinders was re-shaped, which also necessitated a different shape on the rotating hand. And for some unknown reason, the pitch of the barrel’s threads was changed from the 20 threads per inch (TPI) as used on 1st and 2nd Generation SAAs to 24 TPI for these new ones. Toward the end of 2nd Generation production Colt had begun using some investment cast parts, but the frames continued to be forged. The introductory caliber for 3rd Generation SAAs was .45 Colt, but other chamberings would soon follow.
Everyone should have a Colt Single Action Army, and this would be a beauty to add to any collection. Manufactured in 1999, this revolver is in Excellent condition, appearing to have seen little, if any use. With a 4.75” barrel and chambered for .45 Colt, this is a classic Single Action Army chambered for one of the original SAA cartridges. The pistol’s high condition and originality make it suitable for addition to a collection, but is also something that would make an interesting “BBQ Gun” or could even be used in Cowboy Action Shooting competitions. Please see our photos and good luck! – L.S
