Factory Engraved Colt European Model Single Action Army 9mm Revolver, 1992
SOLD FOR: $3,282.00
WOA#: WY240415EH044
Make: Colt
Model: European Model Single Action Army, 3rd Generation
Serial Number: SA95426
Year of Manufacture: 1992 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: 9mm Luger (9x19mm, 9mm Parabellum)
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY”. The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F. A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”. The left side of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19, 1871 / JULY 2,72 JAN. 19,75” and with the “Rampant Colt” logo. The underside of the frame at the grip frame is marked “SA95426”. The front and back strap are both marked “SA95426” on the left side. The left front of the trigger guard is marked with a “VP” in a triangle and at the rear with a “0”. The front of the cylinder is marked “428” (this appears to be a factory error). The rear face of the cylinder is marked “9mm”, the bottom-rear of the barrel is marked “9MM”. The revolver has Class A factory engraving on the barrel, cylinder, frame and grip frame.
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 grips are two-piece smooth wood panels with silver-colored Colt medallions. The grips have 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: Nickel
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 95% of its metal finish. The balance is mostly in scattered minor freckling and cloudiness in the nickel finish, most notable on the cylinder. There are tiny finish losses on the left edge of the trigger guard above the trigger. There are a few other scattered minor marks which don’t go through the finish and light handling marks. The screw heads are generally sharp, the grip screw is disfigured with a usable slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in Fine 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 two-piece blue cardboard Colt box with blue flock tray.
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 factory engraved guns even moreso. This is an example of a “European Model” SAA, which is chambered for 9mm Luger, a very scarce chambering for this model. Only 270 of these revolvers were made in 1991 and 1992, each with nickel finish and Colt Class A factory engraving.
Everyone should have a Colt Single Action Army, and this would be a beauty to add to any collection. It’s very limited production, the pistol’s condition, factory engraving, and quite rare chambering will make it suitable for addition to even an advanced collection, but it is also chambered for a common, inexpensive cartridge which would make for a fun shooter that will draw some eyes at the range. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
