Colt Single Action Army
History:
The First Generation Colt Single Action Army revolvers were produced between their introduction in 1873 and WWII. Production resumed in 1956, and these guns are known as 'Second' generation Single Action Army revolvers, which are quickly identified by a 'SA' suffix at the end of their s/n, and continued through 1975. In 1976 a 'Third' generation of Colt Single Action Armys was introduced. On these, the 'SA' marking is moved to the front of the serial number.
These guns carried a varied number of names, from 1873 for the year it was introduced. The Peacemaker was another name used by the old west community. Single Action Army was what the military used when the guns were issued to the cavalry. The factory even today uses model designations of the alphabet & this model was the 'P'.
Calibers & Configurations:
The .45 Colt chambering was by far the most popular, accounting for nearly half of the pre-WWII SAA's. The 'Winchester Centerfire' calibers – .44 WCF (44-40), .38 WCF (38-40), and .32 WCF (32-20) placed 2nd, 3rd & 4th in popularity; doubtless in part due to the fact that paired with an 1873 or 1892 Winchester they allowed the usage of the same cartridge in both rifle and revolver, simplifying supply logistics. The obsolete .41 Colt was the only other caliber produced in significant quantity, although a number of other chamberings were available on special order. Other calibers as 38 Special & 44 Special were among those included. Standard barrel lengths were 7-1/2″, 5-1/2″, and 4-3/4″, with others available on special order.
Special guns made without ejector rods or housings were called 'Sheriff's Models' or 'Storekeepers Models', and often had shorter than standard barrels. The SAA was used by the US military from it's introduction through the Spanish American War & Philippine insurrection. The original 7-1/2″ barrel martial version is called the 'Cavalry Model' by collectors. Many military SAA's were refurbished by Springfield Armory or Colt for reissue with a shorter 5-1/2″ barrel, and these are called 'Artillery Models' today. The Bisley model was introduced in the 1890's, and featured a redesigned grip & hammer.
- Third Generation serial numbers started over again at 80,000SA, leaving a gap of 5,000-plus after discontinuance of the 2nd Generation. My first 3rd Generation SAA had a number about 500 into that 80,000SA range. Happily not all 3rd Generation SAAs were as poorly put together as mine. Some I saw in the late 1970s were finely made handguns.
- Colt Single Action Army.44 Special (C16398) $2,599.95. Colt Single Action Army.44 Special caliber revolver. Scarce 3rd Gen 4 ¾' nickel.44 Special.
- Second Generation Colt Single Action Army revolvers were produced from 1956–1974 and carried serial numbers in the range of 0001SA to 73,205SA. About 400 of the Second Generation Colt Single Actions were factory engraved by Colt's, the factory engravers of the period were Alvin Herbert, Earl Bieu, Dennis Kies, Robert Burt and Leonard Francolini.
Later in the 3rd generation series the New Frontier was introduced with a more squarer top strap of the frame for accommodation of adjustable rear sights plus a ramped base & front sight.
Colt SAA 3rd generation 45 Colt with 4 3/4' barrel, 6 shot fluted cylinder with Colt Royal blue finish and case hardened cylinder frame. Colt hard rubber grips make this a complete Colt Custom fi.Click for more info.
Colt model 1873, also known as the Single Action Army, or the 'P' model at the factory. This gun happens to be a 1st Generation
Barrels:
The threads on the 1st & 2nd generation guns used a 20 thread per inch threads. On the later 3rd generation the barrel threads were changed to a finer pitch.
Cylinders:
Also the cylinder ratchets were made differently, thus requiring other component parts that mate to & function with the cylinder to be also altered. The new cylinder eliminated the integral base pin bushing. When we refer to Old Style or New Style, we are actually meaning the Old Style as being either the 1st or 2nd generation, while the New Style as the 3rd generation.
