Colt Single Action Army Second Generation .38 Special, 7.5 Inch Barrel, Blued/Case-Hardened (1956 First-Year Production)
This Second-Generation Colt Single Action Army stands out as a first-year 1956 production example, confirmed by its SA-suffix serial format. It is chambered in .38 Special, a less common Second-Generation caliber, and features the classic 7.5-inch barrel configuration. Correct Colt address and patent legend roll-marks with the Rampant Colt, plus its original-style finishes, add to its appeal. One black lift-top Colt factory cardboard box with gold “COLT” markings is included.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
This firearm is in solid shape. There are some scratches and blemishes present. The bore has a bright, shiny appearance.
What’s Included
- One black lift-top Colt factory cardboard box with gold “COLT” markings (damaged)
First-year Second-Generation production (1956) gives this revolver early 2nd Gen status, with the SA-suffix serial format confirming its generation. The .38 Special chambering is noted as a less common offering for the period, enhancing interest for Colt SAA enthusiasts focused on caliber variations.
The 7.5-inch barrel reflects the original long-barrel option introduced with the 1873 pattern. Fixed sights include a square blade front and a topstrap groove/notch rear, maintaining the traditional sight picture associated with the Single Action Army.
It wears blued and color case-hardened finishes: the frame shows color case-hardening, while the cylinder presents as bright in-the-white/polished rather than factory blued. The trigger guard and backstrap are also bright in-the-white/polished. The revolver uses a steel frame and is fitted with black checkered hard rubber grips with a molded Rampant Colt for an authentic Second-Generation look.
Markings are in line with period expectations, including the proper Colt address and patent legend roll-marks with the Rampant Colt. An assembly number "166" is present on the loading gate. Mechanically, it is single-action only with a six-round capacity.
Made in the United States, this Colt SAA combines early Second-Generation provenance with correct finishes, traditional 7.5-inch configuration, and caliber specificity, offering a well-documented example from 1956.