Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this classic single-action revolver today for a penny-start auction, this is the Colt Single Action Army “1st Generation!"
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SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Single Action Army “1st Generation”
Serial: 41261
Date of Manufacture: 1878
Caliber: .45 Colt
Finish: Nickel
Barrel Length: 4 3/4"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Blade Front with V-Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Genuine White Pearl Grips
Action: Single-Action
Markings: Standard / The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.”. The left side of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19, 1871. / “JULY 2.–72. / “ JAN. 19.–75.”. The underside of the frame, trigger guard, and butt are all stamped “41261”. The left side of the trigger guard is marked with a faint “45 CAL”.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
Possibly the most recognizable handgun in the world, the Colt Single Action Army (SAA) is a single-action revolver with a six-shot revolving cylinder. Interestingly, it wasn't originally known by that iconic name. When first introduced in late 1873, Colt referred to it as the “New Model Army Metallic Cartridge Revolving Pistol,” though within the factory it was often called the “strap pistol,” a nickname derived from its top strap—Colt’s first revolver design to incorporate a solid frame with a top strap over the cylinder, offering increased strength and durability. The revolver was developed specifically for the U.S. Army service revolver trials of 1872–73 and was officially adopted in 1873 as the standard military sidearm. It was chambered in the newly developed .45 Colt cartridge, which offered impressive stopping power and reliability.
Model: Single Action Army “1st Generation”
Serial: 41261
Date of Manufacture: 1878
Caliber: .45 Colt
Finish: Nickel
Barrel Length: 4 3/4"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Blade Front with V-Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Genuine White Pearl Grips
Action: Single-Action
Markings: Standard / The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.”. The left side of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19, 1871. / “JULY 2.–72. / “ JAN. 19.–75.”. The underside of the frame, trigger guard, and butt are all stamped “41261”. The left side of the trigger guard is marked with a faint “45 CAL”.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
Possibly the most recognizable handgun in the world, the Colt Single Action Army (SAA) is a single-action revolver with a six-shot revolving cylinder. Interestingly, it wasn't originally known by that iconic name. When first introduced in late 1873, Colt referred to it as the “New Model Army Metallic Cartridge Revolving Pistol,” though within the factory it was often called the “strap pistol,” a nickname derived from its top strap—Colt’s first revolver design to incorporate a solid frame with a top strap over the cylinder, offering increased strength and durability. The revolver was developed specifically for the U.S. Army service revolver trials of 1872–73 and was officially adopted in 1873 as the standard military sidearm. It was chambered in the newly developed .45 Colt cartridge, which offered impressive stopping power and reliability.
Early military-issue SAAs—delivered beginning around November 1873—were stamped “U.S.” on the left side of the frame and were purchased by the government at a cost of $13.50 each, including a screwdriver tool. Military inspectors, however, enforced strict quality standards, and many revolvers were rejected for what Colt considered trivial cosmetic imperfections. These rejected frames, already marked “U.S.,” were often repurposed—nickel-plated, fitted with ivory one-piece grips, and sold on the civilian market beginning as early as 1874. As is often the case, any firearm adopted by the U.S. military quickly gained popularity with the American public, and the Colt SAA was no exception. Though the government purchased approximately 37,000 SAAs by 1892, Colt had already manufactured and sold a total of around 144,000 units by that time, highlighting its booming civilian and frontier market.
Production began at serial number 1 and continued until 1940, when it was halted due to World War II demands, ending at serial number 357,859 for the First Generation. Early military models typically featured a 7½-inch barrel, which provided excellent ballistic performance. However, by 1875, Colt introduced a 5½-inch version in response to civilian and law enforcement demand for a more manageable length. Other popular barrel lengths included the 4¾-inch “civilian” length, which became especially favored in the American West. Over the years, the Colt SAA has been produced in more than 30 different calibers and multiple barrel lengths, yet its overall profile has remained remarkably consistent since 1873.
Colt discontinued production twice—first in 1940 and again in 1974—but both times revived the design due to overwhelming demand from collectors, sport shooters, and Western enthusiasts. Today, the Colt Single Action Army remains not only a symbol of American firearms history but also a living legend that's still in production.
Contents:
Contents:
This example will ship with a leather holster!
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
