Custom Colt 1st Gen Single Action Army SAA .44 Russian/S&W Special Revolver
SOLD FOR: $4,312.99
WOA#: WY240325BG005
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, 1st Generation
Serial Number: 349729
Year of Manufacture: 1926 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”, the left is marked “RUSSIAN AND / S&W SPECIAL”, “44”. The left of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT 19. 1871. / JULY 2 72 JAN 19. 75.” and with a rampant colt logo. The bottom of the frame and the right of each portion of the grip frame are each marked “349729”. The rear of the loading gate and the right-rear of the frame under the grip are each marked with assembly number “24”. The left of the trigger guard has a verified proof.
Barrel Length: 7 1/2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a quarter-round blade fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch at the rear of a groove in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece deluxe checkered walnut with silver-colored Colt medallions at the top. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Nickel
Finish Originality: Refinished at time of customization.
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 revolver retains about 98% of its current metal finish. The balance is mostly in minor operational wear. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Excellent condition as customized.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. Lockup produces very little play on all six chambers. The cylinder has a removable bushing. The trigger is crisp. 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: This revolver comes with a Colt Archives letter which indicates that this revolver shipped November 24, 1926 to Stauffer, Eshleman & Co. in New Orleans, Louisiana as one of five guns of the same type in the shipment. Originally, the revolver was a .45 caliber with a 5 1/2″ barrel, blue finish and hard rubber stocks.
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. This example is in one of the most desirable configurations. It is a “Dual Caliber”, marked for use with .44 Russian or .44 S&W Special cartridges, with a nickel finish and deluxe checkered walnut stocks. This is quite an upgrade over its factory configuration, a comparatively pedestrian blued .45 with standard hard rubber stocks. The customization of this revolver is exquisitely done with good clear markings and little, apart from the Colt Archives, to distinguish it from the genuine article. This beautiful revolver will make a fine addition to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
