2nd VS 3rd Gen Colt SAA

Stokes · January 31, 2000, 02:30 AM

Hi,
I was hoping that someone could explain to me the difference (mechanically) between the two guns. As a side note, I was hoping that you might be able to tell me if my gun is a 2nd or 3rd. It is a commerative from 1976, which, I beleive, is the transition year. The serial number doesn't fall into the standard range (it's a few numbers off of 0000PM). Thanks!!

Bill Mitchell · January 31, 2000, 01:54 PM

Howdy Stokes,

I'm going to move this to Harley Nolden's Firearms Research forum.

Bellicose Bill

Ned Roundtree · February 1, 2000, 04:41 PM

1976 was begining of what is called Third generation. Only minor modifications were made. Barrel threads are different and cylinder is fitted with a non removable cylinder bushing. Third generation barrels can not be changed with Second Generation barrels. I don't remember about the cylinders. Perhaps someone else recalls that.

Ned Roundtree · February 1, 2000, 04:47 PM

Not familiar with that serial numbering. Is that a Scout??

Stokes · February 2, 2000, 03:38 AM

Thanks for the details so far. I don't want to remove the cylinder as it is unturned, unscathed in any fashion. The gun is a 7.5" 45 Colt SAA. It is a Bicentinnial Commerative. I'm hoping that it was actually made in 1975 or so, as a 2nd Gen is always worth more than a 3rd.
It is a nice looking gun with CC frame, and an excellent blue on the rest. There is light engraving and some states (I think the first 13) engraved on the cylinder with a few views of the flag. Also, the grips have concealled screws and a American Eagle emblem inset on the Walnut.
Any ideas on this one? I called Colt today, but was #29, with about an hour wait. I just don't have the patience for that. Thanks!!

Paul B. · February 2, 2000, 02:11 PM

According to the Gun Parts Corp. catalog, the cylinders for 3rd generation Colt's are interchangeable with first and 2nd generation pistols.
I can't for the life of me figure out why they changed the threads on the barrels though. Sounds like corporate stupidity to me. But look at the way they're going.
Paul B.

January 31, 2000, 02:30 AM	#1
Stokes Junior Member Join Date: September 13, 1999 Location: Washington State Posts: 5	Hi, I was hoping that someone could explain to me the difference (mechanically) between the two guns. As a side note, I was hoping that you might be able to tell me if my gun is a 2nd or 3rd. It is a commerative from 1976, which, I beleive, is the transition year. The serial number doesn't fall into the standard range (it's a few numbers off of 0000PM). Thanks!!

January 31, 2000, 01:54 PM	#2
Bill Mitchell Staff Alumnus Join Date: October 15, 1998 Location: Roswell,GA Posts: 433	Howdy Stokes, I'm going to move this to Harley Nolden's Firearms Research forum. Bellicose Bill

February 1, 2000, 04:41 PM	#3
Ned Roundtree Senior Member Join Date: December 8, 1999 Location: Lexington, KY,USA Posts: 738	1976 was begining of what is called Third generation. Only minor modifications were made. Barrel threads are different and cylinder is fitted with a non removable cylinder bushing. Third generation barrels can not be changed with Second Generation barrels. I don't remember about the cylinders. Perhaps someone else recalls that.

February 1, 2000, 04:47 PM	#4
Ned Roundtree Senior Member Join Date: December 8, 1999 Location: Lexington, KY,USA Posts: 738	Not familiar with that serial numbering. Is that a Scout??

February 2, 2000, 03:38 AM	#5
Stokes Junior Member Join Date: September 13, 1999 Location: Washington State Posts: 5	Thanks for the details so far. I don't want to remove the cylinder as it is unturned, unscathed in any fashion. The gun is a 7.5" 45 Colt SAA. It is a Bicentinnial Commerative. I'm hoping that it was actually made in 1975 or so, as a 2nd Gen is always worth more than a 3rd. It is a nice looking gun with CC frame, and an excellent blue on the rest. There is light engraving and some states (I think the first 13) engraved on the cylinder with a few views of the flag. Also, the grips have concealled screws and a American Eagle emblem inset on the Walnut. Any ideas on this one? I called Colt today, but was #29, with about an hour wait. I just don't have the patience for that. Thanks!!

February 2, 2000, 02:11 PM	#6
Paul B. Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 1999 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,801	According to the Gun Parts Corp. catalog, the cylinders for 3rd generation Colt's are interchangeable with first and 2nd generation pistols. I can't for the life of me figure out why they changed the threads on the barrels though. Sounds like corporate stupidity to me. But look at the way they're going. Paul B.