Factory Cutaway Colt Single Action Army SAA .45 Revolver & Letter, MFD 1991
SOLD FOR: $4,625
LSB#: 240104HE001
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, 3rd Generation, Factory Cutaway
Serial Number: SA92977
Year of Manufacture: 1991 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
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 grip is one-piece smooth walnut with a silver Colt medallion on the right. The left has been cut away at the top-front to show the interaction of the hammer roller with the mainspring. The grip has no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grip is in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Nickel, Fire-Blue Hammer, Trigger, Cylinder Pin, Ejector Rod Head and Screws
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions properly. The cylinder locks up with very minor 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 maroon cardboard Colt box with two-piece styrofoam insert, serial-matching label, and an assortment of factory paperwork including manual. A Colt Archives letter is included confirming the gun’s configuration, indicating that it shipped March 30, 1991 to Southern Ohio Gun Distributors in Lebanon, Ohio.
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 a very interesting example. In general, nickel finished SAAs are considered desirable to collectors, and additional special features only add to a revolver’s collector value. This example not only has fire-blued trim, it is a factory cutaway. The included letter includes remarks related to cutaways. It notes that, as with many other cutaway firearms, these are typically made to display the internal workings of a firearm for educational and demonstration purposes. The letter indicates that “this is the first time that Colt has produced a decorative special edition of this nature”. A special-order nickel-finished SAA would be quite the find with factory fire-blued trim, but a factory cutaway? This is a truly rare find with the included letter. It is also worth noting that the letter indicates that only 100 of these revolvers were produced.
Everyone should have a Colt Single Action Army, and this would be a beauty to add to any collection. Its very limited production, the pistol’s high condition, special features, and being a factory cutaway will make for a wonderful addition to even an advanced collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
