Factory Engraved Colt Single Action Army SAA P1840Z .45 Revolver & Box 1998

Sold for $3998.99

Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army, 3rd Generation

Serial Number: S20891A

Year of Manufacture: 1998 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .45 Colt

Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .45”. The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F. A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”. The left side of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19, 1871 / JULY 2,72 JAN. 19,75” and with the “Rampant Colt” logo. The underside of the frame at the grip frame is marked “S20891A”. The front and back strap are both marked “S20891A” on the left side. The left of the backstrap is also marked “5”. The left front of the trigger guard is marked with a “VP” in a triangle, the rear “4”. The front of the cylinder is marked “891”, found again on the rear of the loading gate and hand-scribed on the inside of each of the American Eagle grip panels. The revolver has factory engraving on the barrel, cylinder, frame and grip frame.

Barrel Length: 4 3/4?

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a quarter round blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square groove in the top strap.

Stock Configuration and Condition: The installed grips are smooth bone panels made by Jim Martin secured to a wood center piece which is concealed by the frame when installed. The grips have some grain lines showing and there is a nick in the rear edge of the left panel. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition.

Also included are two-piece checkered black hard rubber panels with rampant colt in oval at their tops and American Eagle at their bottoms. The factory grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. There is a spot of wear at the muzzle on the left, another on the outside of the ejector tab and a little on the front of the ejector housing. There is some thinning on the front edges of the cylinder and the sides of the trigger guard. The cylinder has scattered light turn-wear. There are a few other scattered minor marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions properly. The cylinder locks up with barely perceptible play on each chamber. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes in a two-piece blue cardboard Colt box with white cardboard sleeve with serial-matching label, the additional grips as described, an assortment of factory paperwork including two manuals, original sales receipt dated 2/25/1999 and a target with one hole in the 10-ring signed “First shot / Fired from / 45 Colt / S20819A / [signature] / 3-18-99”.

Our Assessment: In 1974, Colt quietly discontinued production of the single Action Army; this would be the second time they discontinued production of this glorious revolver. Luckily, the loyal fans of the SAA would not need to wait long as colt would bring back the SAA in 1976 as the “3rd Generation”. Changes were made but the basic SAA was the same, i.e. three standard barrel lengths of 4 ¾”, 5 ½” and 7 ½”, finishes of full nickel or blue, with color case hardened frame, and grips of hard rubber.

There have also been some limited production runs with a variety of features, and this is an interesting example. From the Colt Custom Shop, this revolver has a 4 3/4″ barrel, is chambered for the original .45 Colt cartridge and has factory engraving.

Everyone should have a Colt Single Action Army, and this would be a beauty to add to any collection. The pistol’s high condition, factory engraving, and beautiful case color finish will make it suitable for addition to even an advanced collection, but it is also chambered for a classic cartridge which can still be found and would make for a fun shooter that will draw some eyes at the range. Please see our photos and good luck!