Bolts / Cylinder Stops:
The technical factory name for these parts is a 'Bolt' or probably a locking bolt. Many non gunsmithing persons call them a cylinder stop. This part was used unchanged until 1976 when the 3rd generation version was brought out. The original part number was #50976. After the change the part number was not changed, but the configuration of the part did. It was simply designated the 'Old Style' or the 'New Style'
Listed below are the various styles encountered. Those of you who are trying to find a replacement part for the aftermarket 'Clones' may well have to take the firearm in question apart & compare the broken part with these CAD drawings of the Colt SAA. The Old Style & New Style are exact replacements for the Colt firearm.
| Old Style #50976 OS | New Style #50976 NS |
These bolts are made in a standard thickness of .152. Wisner's Inc. makes an oversize thickness of .160 to be used on old worn cylinder locking notches.
All of these parts need to be hand fitted to the individual firearm. They are not just a drop in part, even the factory replacement parts were not. The RH tail need not be fitted, other than stoning the back side to allow it to function smoothly. Costume quest for mac. The inner (LH) tail end needs to be fit to the hammer stud so it is timed to slide off the stud's angle as the hammer is cocked, just as the cylinder is rotated with the locking notch in line with the bolt at the full cocking motion of the hammer.
Human: fall flat official soundtrack crack. Once the bolt is in line with the cylinder notch & the bolt's tail slips off the hammer stud, the bolt's inner radiused face will drop into place with the hammer's stud now that the hammer is rearward & locked into the fire sear notch of the hammer.
Before all this can take place, the hammer has to have proper sear notches, & the stud has to be correct for timing. The trigger also needs to be in good shape to mate with the hammer notch for proper timing. Also the cylinder base pin & bushing need to be fitted so not excess slop is there for endshake looseness.
Hands:
The hands were also changed at the 3rd generation as shown below.
| Old Style #51000 | New Style #52770 |
Colt New Frontier Serial Number
Sear & Bolt Spring:
The sear & bolt spring is as flat, dual tailed spring held in place by one screw. It places tension on both the trigger & the bolt. The original thickness of this spring is .045. Aftermarket springs of a medium strength are made in .035 while a light weight version is made in .025. The .035 would be the common one used to lighten up the average shooter firearm.
Mainspring:
The mainspring is a flat arched leaf spring that has a slight groove on the upper forward end for the hammer roller to ride in. The original material was .062 thick & machined to a taper (top to bottom) to make it like a buggy whip for the 1st & 2nd generation guns. The 3rd generation saw the same spring, but no taper, making it a heavier pull on the hammer.
Replacement mainsprings are usually made slightly long so they can be fitted to about any version, even the many copies or clones. If they are not properly fitted, when the hammer is pulled to the rear to full cock, the front tip section may bind in the inner arc of the hammer & create a stiff resistance because it is being stopped by the mainspring front. This situation makes for a hard cocking firearm PLUS it can very well break the tip off the mainspring.
Colt Single Action Army and Cowboy Revolvers
By Chuck Hawks
Illustration courtesy of Colt's Mfg. Co., Inc.
The Colt Single Action Army (SAA) was introduced in 1873. It became the most popular handgun on the American Frontier and the definitive firearm of the Old West.
The Colt SAA adopted by the U.S. Army in 1873 was in caliber .45 Long Colt. U.S. Army revolvers had 7 1/2 inch barrels, and the inspector's initials (and often date) were stamped into the grips. The U.S. Ordinance Department's test board concluded: 'the Colt revolver superior in most respects, and much better adapted to the wants of the Army than the Smith & Wesson.' The U.S. government procured over 37,000 Colt SAA's over the next 19 years.
Colt 1st Generation Serial Numbers
Various Colt SAA models were built from 1873 to 1940. Production was reinstated in 1956, the beginning of the '2nd Generation' of SAA's. 1976 saw the introduction of the '3rd Generation' (New Model) SAA's, which are still being made as I write these words in 2006. The differences between one generation and another are minor.
Over the years Colt has produced SAA variations under the names Peacemaker, Frontier Six-Shooter, Bisley, Bisley Target, Flattop Target, New Frontier, Buntline, and possibly others. Collectors often refer to various models as Buntline, Long-Flute, Rimfire, Sheriff's, Storekeeper's, and U.S. Martials.
.45 Colt was the official U.S. military caliber, and has also been the most popular caliber in civilian versions of the revolver, but many other calibers have been offered over the long lifetime of the SAA.
