Factory Cutaway Colt Single Action Army 3rd Gen SAA .45 Colt. 4 3/4″, C&R

SOLD FOR: $6,954.00

LSB#: LSB251006JW008

Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army, 3rd Generation, Factory Cutaway

Serial Number: SA92839

Year of Manufacture: 1990 ( 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 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 a few light nicks, most notable on the left. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grip is in Excellent condition.

Engraving:  The right side of the Revolver is engraved with Class “B” scroll engraving performed by Colt Master Engraver Jan Gwinnell.  This was to exhibit the potential engraving that was available from the Colt Custom Shop.   

Type of Finish: Nickel, Fire-Blue Hammer, Trigger, Cylinder Pin, Ejector Rod Head and Screws

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: This SAA is unfired due to it’s cutaway nature. 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 99.9% 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 correctly although, due to the cutouts sowing the mechanism on the barrel, cylinder and frame, firing should NOT be attempted. 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 from the Colt Custom Shop with a Colt Factory letter and standard Colt factory paperwork.  The included Colt Archives letter confirms the gun’s configuration, indicating that it was engraved by Colt Master Engraver Jan Gwinnell, shipped September 21, 1990 to Southern Ohio Gun Distributors in Lebanon, Ohio. Please see Our Assessment for a further discussion of the letter and the box’s serial-matching label.

Our Assessment: A special-order nickel-finished SAA would be quite the find with factory fire-blued trim and class “B” engraving, but a factory cutaway is among the rarest examples ever produced! This is a truly rare find with the included letter that would be the highlight of any Colt Single Action collection. 

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 3/4”, 5 1/2” and 7 1/2”, 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 and Class “B” engraving on the right side only, it is a factory cutaway to be used for dealer sales and demonstration purposes. The included letter includes remarks related to cutaways that 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”. It is also worth noting that the letter indicates that a total of 100 of these revolvers were produced to various specifications. In our correspondence with Colt Archives for a previous example, we were informed that only 35 incorporated Class “B” scroll engraving, with this revolver engraved by Jan Gwinnell.

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 for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bids!

BF