Posted: 5/22/2013 6:56:47 PM EDT
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I purchased a 3rd generation colt single action for what i think was a steal. It is not in great shape, it has some scratches and dings and some of the bluing has worn off from handling, but overall decent shape. What is a realistic value for the gun? I have seen brand new 3rd gens selling around 1200, but i dont know how much the condition will affect the value.
Thank you for any help |
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Ill take a shot at this (pun intended)
Two of my most prized possessions are a pair of 3rd generation Colt Single Action Army revolvers with the 4 3/4 inch barrel. I have wanted a SAA for more than 40 years. I sold a bunch of stuff to buy one... and then another. Afterwards I lost my job and had some life threatening health issues (huge medical bills), but I would never consider selling them. (Not even to pay for my funeral, I want my son to keep them and hand them down.) I looked for used 3rd gens, and only found 2nd gens for near or more than new 3rd gens. I paid about $1,400.00 each (including tax). Not seeing the condition of your SAA I would expect to see a value of at least $1,000.00 (depending on condition e.g. all factory parts, no trigger tuning for SASS use, reasonable handling/holster wear, 100% functional (proper cylinder alignment, timing). *Single Action Shooting Society There is a great possibility that as time passes it will appreciate in value. I am no pro... but this is from my seeking out my SAA and looking for used 2nd or 3rd gens. I really found it difficult to find used SSAs for less than what new was. I also had to hunt down the first one, and was the right place at the right time when a Colt dealer had just received a new one. I knew better from my search that the 2nd one would sell in a couple of days. I asked dealer if he could move down any on the price (which was exactly what I paid for the first I found at Cabelas). His response... "If you don't buy it, it will sell before the day is over!" which was true. I wish I could have found mine for $1,200.00! I have handled many SAA clones, and none of them have the feel of the action and the four click action as the hammer is pulled back to fully cocked! They say as the action goes through the four clicks it is: C O L T spelling out. The only one close to the true Colt action is USFA and they are more difficult to find and is about the same often higher retail. Back in the very early 1970s I saw a SAA in caliber 32 20 for sale for something like $175.00. I passed on it because of the caliber. I kick myself in the ass for not buying it to this very day! I also beat myself up for not buying a Colt Cowboy when they came out. Not the same feel or quality as the SAA, but just as hard to find one for sale as any used SAA. ETA... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdVHJIUwSFo ...the opening of the video starts with the four click as the hammer is cocked (the only reason I added the video) |
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Thank you for all of the great information sir!
As far as i can tell all parts are factory, although i am completely untrained at this. It appears to function perfectly without having shot it yet. Is there any reasonably easy way to tell if the trigger has been tuned? If it helps at all, i can get some pictures of it this weekend. Thanks again for your help. |
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Condition means a lot. Caliber means a lot. Barrel length means a lot.
Your pistol -- in the condition you describe -- sounds like an 800 to 900 dollar gun. No, there is no way a novice could tell if a trigger has been worked on. They're pretty good from the factory. So, tell us, what caliber is it? What barrel length is it? Get pictures up so we can get an idea of condition. What is "worn blueing" to you, might be honest wear to an enthusiast. If the bolt has made a drag line on the cylinder, it means the former owner did not understand the manual of arms for the gun. This would suggest there were other things he didn't know and would make the gun suspect as to overall mechanical condition. They're tough as nails, but they're not anvils. |