The calibers recently offered are .45 Colt, .44-40 WCF, and .357 Magnum/.38 Special. In the past many other cartridges have been offered. Altogether, some 30 different SAA calibers appear in Colt records.
Barrel lengths of 4 3/4 inches, 5 1/2 inches and 7 1/2 inches have always been the most popular, but several others have been produced over the years. Current production is supplied with 4 3/4 inch and 5 1/2 inch barrels. 7 1/2 inch barrels are available by special order.
Colt SAA revolvers have been produced with a myriad of metal finishes. Most common is a combination of blued steel with a color cased frame. Gold and silver plated examples were turned out by Colt to special order, and various combinations of nickel, silver, gold, color case, and blue have also been produced.
Standard grips were walnut or black hard rubber. Exotic woods, metals, ivory, mother of pearl, stag, and probably other materials were also used for SAA grips. Grips were smooth, checkered, or carved in various patterns. Colt logos, Colt medallions, and the American eagle are found on most SAA grips, but not by any means on all.
Engraved SAA's are fairly common. Colt offers A, B, C, and D factory engraving patterns. Grade 'C' engraving (75% coverage) is the most popular. Many unique SAA's have been produced, some for historically significant figures such as General George Patton. The latter ordered his famous engraved SAA with nickel finish and ivory grips in 1916 and carried it through WW II.
Of course, most of the famous frontier personalities of song and story used the SAA after it was introduced. These include famous lawmen such as Wyatt Earp as well as outlaws like Frank and Jesse James. Plenty frontier notables and gun fighters are associated with the famous Colt. The SAA also became the favorite handgun of legions of anonymous peace officers, cowboys, farmers, miners, shop clerks, and gamblers.
Modern Colt SAA Revolvers
Colt SAA revolvers of the modern period (since production resumed in 1956) have been produced as Single Action Army and Buntline models. Standard models have a round top frame; barrel lengths are 4 3/4, 5 1/2, and 7 1/2 inches. The Buntline model came with a 12 inch barrel but was otherwise similar to the regular SAA.
The modern SAA remains true to its heritage. It is a traditional Colt single action powered by flat springs. It is properly and safely carried with the hammer down on an empty chamber. Nothing has changed in this regard since 1873, nor should it. Any single action revolver with the hammer down on an empty chamber is absolutely safe. It cannot be fired unless it is first manually cocked.
The SAA uses a hammer mounted firing pin, and a loading gate in the right side of the frame gives access for loading and unloading. The steel ejector rod housing is located on the lower right side of the barrel, aligned with the loading gate.
The fluted cylinder is easily removed for cleaning. It is removed from the right side of the frame.
The typical SAA with a 5 1/2 inch barrel is 11 inches in overall length and weighs 42 ounces. The current Single Action Army is an expensive revolver with a very high quality finish, assembled in the Colt Custom Shop.
The SAA New Frontier
A modern version of the flat top target SAA was introduced in 1961 as the New Frontier. A presentation version was made for President John F. Kennedy, who had coined the term 'new frontier' during his 1960 election campaign.
Colt Saa 3rd Gen Serial Numbers
The New Frontier has a flat top frame. The top strap of this frame is considerably more substantial than the rounded top strap found on standard SAA models. The sights consist of a white outline, target-type fully adjustable rear and a serrated ramp front with a square top blade. Calibers offered were .357 Magnum, .44 Special, and .45 Colt. Serial numbers end with the letters 'NF.'
Colt Single Action Army
History:
The First Generation Colt Single Action Army revolvers were produced between their introduction in 1873 and WWII. Production resumed in 1956, and these guns are known as 'Second' generation Single Action Army revolvers, which are quickly identified by a 'SA' suffix at the end of their s/n, and continued through 1975. In 1976 a 'Third' generation of Colt Single Action Armys was introduced. On these, the 'SA' marking is moved to the front of the serial number.
These guns carried a varied number of names, from 1873 for the year it was introduced. The Peacemaker was another name used by the old west community. Single Action Army was what the military used when the guns were issued to the cavalry. The factory even today uses model designations of the alphabet & this model was the 'P'.
