BBL. modification on 1st Generation Colt SAA

wizrd · March 18, 2012, 07:57 PM

A friend of mine has a Colt SAA 1st Gen. (3 digit serial number). Original 7 1/2"
bbl. was shortened by gunsmith to 5 1/2" back in 1942 when he bought it in North Dakota. Blueing, case coloring & wear would grade at 98% -for a modern firearm. Original stag grips that do show slight shrinkage. Front sight was replaced and you do recognize it as such. Any ideas how much this modification damaged the price? Any idea as to value at present? Authenticity is not in question.

Hawg Haggen · March 18, 2012, 09:27 PM

Stag grips are not original. That and the chopped barrel will most likely cut two thirds of the value off of it.

**James K** · March 18, 2012, 10:51 PM

Most of the early guns went to the Army contract. Check to see if that gun is marked "U.S." on the left side. If it is, it is possible that the barrel was chopped, not by a gunsmith but by Colt under a contract for the Army; those guns, called "Artillery Models" are highly collectible. We need more information and if possible pictures.

Jim

wizrd · March 19, 2012, 10:37 AM

Owner of this gun had the bbl. shortened himself by the gunsmith. He purchased it for $ 150.00 in early 1940's. It must have one time went back to the factory for the grips. Will check on markings & try to get some pictures. Thanks for the input guys.

March 18, 2012, 07:57 PM	#1
wizrd Member Join Date: February 26, 2012 Posts: 65	BBL. modification on 1st Generation Colt SAA A friend of mine has a Colt SAA 1st Gen. (3 digit serial number). Original 7 1/2" bbl. was shortened by gunsmith to 5 1/2" back in 1942 when he bought it in North Dakota. Blueing, case coloring & wear would grade at 98% -for a modern firearm. Original stag grips that do show slight shrinkage. Front sight was replaced and you do recognize it as such. Any ideas how much this modification damaged the price? Any idea as to value at present? Authenticity is not in question.

March 18, 2012, 09:27 PM	#2
Hawg Haggen Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 10,228	Stag grips are not original. That and the chopped barrel will most likely cut two thirds of the value off of it. __________________ http://blackpowdertimes.com/index.php

March 18, 2012, 10:51 PM	#3
James K Staff Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 16,408	Most of the early guns went to the Army contract. Check to see if that gun is marked "U.S." on the left side. If it is, it is possible that the barrel was chopped, not by a gunsmith but by Colt under a contract for the Army; those guns, called "Artillery Models" are highly collectible. We need more information and if possible pictures. Jim __________________ Jim K

March 19, 2012, 10:37 AM	#4
wizrd Member Join Date: February 26, 2012 Posts: 65	Owner of this gun had the bbl. shortened himself by the gunsmith. He purchased it for $ 150.00 in early 1940's. It must have one time went back to the factory for the grips. Will check on markings & try to get some pictures. Thanks for the input guys.