Colt Sauer Sporting Rifle 7mm Rem. mag 24″ Bolt Action Rifle, MFD 1978
SOLD FOR: $1,705.00
LSB#: LSB260224HE082
Make: Colt Sauer / J.P. Sauer & Sohn; W. Germany
Model: Sporting Rifle
Serial Number: CR19704
Year of Manufacture: 1978 (HJ Date Code)
Caliber: 7mm Remington Magnum
Action Type: Bolt Action, fed by Detachable Magazine.
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT.F.A MFG. CO., HARTFORD, CT, U.S.A.”. The left side of the barrel is marked “Cal. 7MM Rem. Mag.”. The left side of the receiver is marked with the serial number and “COLT SAUER / SPORTING RIFLE”, along with the rampant Colt logo, and the J.P. Sauer & Sohn logo. The left side of the receiver is marked “Made in W. Germany / by J.P. Sauer & Sohn”, along with a couple of proof marks, and the “HJ” date code.
Barrel Length: 24″
Sights / Optics: There are no provisions for iron sights. The top of the receiver is mounted with a Leupold Vari-X II 3-9×40 scope, with a duplex reticle. The glass in the scope is clear. The scope shows light handling wear, with only a couple of very minor dings in the scope’s finish. Overall, the scope rates in Fine to Excellent condition. The scope is mounted to the receiver by a two-piece base, and sits in 1″ rings.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered walnut stock, with a rosewood capped semi-pistol grip, fluted monte carlo comb with cheekpiece, vented black rubber Colt Sauer buttpad, a rosewood capped checkered forend, and sling rings front and rear. There is a leather sling attached to the stock. The stock shows light wear, with a few light scratches and dings scattered throughout. The checkering is well defined. The stock’s finish is largely intact, with one very minor spot of bubbling finish on the bottom of the forend, just below the checkering. The wood grain is attractive. The stock fits tightly to the barreled action, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stock rates in Very Good condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 1x 3rd factory Colt Sauer magazine, in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some fouling present. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9.75/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows minor handling wear, with only minor superficial imperfections present. The bluing is deep, dark, and intact throughout. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the tang mounted safety. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with the sling, scope, and magazine as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: The Colt Sauer Sporting Rifle was a premium bolt-action hunting rifle produced through Colt’s partnership with J.P. Sauer & Sohn of West Germany, combining Colt branding with Sauer’s high-grade European sporting rifle craftsmanship. This 1978 example is chambered in 7mm Remington Magnum, a popular flat-shooting magnum cartridge well regarded for long-range hunting and medium to large game applications. This rifle features a 24″ barrel, detachable 3-round factory magazine, tang-mounted safety, attractive checkered walnut stock with rosewood grip cap and forend tip, leather sling, and a Leupold Vari-X II 3-9×40 scope with clear glass. The West German Sauer manufacture, Colt association, classic walnut-and-blue presentation, and versatile magnum chambering should appeal to collectors and hunters looking for a refined vintage sporting rifle with quality glass already installed.
This rifle rates in Fine overall condition, retaining about 99% of its original blued finish with only minor handling wear and superficial imperfections. The bore is bright with sharp rifling, no erosion, and some fouling present, rating 9.75/10 in this writer’s opinion. The walnut stock rates in Very Good condition, showing light scratches and dings, well-defined checkering, attractive grain, a tight fit, and no chips or cracks, with one very minor spot of finish bubbling on the underside of the forend. The bluing remains deep, dark, and intact throughout, the markings are clear and legible, the screw heads are sharp, and the action and tang safety function correctly. The Leupold scope rates in Fine to Excellent condition, and the included factory Colt Sauer magazine is in Excellent condition, adding further appeal to this clean and well-equipped sporting rifle package. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition, and good luck on your bids! – J.D.