COLT SAA 1ST GEN for Sale

Quick Look

The Colt Single Action Army (SAA) 1st Generation revolvers were introduced in 1873 and became the standard military sidearm. Designed for rugged reliability and chambered for powerful cartridges, the 1st Gen SAA quickly gained favor among soldiers, lawmen, and western settlers. Today, these early-production revolvers are prized collector firearms known for their historical value and craftsmanship.

Why It's a Top Choice

• Iconic design from the American frontier era
• Hand-fitted precision from Colt's original factory
• Chambered in classic calibers like .45 Colt
• High demand among collectors and historians
• Legacy status from military and civilian use

Key Variants

SAA 1st Gen Blackpowder Frame

Produced before 1896, these early frames lack the transverse cylinder pin latch and are highly collectible.

SAA 1st Gen Smokeless Transition

Made between 1896–1900, these revolvers bridged the shift from blackpowder to smokeless loads.

SAA 1st Gen Artillery Model

Often rebuilt from Cavalry models, these 5.5-inch versions served during the Spanish-American War.

SAA 1st Gen Cavalry Model

Original 7.5-inch barreled sidearms issued to U.S. troops in the late 19th century.

SAA 1st Gen Civilian Configuration

Commercial sales with varied barrel lengths and custom grips for civilian buyers out west.

Competitor Comparison Table

Feature	Colt SAA 1st Gen	Remington Model 1875	Smith & Wesson Schofield
MSRP	N/A (Antique)	N/A (Antique)	N/A (Antique)
Capacity	6 rounds	6 rounds	6 rounds
Weight	~2.3 lbs	~2.5 lbs	~2.4 lbs
Optics Ready	No	No	No
Trigger Type	Single-action	Single-action	Single-action
Notable Pro	Proven frontier and military use	Top strap design for durability	Break-top reload faster
Notable Con	No modern safety features	Limited production numbers	Smaller aftermarket support

Best Use Cases

• Historical collection centerpiece
• Western and military reenactments
• Revolver shooting exhibitions
• Investment-grade antique weapon
• Display for firearms museums

FAQs

What is a Colt SAA 1st Gen?

It refers to Single Action Army revolvers manufactured by Colt from 1873 to 1941, prized by collectors.

How does a Colt SAA 1st Gen differ from later generations?

1st Gen models were built with early metallurgy techniques and blackpowder-era designs, often with numbered parts.

Can I shoot modern .45 Colt in a 1st Gen SAA?

Only if deemed safe by a qualified gunsmith; many were built for blackpowder loads only.