Colt Single Action Army 3rd Generation Artillery .44 Special Revolver, 5.5-Inch Barrel (mfd 1979)
This 1979 Colt Single Action Army Artillery model pairs classic Old West styling with the scarcer .44 Special chambering produced in limited numbers during the 3rd Generation run. Built on a carbon-steel frame with bone-charcoal color case-hardening and Colt Royal Blue polish on the 5.5-inch barrel and cylinder, it offers the look and feel collectors expect from a factory-original SAA while standing out for its early SA-prefix serial number and low-production caliber.
Condition
Overall Condition: Very good condition, showing only light, superficial signs of prior handling or use.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: There is a small blemish on the right side of the firearm; otherwise the revolver is in great shape consistent with its grade.
What’s Included
- Colt Single Action Army 3rd Generation Artillery revolver
- Factory black checkered hard-rubber "Eagle" grips with molded Rampant Colt logos (installed)
Colt produced relatively few 3rd Generation Single Action Army revolvers in .44 Special, making this SA26310-range example desirable for caliber collectors. The six-shot cylinder and barrel wear a deep Colt Royal Blue that contrasts sharply with the vivid case colors on the frame, hammer, and loading gate.
The 5.5-inch "Artillery" barrel length maintains traditional SAA balance while providing a full sight radius with the fixed blade front and top-strap notch rear sights. The external hammer and single-action mechanism deliver the crisp, four-click lockup synonymous with Colt’s original design.
Construction is all carbon steel for strength and authenticity. Parts interchangeability across SAA generations means maintenance and component sourcing remain straightforward. The revolver retains its original black hard-rubber grips featuring Colt’s iconic American Eagle motif and molded Rampant Colt logos.