Colt 3rd Gen Single Action Army SAA .45 LC Revolver 5.5” MFD 1996
SOLD FOR: $2,751
WOA#: WY231010CFM006
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, 3rd Generation
Serial Number: S14214A
Year of Manufacture: 1996
Caliber: .45 LC
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 “S14214A”. The inside of the loading gate is marked “214”.
Barrel Length: 5.5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a quarter round blade fixed to the barrel with a serrated face. 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 left panel has very minor tool marks around the grip screw escutcheon. Otherwise, the grips have only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Nickel Plated
Finish Originality: Refurbished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. There is however a good amount of thick grease in the bore especially at the muzzle.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The cylinder has very faint turn-wear and a few scattered minor marks. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. There was a lot of old grease that we mostly cleared up. There is some still in the mechanics and crevices. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions properly. The cylinder almost has full play between chambers upon lockup but the hammer wont fire without the chamber being lined up with the barrel. 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: None.
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 1996, this revolver is in Fine condition, appearing to have seen little, if any use. With a 5.5” 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 though refurbished make it suitable for addition to a collection, but is also something that would make an interesting “BBQ Gun” or could even used in Cowboy Action Shooting competitions. Please see our photos and good luck! – L.S.
