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MANUFACTURER · UPDATED MAY 16, 2026

Used Colt Values 2026:
Every Model, Every Caliber.

Colt's Manufacturing Company was founded in 1855 by Samuel Colt in Hartford, Connecticut. Colt produced the U.S. military's standard sidearm from the 1873 Single Action Army through the 1985-issue M1911A1, and the M16/M4 platform. On the collector market, Colt is unrivaled in depth: pre-WWII Single Action Armies, 1st/2nd/3rd Generation SAAs, the Python (1955-1999 originals + 2020-onward reissues), the Anaconda, and pre-Series 80 1911s all command meaningful premiums. Pre-1986 Sporter and pre-ban AR-15 production is also separately valued.

Founded: 1855 Country: USA Total models listed: 305
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Jump to a Category 305 models — find yours fast

Single Action Army (SAA)

The Peacemaker — produced 1873-present in three Generations. 1st Gen (1873-1940) is the most collected.

Python / Snake Series Revolvers

The Python (1955), Anaconda (1990), Diamondback (1966), King Cobra (1986), Cobra (1950), Boa, and Viper. The 'Snake Series' is the most-collected modern American revolver line.

1911 Pistols

Government Model 1911 in every era — pre-WWI, WWI, WWII, Series 70, Series 80, post-Series 80, and modern Custom Shop.

AR-15 / M16 / M4 Sporters

Colt's AR-15 / M16 / M4 platform civilian rifles. Pre-ban (pre-1994 Sporter) examples are particularly collected.

Modern Pistols (Non-1911)

Colt's non-1911 modern semi-autos — the All-American 2000, Double Eagle, and AR rifle-derived pistols.

Cap & Ball / Black Powder

Original 19th-century percussion revolvers and modern Italian-made reproductions imported under the Colt name.

Lever-Action Rifles (Burgess / Lightning)

19th-century Colt lever-action and slide-action rifles. Highly collected.

Limited Editions / Engraved / Anniversary

Custom Shop, Heritage, and special-run guns — some of the most collectible production firearms in the U.S. market.

Colt Value FAQ

How do I tell which generation my Colt SAA is?

1st Generation Single Action Armies were produced 1873-1940 (serials roughly 1-357,859). 2nd Generation ran 1956-1974 (serials with an SA suffix). 3rd Generation began in 1976 (serials with SA prefix). 1st Gens are the most collected; original-condition examples in any caliber routinely exceed $5,000-15,000+. Antique 1st Gens (made before 1899) have legal advantages (no FFL required for transfer in many jurisdictions).

What's the difference between an original Python and a 2020 Reintroduction?

Original Pythons (1955-1999) used hand-fitted, hand-polished internal parts and the famous Royal Blue or Bright Stainless finish. The 2020 Reintroduction uses CNC-machined parts, an updated lockwork, and a stainless steel construction. Originals trade for $3,000-7,000+ in good condition; the 2020 reissue retails near $1,500 and trades close to MSRP. Different markets — collectors want originals.

Why is the Colt Python so valuable today?

Production stopped in 1999 and demand outstripped supply through the 2010s, with prices climbing from $1,000 in 2000 to $4,000-6,000 by 2019. The 2020 Reintroduction has cooled the original market slightly but original Royal Blue 6" examples in collector-grade condition still bring strong premiums. The 'Snake Series' (Python, Anaconda, Diamondback, King Cobra, Cobra) is the most collected modern American revolver line.

Are Series 70 1911s preferred over Series 80?

Yes, by a noticeable margin. Series 70 (1970-1983) lacks the Series 80 firing-pin block/safety mechanism and is considered to have a crisper trigger. Many shooters and collectors consider Series 70 the gold-standard Government Model. Pre-Series 70 examples (1911 → 1969) are even more collectible. The current Series 70 Reissue (2002-present) honors the original spec but isn't valued the same as a vintage Series 70.