Standard Manufacturing sets new standard for the Single Action Army

A few months ago we were investigating a new revolver made by Standard Manufacturing, the S333 Thunderstruck and happened upon their web site. In looking over their products we noticed they offered several unique shotguns, ARs, 1911s and a Single Action Army revolver.

Standard Manufacturing SAA

Intrigued, we made a few queries, asking if they were high-end Italian imports or if they were made here from the leftover machinery from the former US Fire Arms Manufacturibg Company.

The answer was a firm, “None of these”, and while corresponding with Standard, we were invited to see their “six-gun” at the 2020 Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show in Las Vegas.

What we saw in person, were simply breathtaking revolvers that completely exceeded expectations.

Standard Manufacturing SAA, engraved in nickel

Standard Manufacturing's Single Action Revolvers are completely machined from 4140 tool steel at their plant in New Britain, Connecticut. There is no casting, no MIM (metal injection molded) or any other methods used in their manufacture.

The gunsmiths at Standard have machined this entire gun. Almost every single part and the manufacturing process of the Single Action revolver is done in-house at their plant in New Britain, Connecticut.

As an aside, when we asked about the connection between this revolver and the former USFA Company, we were pleased to hear that many of those employees are putting their skills and craftsmanship to work at Standard.

The quality of the bone and charcoal case hardening on their revolvers looks alive with swirls of brown, bronze, blue and green and blues and green hues. Right off the bat, you know that no two of these revolvers will look exactly the same. As it should be.
If you thought that royal blue finish was something to marvel at on the old Colt Pyton's of yore, feast your eyes on the glossy blue grip frame, barrel and cylinder.

The author's first generation Colt SAA from 1903 pales in comparison to Standard's revolver

The screws of course are fire-blued and are timed. The timing means they all follow the same horizontal line when properly installed. That is what is known as attention to detail and something only seen on custom SAA revolvers.

Walnut grips come standard and even though higher grades are offered, the ones we saw looked like custom grade.

The hammer cocks with a traditional four clicks and we would put the trigger as somewhere between 2 and 3 pounds.

Obviously, we did not get a chance to shoot one of these revolvers but we are hoping to do so down the road for a full-length feature on these amazingly hand-crafted revolvers.

We apologize in advance for the photo quality as this particular area of the show had poor lighting, but hope to obtain a Standard Mfg. revolver for a complete review and justifiable photo session.

Capacity: 6 rounds
Barrel Length: 4 ¾”, (5 ½”, 7 ½” available)
Grips: Two-piece walnut
Sights: Fixed
Weight: 40 oz.
Finish: Frame is bone and charcoal color case hardened. Barrel, cylinder, and metal parts are blued. All screws and pins are fire blued.
MSRP: $1,895

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