Factory Class B Engraved Colt Single Action Army SAA .45 Revolver, 1993 C&R
SOLD FOR: $9550
LSB#: 230727HE014
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army, 3rd Generation
Serial Number: SA98666
Year of Manufacture: 1993, ATF C&R
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 ivory. The grip has no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Gold Plated with Ink Baked Accents
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 and properly timed. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Excellent 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 an English-fit wood display case with lidded accessory compartment and a wood cartridge block. A Colt Archives letter is included confirming that this revolver shipped in its current configuration on September 23, 1993 to Bangers Distributors in Birmingham, Alabama as the only gun of its type in the shipment (see Our Assessment for more information from the letter).
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. The gun was custom-ordered with Class “B” engraving from Colt Master Engraver Alvin White. The engraving incorporates the front sight and hammer as well as decoration on the screws for the trigger, hammer and bolt. Speaking of screws, the screws are “qualified”, meaning they are all timed to have their slots facing the same direction. The revolver is gold-plated with ink-baked accents in the engraving. Finally, the gun has been equipped with a one-piece ivory grip. The result is a beautiful and rare Colt Single Action Army which will add to even advanced collections. It will also display well with its handsome presentation case. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