Calibers & Configurations:
The .45 Colt chambering was by far the most popular, accounting for nearly half of the pre-WWII SAA's. The 'Winchester Centerfire' calibers – .44 WCF (44-40), .38 WCF (38-40), and .32 WCF (32-20) placed 2nd, 3rd & 4th in popularity; doubtless in part due to the fact that paired with an 1873 or 1892 Winchester they allowed the usage of the same cartridge in both rifle and revolver, simplifying supply logistics. The obsolete .41 Colt was the only other caliber produced in significant quantity, although a number of other chamberings were available on special order. Other calibers as 38 Special & 44 Special were among those included. Standard barrel lengths were 7-1/2″, 5-1/2″, and 4-3/4″, with others available on special order.
Special guns made without ejector rods or housings were called 'Sheriff's Models' or 'Storekeepers Models', and often had shorter than standard barrels. The SAA was used by the US military from it's introduction through the Spanish American War & Philippine insurrection. The original 7-1/2″ barrel martial version is called the 'Cavalry Model' by collectors. Many military SAA's were refurbished by Springfield Armory or Colt for reissue with a shorter 5-1/2″ barrel, and these are called 'Artillery Models' today. The Bisley model was introduced in the 1890's, and featured a redesigned grip & hammer.
- Third Generation serial numbers started over again at 80,000SA, leaving a gap of 5,000-plus after discontinuance of the 2nd Generation. My first 3rd Generation SAA had a number about 500 into that 80,000SA range. Happily not all 3rd Generation SAAs were as poorly put together as mine. Some I saw in the late 1970s were finely made handguns.
- Colt Single Action Army.44 Special (C16398) $2,599.95. Colt Single Action Army.44 Special caliber revolver. Scarce 3rd Gen 4 ¾' nickel.44 Special.
- Second Generation Colt Single Action Army revolvers were produced from 1956–1974 and carried serial numbers in the range of 0001SA to 73,205SA. About 400 of the Second Generation Colt Single Actions were factory engraved by Colt's, the factory engravers of the period were Alvin Herbert, Earl Bieu, Dennis Kies, Robert Burt and Leonard Francolini.
Later in the 3rd generation series the New Frontier was introduced with a more squarer top strap of the frame for accommodation of adjustable rear sights plus a ramped base & front sight.
Colt SAA 3rd generation 45 Colt with 4 3/4' barrel, 6 shot fluted cylinder with Colt Royal blue finish and case hardened cylinder frame. Colt hard rubber grips make this a complete Colt Custom fi.Click for more info.
Colt model 1873, also known as the Single Action Army, or the 'P' model at the factory. This gun happens to be a 1st Generation
Barrels:
The threads on the 1st & 2nd generation guns used a 20 thread per inch threads. On the later 3rd generation the barrel threads were changed to a finer pitch.
Cylinders:
Also the cylinder ratchets were made differently, thus requiring other component parts that mate to & function with the cylinder to be also altered. The new cylinder eliminated the integral base pin bushing. When we refer to Old Style or New Style, we are actually meaning the Old Style as being either the 1st or 2nd generation, while the New Style as the 3rd generation.
Bolts / Cylinder Stops:
The technical factory name for these parts is a 'Bolt' or probably a locking bolt. Many non gunsmithing persons call them a cylinder stop. This part was used unchanged until 1976 when the 3rd generation version was brought out. The original part number was #50976. After the change the part number was not changed, but the configuration of the part did. It was simply designated the 'Old Style' or the 'New Style'
Listed below are the various styles encountered. Those of you who are trying to find a replacement part for the aftermarket 'Clones' may well have to take the firearm in question apart & compare the broken part with these CAD drawings of the Colt SAA. The Old Style & New Style are exact replacements for the Colt firearm.
| Old Style #50976 OS | New Style #50976 NS |
These bolts are made in a standard thickness of .152. Wisner's Inc. makes an oversize thickness of .160 to be used on old worn cylinder locking notches.
All of these parts need to be hand fitted to the individual firearm. They are not just a drop in part, even the factory replacement parts were not. The RH tail need not be fitted, other than stoning the back side to allow it to function smoothly. Costume quest for mac. The inner (LH) tail end needs to be fit to the hammer stud so it is timed to slide off the stud's angle as the hammer is cocked, just as the cylinder is rotated with the locking notch in line with the bolt at the full cocking motion of the hammer.
