Colt Single Action Army Third Generation .44-40, 4.75 in, High-Polish Blue (1989) — Presentation Award Revolver from the 2003 World Thumbing Championship
This 1989 Colt Single Action Army Third Generation in .44-40 Win. stands out for its documented award provenance and classic configuration. It was the first place prize for the 2003 World Thumbing Championship at Gunrunner Ranch in Arizona and comes with a fitted wood presentation case, event plaque, and NRA 'First 100 Years' medallion. The revolver features a high-polish blue finish, fluted six-shot cylinder, and smooth ivory-tone grips with gold Colt medallions, with an SA-prefix serial indicating Third Generation production.
Condition
Overall Condition: Very good condition, showing only light, superficial signs of prior handling or use.
Bore Overall Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Details: This firearm is in great shape, with minor, superficial scratches and blemishes present.
What’s Included
- Fitted wood presentation case with inlaid Colt medallion on lid and 'Gunrunners Ranch' award plaque; interior features an acrylic-mounted NRA 'First 100 Years' medallion
- Printed card for 'Gunrunner Ranch – 2003 World Thumbing Champion – First Place' (Bob James, Phoenix Arizona)
The revolver retains its hallmark Colt rollmarks: 'COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .44-40' on the barrel, a Hartford top address, and left-frame patent dates with the Rampant Colt. The SA-prefix serial denotes Third Generation manufacture, aligning with the documented 1989 production year.
Classic SAA configuration includes a 4.75 inch barrel, a fluted six-shot cylinder, and fixed sights with a fixed blade front and topstrap groove rear. It uses a crescent-style ejector-rod head and the cross-pin 'smokeless frame' base-pin latch.
The high-polish blue finish covers the steel frame, cylinder, and receiver, paired with smooth ivory-tone two-piece grips set with gold Colt medallions. This U.S.-made example presents clean, sharp rifling and a bright bore.
Provenance is a key highlight: this revolver was the first place prize for the 2003 World Thumbing Championship at Gunrunner Ranch in Arizona. The included fitted presentation case bears an inlaid Colt medallion and a 'Gunrunners Ranch' award plaque, and the interior hosts an acrylic-mounted NRA 'First 100 Years' medallion. The printed event card referencing 'Gunrunner Ranch – 2003 World Thumbing Champion – First Place' (Bob James, Phoenix Arizona) accompanies the set.