Colt Model 1860 serial number 90163. (Photo courtesy Peter Blat-ter) The inspector marks on the left side of this revolver include the “H” on the left rear barrel, the “H” in the non-rebated portion of the cylinder and the “E” in the rebated portion of the cylinder. The marks on the cylinder are usually oriented as shown. In order to encompass the Colt Single Actions that were returned unserviceable, interchange of other Cavalry, and mixed shipments, and not to overlook enlistment replacements, some researchers are satisfied and comfortable to simply hover at serial numbers below 10,500 based on this being the highest factory production number that had been. Remarks Year Made Serial # Source The First Colt Single-Action Army (SAA) Revolver This is the first SAA made by Colt. For many years it was thought to be lost, but was located during the early 1900s in a barn in Nashua, NH. 1873 1 American Cowboy Chronicles 20th Kansas Volunteer Infantry The initial use of this 'pinched frame' civilian model.
- Colt Saa Serial Number Identification Lookup
- Colt Saa Serial Number Identification Form
- Colt Saa Serial Number Identification
- Colt Saa Serial Numbers Lookup
Reading colt serial numbers can be hard for people who are not experienced. These codes have a slight impact on the firearms, but they are the best way to trace down the origin of guns.
Remarks Year Made Serial # Source The First Colt Single-Action Army (SAA) Revolver This is the first SAA made by Colt. For many years it was thought to be lost, but was located during the early 1900s in a barn in Nashua, NH. 1873 1 American Cowboy Chronicles 20th Kansas Volunteer Infantry The initial use of this 'pinched frame' civilian model.
![Colt saa dates of manufacture Colt saa dates of manufacture](https://s3.amazonaws.com/mgm-content/sites/armslist/uploads/posts/2015/08/28/4643947_04_make_offer_1876_colt_single_ac_640.jpg)
Colt serial numbers contain the history of every gun, but detecting them accurately is a bit hard.
If you are looking forward to learn reading colt serial numbers for the first time, then this article may have something beneficial to offer you. Read below to know more!
Reading Colt Serial Numbers – Here’s How!
There are many techniques that you can follow to find the meaning of a colt serial number. However, some are damn easy and quick, and some are freaking hard. In this written piece, we talk about the comparatively easier ones, okay?
The Quick Method
This one is the easiest way to read colt serial numbers, and all the credits go to the advanced technology. Just head over to the “Colt” homepage and click on the “Customer Service”.
Colt Saa Serial Number Identification Lookup
Right after clicking, you will see an option appearing as “Serial Number Lookup”. Click it, and enter your serial numbers. Wait for it, and Bingo!
It is the easiest and quickest possible way you can read a serial number.
However, I don’t prefer this way; the best way is learning to read the numbers manually. Because this easiest way often doesn’t show the accurate result.
The Reliable Method
This method will cost you few dollars, but guess what? It’s the most trusted one – the reliable method. Colt offers a research service to their customers which provides the brand’s official archive letter as a proof of the gun's history.
The letter will have all details of the firearms including genuine features, and specs along with delivery address as well.
Mainly, the archive letter carries essential historical information which can enhance the collective value of that firearm.
Though some custom modifications like the barrel, changed caliber, aftermarket engravings, and finish would not come included in the letter. Crack plugin cinema 4d r14 studio mac fix review.
As I said earlier, to get this service, you will need to spend few bucks. For your information, the fee is around a hundred dollars in most cases, but again, it depends on the guns.
For example; stuff like the 1851 Navy, you may need to spend couple hundred dollars but it will worth the greens.
Prefix & Suffix
Don't run for a grammar book.! This method has nothing to deal with your Oxford's Dictionary. Mostly, colt numbers contain abbreviations of the firearms’ name. Therefore, you may find some of them are easy to understand.
For example;
- NF means New Frontier.
- MT means Match Target.
- SA means Single Action.
- SP means Sporter.
Capital “C” prefix or suffix on the gun means that is for commercial use, but sometimes these characters indicate the manufacturing year. Confusing, isn’t it?
Model Codes
Checking colt model code is worth the time and effort as they hold lots of information about a particular gun’s history.
The ability to understand these codes will let you know some important features of your gun inside the holster.
Like, the Single Action model of a colt usually has one prefix character and four digits, where prefix shows the frame type and digit indicates the barrel, stock, version, caliber, etc.
Colt Saa Serial Number Identification Form
The first digit of your gun’s model code “1” means, a basic frame with the first model, and “2” “3” “4” are the later versions of the gun.
