Colt 3rd Model SAA .45 Colt layaway payment #1

The Colt SAA has been produced in distinct "generations" based on manufacturing periods, design tweaks, and serial number ranges:

1st Generation (1873–1941): Original production, highly collectible antiques.

2nd Generation (1956–1974): Post-WWII revival, spurred by TV Westerns and fast-draw popularity.

3rd Generation (1976–1993, with some production resuming later as "late 3rd" or current): Colt reintroduced the SAA after a short hiatus, starting at serial numbers around 80,000SA. This era introduced key changes for modern manufacturing, including:

Barrel thread pitch changed from 20 to 24 threads per inch (non-tapered shank).

Solid/fixed cylinder bushing (replacing the removable one in 1st and 2nd gens).

Other minor internal and fit improvements.

The .45 Colt caliber was the introductory and most common chambering for 3rd Gen models (introduced right at the 1976 relaunch), with others like .357 Magnum added soon after, followed by .44 Special and .44-40 in later years. Production continued through the early 1990s (serial numbers up to around SA99,999, then prefixes like S or SA variations in ongoing/late production). There were interruptions (e.g., a factory strike in 1986), quality variations in some years (e.g., late 1970s–early 1980s had mixed reviews on fit/finish), and special editions or commemoratives. Current Colt SAA production (post-1990s) is often grouped as "late 3rd" or fourth generation, still in .45 Colt among other calibers, with improved quality and finishes.

The .45 Colt chambering ties directly to the SAA's legacy as the "gun that won the West," offering reliable power for military, cowboy, and civilian use.

Ships Free to the FFL of your choice!