Colt Single Action Army Late Third Generation .45 Colt, 5.5 inch, P1850 (1997) – Color Case-Hardened Frame, High-Polish Blue
This 1997 Colt Single Action Army is a Late Third Generation example in the classic .45 Colt chambering with the 5.5 inch Artillery-length barrel, catalog model P1850. It features a high-polish blued barrel and cylinder paired with a color case-hardened steel frame. The S-prefix/A-suffix serial format confirms its late Third Generation status (1994–present). It retains traditional details, including a six-shot fluted cylinder, bullseye ejector rod head, and fixed sights.
Condition
Overall Condition: Excellent condition, showing only faint signs of any prior use or handling.
Bore Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: There are light, superficial scratches and small blemishes visible on the exterior surfaces.
What’s Included
- Colt factory blue plastic hard case with P1850 label and matching serial S19655A
- Factory paperwork
Built in 1997, this Single Action Army aligns with the Late Third Generation run denoted by the S-prefix/A-suffix serial pattern. The configuration follows Colt’s P1850 catalog listing: .45 Colt chambering with a 5.5 inch barrel, often referenced as the Artillery-length variant. It is a six-shot revolver with a fluted cylinder and traditional single-action-only operation.
The finish and materials are consistent with classic SAA style. The barrel and cylinder are finished in a high-polish blue, while the frame and receiver display a color case-hardened treatment. The revolver is built on a steel frame and uses a steel cylinder, preserving the robust construction associated with this model.
Sighting is straightforward and true to period form, with a rounded blade front and a notch in the topstrap at the rear. The ejector rod features the bullseye head, another correct detail for this configuration. The grips are black checkered composite with Rampant Colt medallions and the eagle-in-shield panel, providing a traditional Colt visual signature.
This U.S.-made SAA presents a clean, classic profile with the features collectors and shooters expect from a late-1990s Third Generation example. Its 5.5 inch barrel length balances handling and sight radius while maintaining the timeless look of the Single Action Army.