SAA Heavyweight

2583 Views 10 Replies 11 Participants Last post by weagle99, Aug 9, 2013

Scott Gahimer

Discussion Starter · Aug 2, 2013

This 1888 production SAA is literally a heavyweight, as it is one of only about (17) manufactured in .22 Rimfire, which results in a heavier barrel and cylinder. You don't think about it too much until you compare the weight to another SAA in .45.

This revolver is NOT one of the approximate (90) which were overstamped to indicate they were converted to .22 caliber. There are two Colt factory letters with it. One is from 1964 and was written by Ron Wagner. The one shown is from 1987. I also have a very detailed 4-page letter written by Mr. Ron Graham when he personally inspected and authenticated the revolver in 1987.

I do not know how many others of the (17) may still exist today, but am quite sure this piece is pretty rare. It has all matching serial numbers. While I think the stocks may be correct, they are not original. They were added sometime after Mr. Graham inspected the revolver.

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greekgeek

· #2 · Aug 2, 2013

That is one nice SAA, thanks for sharing.

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Colt-SL

· #3 · Aug 2, 2013

That's a really cool, and apparently original piece! I can image, being a small bore gun, how much more substantial the weight would be. I'm impressed by the great condition of most of the screws. Also have not seen a letter where they state that the finish is not listed but, unusually, the stocks are. VERY nice; thanks for posting!

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coltsixguns

· #4 · Aug 2, 2013

I've owned a couple of converted .22's through the years but never a 7-1/2". I imagine it is heavy!

Thanks for posting a very hard to find saa!

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BRG

· #5 · Aug 2, 2013

Nice gun! I will trade you this .22 for it!! hee hee..

Bill

Gun Revolver Firearm Trigger Starting pistol

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Old-Colts

· #6 · Aug 2, 2013

Very nice acquisition! I noticed long ago the difference in weight; it's evident even between a 45 Colt and a 32-20! Same exterior dimensions, smaller holes, more steel, more weight! If I had been a cowboy back in the old west, given those characteristics, I'd always choose a 45 Colt or 44-40 for riding the range!!!!!!!!!

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Jim Martin

· #7 · Aug 2, 2013 (Edited)

Rodd Redwing used a pair of nickle plated 4 3/4 .22 Colts that were specially made for him by Colt when he performed his trick shooting act,he shot "gallery shorts" into a bullet trap that held the targets he would shoot at.I've shot those guns several times when I used to perform w/him & Jock Mahoney.They were recently up on one of the auction sites along w/one of his Redwing double holsters which were actually made by Andy Anderson,Rodd did make a few by hand but Andy made the ones that were sold to customers & marketed by Rodd,I don't know what they eventually sold for,the guy that found these guns brought them here to me before they were put on the auction so I could verify that they authentic.I think I may have some photos of them hidden somewhere in the "evil machine",if I can find them I'll have someone post them for me because I don't know how to do it.

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chaosrob

· #8 · Aug 2, 2013

I never knew such a thing existed. That is a very cool piece, thank you for sharing.

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sixgunshorty35717

· #9 · Aug 9, 2013

Al I can say is WOW!!!!What a treasure!

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Chaffee

· #10 · Aug 9, 2013

While not nearly the gun Scott's is, I have this one: Circa 1892, converted w/ Christy barrel. I've shot it and it is heavy for a .22, but kind of a neat gun nonetheless. Click to enlarge......