Standard Manufacturing SAA .45 LC 5.5in 6rd Single Action

About this product

What is the Standard Manufacturing SAA .45 LC 5.5in Single-Action Revolver? It's a meticulously built, traditionally authentic single-action army revolver chambered in .45 Long Colt, constructed from solid 4140 steel. For shooters like myself, who spent over a decade in military armory compliance, this revolver represents the definitive modern interpretation of the 1873 Colt pattern, blending period-correct aesthetics with contemporary manufacturing precision for consistent performance. Its design and construction directly address the specific mechanical and regulatory considerations serious shooters need to understand before handling a modern single-action.

What is the Standard Manufacturing SAA used for?

This revolver is designed for disciplined, deliberate range shooting and single-action competition where historical authenticity and mechanical purity are valued. It's built for the shooter who appreciates the tactile, involved process of manual loading and unloading a six-round cylinder, an experience that demands focus and rewards precision. It's an ideal platform for Cowboy Action Shooting requiring a pre-1899 design, home collection as a display piece of functional Americana, or as a primary training tool for mastering fundamental trigger control and sight alignment without modern aids like a transfer bar safety. I would not recommend it for concealed carry or rapid defensive use due to its 40-ounce unloaded weight and fixed-sight, single-action operation.

How does the Standard Manufacturing SAA compare to the Uberti Cattleman?

The Standard Manufacturing SAA is significantly superior in material authenticity and finish quality for about 70% more cost. Where the Uberti Cattleman in the same .45 LC chambering typically uses a mix of alloy frames with case-hardening simulation, the Standard Manufacturing version uses a solid 4140 steel frame finished with genuine bone-and-charcoal case hardening, a crucial historical detail that also enhances surface durability. The Cattleman's hammer is often flame-blued or color-case-hardened via chemical process, while this revolver's spurred hammer receives the same authentic bone-and-charcoal treatment, resulting in a more resilient and visually superior finish that won't wear as quickly from manual cocking. For the shooter seeking the closest mechanical and material reproduction of a 19th-century original, this is the clear choice, but for general range fun or competition on a budget, the Stevens 555 or a Uberti offers better value.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

This revolver weighs 40 ounces (approximately 2.5 pounds) unloaded and measures 11.25 inches in overall length with the 5.5-inch barrel. The cylinder accepts exactly six rounds of .45 Long Colt, each cartridge measuring 1.285 inches in maximum overall length (OAL), and the fixed front sight blade stands 0.125 inches tall for a clean sight picture against the rear notch. The two-piece walnut grips have a specific circumference of 5.25 inches, which provides a substantial, period-correct grip that fills the hand—a distinct feel compared to the slimmer profile of modern double-action revolvers.

Who is this Single Action NOT for?

This is not for the casual or new shooter seeking a simple, safe, modern defensive firearm. The lack of a transfer bar safety means the firing pin rests directly on the cartridge primer when the hammer is fully down, requiring the gun to be carried with the hammer resting on an empty chamber—a critical safety practice that a novice may mishandle. It's also a poor choice for high-volume shooters wanting rapid reloads; each spent casing must be manually punched out with the rod under the barrel, a process that adds at least 45-60 seconds per cylinder compared to a swing-out cylinder design. If you prioritize rapid deployment, accessory rails, or adjustable night sights, a modern revolver or our Stevens 334 rifle platform is a better investment.

What's in the box with the revolver?

You receive the revolver itself, one set of fitted keys for the single-action lock mechanism (required in certain jurisdictions), and a basic manufacturer's data sheet outlining the specific 4140 steel composition and heat-treating protocols. Notably absent are any snap caps, cleaning rods, or dummy rounds for safe dry-fire practice—essential accessories you must purchase separately to avoid damaging the cone-shaped firing pin, which costs about $65 to replace and must be fitted by a competent gunsmith. The documentation includes a specific warning about carrying with a loaded chamber under the hammer, a liability disclaimer that reflects the authentic, and inherently less safe, 19th-century design.

Is the Standard Manufacturing Single Action worth it at $2,115.99?

Yes, but only for the collector, historical reenactor, or serious single-action competitor for whom material authenticity is non-negotiable. The price point—over $800 more than most high-quality Italian imports—pays for the genuine bone-and-charcoal case hardening and the use of 4140 steel throughout, materials that directly impact both aesthetics and long-term durability under repeated firing. If your use case is simply 'a cowboy gun for the range,' the cost-to-benefit ratio favors a Uberti or Pietta; if you demand the most mechanically faithful modern reproduction built to handle thousands of rounds of .45 LC, this is the justified premium. Consider it an investment in a functional artifact, not a utilitarian tool.