OT - 2gen or 3gen Colt

[footlong]

I am wanting to own a Colt saa. Have never owned one before. I plan to shoot the gun. So it can be 90%+. Cal will be .44 or 38-357 to keep ammo simple.
My question is the dif between 2nd and 3rd gen. ?

[JerryB]

I don't know the difference off hand. I bought one in 1959 that was made in late 1957.



.45 Colt with Mernickle holster and belt slide.

[Griff]

Well, in simple terms... yes and no.

The main difference between lies between the 2nd gen, and the early 3rd gen guns; as the late 3rd gens changed back. The early 3rd gen guns have a pressed-in, non removeable cylinder bushing that only serves to set the endshake.

I have both 2nd gen and 3rd gen Colt SAAs and functionally find no differences between them. The hammer is pulled back the the cylinder rotates, pull the trigger and the hammer is released and the gun goes boom. There are some other minor differences, but, I don't have my reference book to be absolutely correct in relating them. (rear sight groove, hammer contour, checkering, front sight, and some beveling differences...) IIRC. Honestly, nothing that a casual inspection would discover.

IMO, generally speaking a 90%+ 2nd gen will run you as much or more than a NEW IN BOX 3rd.

[Terry Murbach]

THE NEW 3rd GEN GUNS COMING OUT CURRENTLY--AND IN THE PAST YEAR OR BETTER-- ARE NOTHING SHORT OF SUPERB. I WOULD BUY ONE IN A HEARTBEAT.

[klhill]

The 2nd gen were made from 1956 to '74 , with serial #'s up to about 74000 (all 2nd had SA suffix).3rd gen were from '75 to current; serial # 80000SA to 99999SA, then SA prefix, and now split letters, SxxxxxA.Difference in barrel threads, cylinder bushing, and hand.Only about 2000 44 Spec made in 2nd gen so they are pretty uncommon and pricey.More 44 Spec made in 3rd gen but still can be a bit hard to find.The 2nd gen guns can be close to double the price of thirds.A nice 2nd going for $1600-$1800 and up while 3rds can be found for $1100 to $1300.I just bought a new Colt 32-20 for $1199 plus $30 for FFL transfer.Best bet for a shooter would be a nice used .357 3rd gen.

[Nate Kiowa Jones]

THE NEW 3rd GEN GUNS COMING OUT CURRENTLY--AND IN THE PAST YEAR OR BETTER-- ARE NOTHING SHORT OF SUPERB. I WOULD BUY ONE IN A HEARTBEAT.

I second that and add, whatever you do avoid the 3rds made in the early to mid 90's. I can tell you horror storys. If you want a shooter your best bet is one of the current production guns. The quality is back and the prices are right.

[Jeff Quinn]

I agree with Mssrs. Jones (Young) and Murbach.
The latest SAA revolvers are superb. I have one that was built in late 2006, and it is a perfect sixgun, if such a thing ever existed.
More details here:
http://www.gunblast.com/Colt_SAA.htm