Human: fall flat official soundtrack crack. Once the bolt is in line with the cylinder notch & the bolt's tail slips off the hammer stud, the bolt's inner radiused face will drop into place with the hammer's stud now that the hammer is rearward & locked into the fire sear notch of the hammer.
Before all this can take place, the hammer has to have proper sear notches, & the stud has to be correct for timing. The trigger also needs to be in good shape to mate with the hammer notch for proper timing. Also the cylinder base pin & bushing need to be fitted so not excess slop is there for endshake looseness.
Hands:
The hands were also changed at the 3rd generation as shown below.
| Old Style #51000 | New Style #52770 |
Colt New Frontier Serial Number
Sear & Bolt Spring:
The sear & bolt spring is as flat, dual tailed spring held in place by one screw. It places tension on both the trigger & the bolt. The original thickness of this spring is .045. Aftermarket springs of a medium strength are made in .035 while a light weight version is made in .025. The .035 would be the common one used to lighten up the average shooter firearm.
Mainspring:
The mainspring is a flat arched leaf spring that has a slight groove on the upper forward end for the hammer roller to ride in. The original material was .062 thick & machined to a taper (top to bottom) to make it like a buggy whip for the 1st & 2nd generation guns. The 3rd generation saw the same spring, but no taper, making it a heavier pull on the hammer.
Replacement mainsprings are usually made slightly long so they can be fitted to about any version, even the many copies or clones. If they are not properly fitted, when the hammer is pulled to the rear to full cock, the front tip section may bind in the inner arc of the hammer & create a stiff resistance because it is being stopped by the mainspring front. This situation makes for a hard cocking firearm PLUS it can very well break the tip off the mainspring.
Colt Single Action Army and Cowboy Revolvers
By Chuck Hawks
Illustration courtesy of Colt's Mfg. Co., Inc.
The Colt Single Action Army (SAA) was introduced in 1873. It became the most popular handgun on the American Frontier and the definitive firearm of the Old West.
The Colt SAA adopted by the U.S. Army in 1873 was in caliber .45 Long Colt. U.S. Army revolvers had 7 1/2 inch barrels, and the inspector's initials (and often date) were stamped into the grips. The U.S. Ordinance Department's test board concluded: 'the Colt revolver superior in most respects, and much better adapted to the wants of the Army than the Smith & Wesson.' The U.S. government procured over 37,000 Colt SAA's over the next 19 years.
Colt 1st Generation Serial Numbers
Various Colt SAA models were built from 1873 to 1940. Production was reinstated in 1956, the beginning of the '2nd Generation' of SAA's. 1976 saw the introduction of the '3rd Generation' (New Model) SAA's, which are still being made as I write these words in 2006. The differences between one generation and another are minor.
Over the years Colt has produced SAA variations under the names Peacemaker, Frontier Six-Shooter, Bisley, Bisley Target, Flattop Target, New Frontier, Buntline, and possibly others. Collectors often refer to various models as Buntline, Long-Flute, Rimfire, Sheriff's, Storekeeper's, and U.S. Martials.
.45 Colt was the official U.S. military caliber, and has also been the most popular caliber in civilian versions of the revolver, but many other calibers have been offered over the long lifetime of the SAA.
The calibers recently offered are .45 Colt, .44-40 WCF, and .357 Magnum/.38 Special. In the past many other cartridges have been offered. Altogether, some 30 different SAA calibers appear in Colt records.
Barrel lengths of 4 3/4 inches, 5 1/2 inches and 7 1/2 inches have always been the most popular, but several others have been produced over the years. Current production is supplied with 4 3/4 inch and 5 1/2 inch barrels. 7 1/2 inch barrels are available by special order.
Colt SAA revolvers have been produced with a myriad of metal finishes. Most common is a combination of blued steel with a color cased frame. Gold and silver plated examples were turned out by Colt to special order, and various combinations of nickel, silver, gold, color case, and blue have also been produced.