The second digit of the model code refers to the weapon’s caliber, like;
- 4 means 32 to 20
- 6 means .357
- 7 means .44
- 8 means .45
- 9 means .44 to 40
The third digit shows the caliber of the gun, such as;
- 1 means 12 inches
- 3 mean 3 or 4 inches
- 4 mean 4.75 or 5 inches
- 5 mean 5.5 inches
- 7 mean 7.5 inches
The fourth and last digit shows information about the weapon’s finish or stock. For nickel and blue finish, “1” and “2” means nickel or blue casehardened finish and 6 specifies nickel finish.
Colt Saa Serial Number Identification
To conclude, reading colt serial number can seem tricky and little tough. This article will give you a basic sense of reading colt serial numbers. And, let’s face it, wordy articles won’t help much than any visuals in learning to read colt serial number.
Consider watching at least a couple of videos on YouTube, or meet your fellow gun geek friend or neighbor next door. This way, you will have lessons that are prone to engrave in your brain easily.
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Colt Python
The finest production revolver ever made.
The Colt Python was first introduced in 1955 as Colt's top-of-the-line model. The gun pictured here was made in 1962. Pythons produced from 1955 to 1969 have no letter in the serial number and are the most desirable to collectors. The Pythons from the 1955-1963 era were all hand made and hand finished (prior to CNC machining and mass assembly line production).
Use the Colt Serial Number Database Lookup Tool.
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1962 .357 Colt Python wearing period elephant ivory grips
Pythons have a distinct appearance. A full barrel underlug, ventilated rib and adjustable sights combine to give the gun its unique look. Originally, Colt manufactured Pythons with hollow underlugs but quickly left them solid to add stabilizing barrel weight. The Python was originally available in two finishes: Royal Blue and Bright Nickel. The Bright Nickel model was discontinued with the introduction of the more durable satin stainless and mirror-polished Ultimate Stainless models. NOTE: My nickel plated gun pictured on this page is a half century old and has been used throughout the last 50 years (not stored in a safe). How much more durable are those new finishes?
The very last guns of this model were produced only through the Custom Shop by special order and are also highly prized by the collector. I enjoy swapping out the grips on the Python from time to time. It really looks like a different gun with the walnut vs. ivory. This is one of my all-time favorite guns. The action is smoother than any revolver I've ever handled. According to Colt, it was designed to shoot 2' groups at 15 yards, and it does, even 44 years later. We recently had a visitor looking for the date of manufacture (DOM) of his Colt Python with a low serial number beginning with the KT prefix. He called Colt at 1-800-962-COLT and they informed him that the DOM was 1991. Thanks Ken, for letting us know!
Serial Numbers
Colt Saa Serial Numbers Lookup
Toward the end of 1969 the letter 'E' was added as a prefix to the serial number. In 1975 the letter 'E' was moved to the end of the number, becoming a suffix. In 1978 and later other letters were used.
According to the Colt Python Serial Number Table here, production of the Python peaked in 1981 (the highest production year). Colt produced more guns in that one year than the first ten years combined! However, 1978 is a 'question mark' due to missing information surrounding guns with serial numbers that have the 'N' Suffix. If more than 9,900 Pythons were produced with the 'N' Suffix, 1978 would be the highest production year.
At any rate, the five year period from 1977 through 1981 appears to be the peak demand period (Life Cycle Peak) or 'golden years' of production for the Colt Python. After 1981 production numbers fall off rapidly, culminating with the gun eventually being produced by the Colt Custom Shop to order only, up until production ceased altogether.
Some very lucky person out there owns the very last Python produced by Colt. I suspect the value of that gun to a collector would be very high. However, as long as Colt remains in business the remote possibility exists that they might produce another Python, thus de-throning the 'last produced Python', a proposition that could never threaten the 'first Python produced'.
Hand Made vs CNC Machine Made
'You made a statement that CNC machining had an impact on the possible quality or value of guns made after 1965. I have been in the CNC machining business since its introduction to the manufacturing industry. It really did not have much of an impact until the mid to late 70’s. Most machining was done on manual machines before that. One of the main reasons was the cost of the equipment and high degree of training to program and operate older CNC machines. Also they were highly unreliable. In the beginning, one needed to know a great deal about electronics just to keep them going. By 1980 they were very reliable, easy to program and produced very high quality components, much more so than a good machinist on a manual machine. So as far as quality of the parts in a Colt revolver: the ones produced on modern CNC machines were most likely superior to the older hand made versions.
I love your web site and hope it continues to grow.' Ron