What is a first generation Single Action Army 1873 colt revolver?

Answer 1

1st generation refers to date manufactured........... early colt SAA merely had a serial number. latter, as with 2d generation , colt placed a SA.....in front of serial number. then colt put the SA after the serial number. Current production puts the S before the serial number and the A after the serial number. Somewhat confusing..................

First generation colt 1873 single action army pistols were made from 1873 until 1941. Early models were known as "pinched frame" models because of the single screw which held the cylinder pin in the frame. About 1891, this system was improved on when a side screw was added on the frame to replace the frame screw which was located in the front of the frame.