Standard grips were walnut or black hard rubber. Exotic woods, metals, ivory, mother of pearl, stag, and probably other materials were also used for SAA grips. Grips were smooth, checkered, or carved in various patterns. Colt logos, Colt medallions, and the American eagle are found on most SAA grips, but not by any means on all.
Engraved SAA's are fairly common. Colt offers A, B, C, and D factory engraving patterns. Grade 'C' engraving (75% coverage) is the most popular. Many unique SAA's have been produced, some for historically significant figures such as General George Patton. The latter ordered his famous engraved SAA with nickel finish and ivory grips in 1916 and carried it through WW II.
Of course, most of the famous frontier personalities of song and story used the SAA after it was introduced. These include famous lawmen such as Wyatt Earp as well as outlaws like Frank and Jesse James. Plenty frontier notables and gun fighters are associated with the famous Colt. The SAA also became the favorite handgun of legions of anonymous peace officers, cowboys, farmers, miners, shop clerks, and gamblers.
Modern Colt SAA Revolvers
Colt SAA revolvers of the modern period (since production resumed in 1956) have been produced as Single Action Army and Buntline models. Standard models have a round top frame; barrel lengths are 4 3/4, 5 1/2, and 7 1/2 inches. The Buntline model came with a 12 inch barrel but was otherwise similar to the regular SAA.
The modern SAA remains true to its heritage. It is a traditional Colt single action powered by flat springs. It is properly and safely carried with the hammer down on an empty chamber. Nothing has changed in this regard since 1873, nor should it. Any single action revolver with the hammer down on an empty chamber is absolutely safe. It cannot be fired unless it is first manually cocked.
The SAA uses a hammer mounted firing pin, and a loading gate in the right side of the frame gives access for loading and unloading. The steel ejector rod housing is located on the lower right side of the barrel, aligned with the loading gate.
The fluted cylinder is easily removed for cleaning. It is removed from the right side of the frame.
The typical SAA with a 5 1/2 inch barrel is 11 inches in overall length and weighs 42 ounces. The current Single Action Army is an expensive revolver with a very high quality finish, assembled in the Colt Custom Shop.
The SAA New Frontier
A modern version of the flat top target SAA was introduced in 1961 as the New Frontier. A presentation version was made for President John F. Kennedy, who had coined the term 'new frontier' during his 1960 election campaign.
Colt Saa 3rd Gen Serial Numbers
The New Frontier has a flat top frame. The top strap of this frame is considerably more substantial than the rounded top strap found on standard SAA models. The sights consist of a white outline, target-type fully adjustable rear and a serrated ramp front with a square top blade. Calibers offered were .357 Magnum, .44 Special, and .45 Colt. Serial numbers end with the letters 'NF.'
The production of 2nd Generation New Frontier models ran from 1961 until production of all 2nd Generation SAA's ceased in 1975. But the model was reinstated in 1978 (a 3rd Generation SAA) and continued until the New Frontier was finally discontinued in 1983.
In 1984 SAA revolvers became available only from the Colt Custom Shop, and the New Frontier model is not available at all. This is a pity because the SAA New Frontier was Colt's only big bore hunting revolver.
The Colt Cowboy
An offshoot of the standard SAA is the Colt Cowboy single action revolver . . . Externally the Cowboy is a SAA clone dimensionally identical to the original. This all steel revolver comes with a traditional blue metal finish and a color cased frame. The grips are walnut.
Internally, however, it uses a new mechanism that incorporates coil springs and a transfer bar ignition system. Unlike all SAA models it is safe to carry a Colt Cowboy with all six chambers loaded. In this respect the Cowboy is more like a Ruger Vaquero than a traditional Colt single action. The Cowboy loads in the traditional manner with a half-cock hammer position. As the name implies, the Cowboy model was inspired by the sport of cowboy action shooting and intended to give competitors (or anyone else) a chance to own a genuine Colt SA revolver at a price far below that of a new SAA.
The Cowboy is available in .45 Colt caliber only. It comes with a 5 1/2 inch barrel and weighs 42 ounces. You will note that these specifications are identical to the Single Action Army.
Note: A full length review of these revolvers can be found on the Product Reviews page.
