Colt Sauer Model Grand African .458 Win Mag 25.5″ Bolt Action Rifle 1978

SOLD FOR:  $2125

LSB#: 210330DP10

Make: J.P. Sauer & Sohn for Colt

Model: Grand African

Serial Number: CR19025

Year of Manufacture: 1978 (HJ Date Code)

Caliber: .458 Win. Mag.

Action Type: Bolt Action with Removable Magazine

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “.458 Win. Mag.”. The left side of the receiver is marked “CR19025”, “COLT SAUER / GRAND AFRICAN”, with circled rampant colt and J.P. Sauer logos. The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO., HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.” The right side of the receiver is marked “Made in W. Germany / by J.P. Sauer & Sohn” on the chamber ring and has proofs and the date code at the rear. The right side of the barrel is stamped with a German eagle over “N” proof and a Colt triangle “VP” proof. The underside of the bolt handle is marked with an eagle over “N” proof and “19025”.

Barrel Length: 23 ½”, 25 ½” to Aftermarket Muzzle Brake

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a white beaded blade dovetailed into a checkered ramped base screwed to the barrel. The rear sight is a Williams wide “V” valley dovetailed into a base that is on an elevation ramp screwed to the barrel. The top of the receiver is drilled, tapped, and filled.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece checkered walnut with darker wood nose and grip caps, pistol grip, monte carlo comb with cheekpiece, and ventilated black rubber Colt Sauer recoil pad. There is a sling stud at the rear and another mounted to the barrel. The grip cap has an inlaid rampant colt medallion. There are a few little compressions and draglines. The compressions are very few, the most noticeable is on the cheekpiece towards the rear. There are a few scattered spots where the finish is separating from the wood, most noticeable on the right side on the edge above the checkering. The checkering is sharp. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the recoil pad. The pad is still supple with minor wear. Overall, the stock is in about Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

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

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are a couple tiny marks on the receiver, hardly noticeable. The bolt handle has a few little scuffs and tiny marks into the finish. The barrel has some draglines and there are some little marks that are hardly noticeable. The muzzle brake has a few freckles of frost. The muzzle brake is aftermarket. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly and smoothly. The trigger is crisp. There is a loaded chamber indicator on the left of the chamber ring. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with a 4-round Colt Sauer magazine in about Excellent condition.

Our Assessment: From 1974 to 1985, Colt contracted J.P. Sauer and Sons to make a high quality bolt action rifle and Sauer came through, manufacturing the Colt Sauer in several action lengths. This is the Grand African chambered in .458 Winchester Magnum, this one has had an aftermarket muzzle brake added but it looks good and at first glance you’d think its factory. The unique non rotating bolt makes cycling this rifle smoother than most. Chambered in the powerful .458 cartridge, this rifle is suitable for hunting in Africa as the name implies but it is also just a beautiful rifle to add to your collection. The rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish, a great bore, and an attractive stock. This will make a great addition to your collection. Please see our photos and good luck!