did colt saa cylinders have markings on 1st gen.

In the beginning Colt called it their “Strap Pistol.” That was because it was the first of their handguns to have a top-strap over the cylinder. It might surprise some fans of the Colt SAA that such was not its original name. Have you ever seen a cowboy movie that didn’t show a Colt SAA or replica? Perhaps people in places like New Guinea, Iceland or Madagascar may not know what handguns those actors are shooting, but I’d bet if a locale has electricity they have seen one sort or another of cowboy movie. Now we get to what can (arguably) be called the “World’s Most Famous Handgun.” Is it? I think so because American western movies have made it to about all corners of the earth. There are plenty of first generation 'put togethers out there', and there used to be more than a few dishonest SAA traders.Part 8 Of 12 Part Genesis Of The Colt Single Action The serial numbers (.i think.) end with an 'SA' the numbers come firstįor the money ya are gonna have to spend on a SAA, i would always handle and authenticate it. We've got several that have been worked over and they are the equal of any second generation ive ever seen and i've handled quite a few. The purists will tell ya they are inferior in quality to the second generations, and there is a grain of truth in that pronouncement. The only big change was a solid cylinder bushing (.which the colt purists hate.) and different threads on the barrel frame assembly. This is what the colt custom shop builds. It was bought from an ole buddy of ours probably 10 or so years ago and the New Frontiers are considered 'lesser children' by the real colt collectors.

We have a low S/N New Frontier that i gave $800 for 'no questions asked'. The serial numbers (.i think.) begin with an 'SA' prefix, then the numbers. A good clean one in an original box will drive ya to your knees (.they do me, at least.). Iv'e never seen a good second generation sell for less than $2500, and that wuz years ago. Greatest of the SSA's (.i think, at least.). The ones that are left are likely put togethers. We've got one in the 'archives' somewhere.Īs to the 'generation' thing heres the 'Reader's Digest Summary'.įirst generation. There are also some really good books on this subject, but the titles elude me now. Call them and talk to 'em about the generations. They probably know as much as anybody about them and their inventory of them constantly changes. They had the inside track for years on Colts from the factory.

Did colt saa cylinders have markings on 1st gen.