Colt Single Action Army 3rd Generation Artillery .357 Magnum Revolver, 5.5-Inch Barrel (1981 Production)
Manufactured in 1981, this Colt Single Action Army 3rd Generation Artillery model combines classic 19th-century styling with late-20th-century engineering updates. The SA-prefix serial confirms its early 3rd Gen production, and the revolver retains traditional four-click lock-work, a solid cylinder bushing, and authentic “American Eagle” hard-rubber grips—features that appeal to collectors who value period-correct details in a shootable package.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good – Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling – Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The revolver displays minor scratching, scuffing, small areas of pitting, finish loss, and light blemishes consistent with careful field or range use.
What’s Included
- Colt Single Action Army 3rd Generation Artillery revolver chambered in .357 Magnum
This revolver features a 5.5-inch carbon-steel barrel and a blued cylinder, paired with a color case-hardened frame that shows Colt’s signature mottled hues. Fixed blade front and square-notch rear sights provide the same sight picture trusted by generations of Single Action Army shooters.
The right-hand, six-groove rifling and solid cylinder bushing represent key 3rd Gen engineering refinements, aimed at extending service life while retaining the revolver’s classic handling characteristics.
Colt’s two-piece black checkered “American Eagle” hard-rubber grip panels, secured by a transverse screw, replicate late-19th-century artwork, complete with the Rampant Colt medallion. Their slim profile and crisp checkering offer secure purchase without altering the firearm’s iconic silhouette.
Collectors will appreciate that this example keeps the traditional four-click hammer without a transfer-bar safety, maintaining the authentic operation that defines original Single Action Army revolvers.