Antique Colt Single Action Army .45 Caliber Revolver (1882) 7 1/2" Barrel
I have this gun currently up for auction. Someone asked me if it is a "shooter". I don't know how to answer that. I took it to a gun appraiser and this is what he wrote:
Colt Manufacturing, Intermediate Black Powder Single Action Army Revolver, Serial Number 81340, manufactured in 1882, .45 cal, 7 1/2" barrel, rear sight fixed "V" notch, fixed front sight, distinctive italic script style lettering used in single line barrel address. Three line, three date patent marking on frame, two piece gutta percha grips with eagle motif. The color case finish on the frame, as well as the blueing on the barrel are worn off. Revolver looks like someone tried to reblue the gun using cold blueing. There are a few dings and scratches on the metal surfaces as well as some small light rust flecking. The action is tight and works well. The barrel bore is dark with some light pitting. This revolver seems to have all original parts. This revolver is in approximately 0-20% good condition
Any help is appreciated.
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I would respond that any firearm of that age should be thoroughly examined by a competent gunsmith before firing. You may or may not wish to state whether you would shoot the gun or not.
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Well, the person who asked if it was a "shooter" is likely not to be a serious buyer. Any Colt that old was made for black powder, & is unlikely to be safe to fire. Besides, 1st generation Colts, in just about any condition, are collectible.
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/886970681 Here's a gun similar to yours, but the seller has given a far better description than you got from your appraiser. I don't know what your photos look like, but this should be what yours look like. More valuable than an appraisal when selling an old Colt SAA is a Colt factory letter; it's worth the money & time required.
Neal
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Thank you both for your quick and knowledgeable responses.
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There are black powder SSAs out there that are in better condition than yours appears to be, and are listed for a lot lower price. It's a black powder gun, not made from modern steels, and not intended to be shot with smokeless loads. Yet, in all it's years, it's a good bet that somebody has put heavy smokeless loads through it a time or two. There may be deep pits from black powder, and weakened chambers and barrel from smokeless. The gun doesn't appear to have been given the best of care. If you tell a buyer it is a shooter, you may be sticking your neck waaaaay out.
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The term "shooter" can have two definitions. (1) Is it shootable, i.e., does it function and appear safe to shoot. (2) From a collector's viewpoint, a "shooter" is less than very good condition and lower collector value. The description given puts it in that category, well used, no finish remaining.
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