Colt · Single-action revolver
Colt Single Action Army Value
The Colt Single Action Army, also known as the Peacemaker, is a single-action revolver first adopted by the U.S. Army in 1873 and produced continuously in various forms into the modern era. Its exposed hammer, fixed cylinder loading gate, and plow-handle grip shape became the defining silhouette of the American frontier revolver and influenced countless later designs.
- Type
- Single-action revolver
- Production
- 1873 to the present, produced across several distinct generations with interruptions
- Maker
- Colt
About the Colt Single Action Army
The Colt Single Action Army, also known as the Peacemaker, is a single-action revolver first adopted by the U.S. Army in 1873 and produced continuously in various forms into the modern era. Its exposed hammer, fixed cylinder loading gate, and plow-handle grip shape became the defining silhouette of the American frontier revolver and influenced countless later designs.
Colt organized Single Action Army production into recognized generations, with the first generation running from 1873 into the early 1940s, a second generation resuming in 1956, and a third generation beginning in the 1970s that continues with periodic runs today. Each generation used somewhat different manufacturing methods and materials, which collectors use to distinguish examples.
Because the model was issued to the military, sold commercially, and later embraced by Western-themed shooting sports and collectors, surviving examples range from well-worn working guns to pristine collector pieces, and historical documentation can matter a great deal for this particular revolver.
Variations
Colt Single Action Army variations that matter
Configuration is often the difference between two otherwise identical examples.
First generation (1873–early 1940s)
Original production black-powder-era and early smokeless-era guns, including military-inspected Cavalry and Artillery models with historic martial markings.
Second generation (1956–1974)
Resumed production after World War II using updated metallurgy suited to smokeless powder, offered in a range of calibers and barrel lengths.
Third generation (1976–present, intermittent)
Continued production with further manufacturing updates, including modern runs and limited commemorative editions.
Barrel lengths
Common barrel lengths include the 4.75-inch "Civilian," 5.5-inch "Artillery," and 7.5-inch "Cavalry" configurations.
Calibers
.45 Colt was the original chambering, with .44-40, .38-40, and other calibers offered across different generations.
Valuation
What affects Colt Single Action Army value
We do not publish a price chart. These are the characteristics that determine what a specific example evaluates at.
Factor 1
Generation
First-, second-, and third-generation guns are evaluated differently because of manufacturing differences and historical significance.
Factor 2
Military versus civilian markings
Cavalry and Artillery models with U.S. military inspection marks are considered separately from commercial civilian-pattern guns.
Factor 3
Originality of finish and parts
Original blue-and-case-color finish, original grips, and unaltered barrel length affect how an example is assessed relative to refinished or modified guns.
Factor 4
Caliber
Less common calibers such as .44-40 or .38-40 are treated as distinct configurations from the standard .45 Colt chambering.
Factor 5
Documentation
A Colt factory letter confirming shipping date, original configuration, and destination can be an important part of evaluating an early Single Action Army.
Factor 6
Engraving or special order features
Factory-engraved guns or documented special-order configurations are evaluated as distinct from standard production.
Factor 7
Condition and mechanical function
Cylinder timing, bore condition, and overall mechanical function are assessed alongside cosmetic condition.
Colt Single Action Army: common questions
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