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Author Topic: Just bought a Colt Single Action Army.  (Read 717 times)

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Offline Redhawk1

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Just bought a Colt Single Action Army.
« on: October 15, 2005, 11:02:21 AM »
I just got back from the gun shop with a new gun. It is an older Colt Single Action Army. It is nickel plated with factory stag horn grips, and unfired. It came in with no drag marks but the gun shop turned the cylinder to check out the gun and it now has a fine line around the cylinder. It is in the original box with all the paper work, including a letter from Colt. It is in mint condition. It is a 5 1/2 inch's 45L/C.

My question is, how do you tell what year it was made and what collectors value it my have? It has a model number of P2851 and the Serial number starts SAXXXXX. Any help would be appreciated.  :D
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Offline Iowegan

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Just bought a Colt Single Action Army.
« Reply #1 on: October 15, 2005, 12:35:39 PM »
From your model number P-2851, the following info was available:
P= Single Action
1st digit, 2= Colt Custom shop, black powder frame
2nd digit, 8= 45 Colt Caliber
3rd digit, 5= 5 1/2" barrel
4th digit, 1= Nickle Plated

The gun is a third generation SAA. It was special ordered through the Colt Custom Gun Shop between 1976 and 1995 (depending on actual S/N). Even though this isn't an old model, it still has considerable value. The going price in new condition is at least $2000, probably more. The black powder frame, grips (either elk horn or buffalo horn), the nickle finish, and the box all add value. If it has a tuned trigger or a number of other special order things, the value will be even more.

You can contact the Colt Custom Shop for all the features, options, and date of manufacturer.

Might I ask what you paid for this wonderful specimen?
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Offline Redhawk1

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Just bought a Colt Single Action Army.
« Reply #2 on: October 15, 2005, 01:50:16 PM »
Quote from: Iowegan
From your model number P-2851, the following info was available:
P= Single Action
1st digit, 2= Colt Custom shop, black powder frame
2nd digit, 8= 45 Colt Caliber
3rd digit, 5= 5 1/2" barrel
4th digit, 1= Nickle Plated

The gun is a third generation SAA. It was special ordered through the Colt Custom Gun Shop between 1976 and 1995 (depending on actual S/N). Even though this isn't an old model, it still has considerable value. The going price in new condition is at least $2000, probably more. The black powder frame, grips (either elk horn or buffalo horn), the nickle finish, and the box all add value. If it has a tuned trigger or a number of other special order things, the value will be even more.

You can contact the Colt Custom Shop for all the features, options, and date of manufacturer.

Might I ask what you paid for this wonderful specimen?


Iowegan, thanks for the information. I paid $1800 for it. They were asking $1900.
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Offline Iowegan

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Just bought a Colt Single Action Army.
« Reply #3 on: October 16, 2005, 06:42:34 AM »
Redhawk1, You got an excellent deal on the Colt. Back in 1985, I ordered a similar gun from the Colt Custom Shop. The base price was $1380 plus  $80 for black eagle grips. Mine Colt is now worth about $2200.

Here's the 1985 cost on options taken from my Colt order form:

$175 custom barrel length (5 1/2 or 7 1/2 were standard)
$125 tuned action
$228 extra cylinder
$65 beveled front of cylinder
$200 mirror blue finish
$200 nickle finish
$425 gold or silver plating
$80 black eagle grips
$85 smooth walnut grips
$275 elkhorn grips
$225 buffalo horn grips
$375 mother of pearl grips
$575 ivory grips

There were also extra charges for personalized options too. Things like initials on the grips, name engraved on the gun, and a personalized serial number all cost quite a bit. Unless the original owner was a famous person, those extras devalue the gun.

Today, the base price of a Colt from the custom shop will run over $2200 plus any added features. Typically, any feature Colt no longer offers will add more value to a previous made gun. Your black powder frame is a good example. Though it was included in the base price, it now adds about $200 to the value. Your gun could easily appraise for $2500. If you shoot it, you can subtract about $500.
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Offline wile326

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Just bought a Colt Single Action Army.
« Reply #4 on: October 16, 2005, 11:51:43 AM »
Redhawk1, you did get a great deal. I just placed an order with the custom shop. I hope you enjoy it. Are you going to shoot it?

I scanned and placed the current Colt Custom Shop Options price list on my server, if any one wants it, it can be found here:

www.uralrider.com/ccso.pdf

if you have any trouble down loading it just let me know.



www.uralrider.com
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Offline Redhawk1

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Just bought a Colt Single Action Army.
« Reply #5 on: October 20, 2005, 06:38:07 AM »
Quote from: wile326
Redhawk1, you did get a great deal. I just placed an order with the custom shop. I hope you enjoy it. Are you going to shoot it?

I scanned and placed the current Colt Custom Shop Options price list on my server, if any one wants it, it can be found here:

www.uralrider.com/ccso.pdf

if you have any trouble down loading it just let me know.



www.uralrider.com


I said I was not going to collect guns. I like to shoot them, but I may make an exception and not shoot it.
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Offline timothy

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Just bought a Colt Single Action Army.
« Reply #6 on: October 25, 2005, 03:59:21 PM »
If youd like to email me the seriel number I'll tell you the year of manufacture.
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Offline Redhawk1

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Just bought a Colt Single Action Army.
« Reply #7 on: October 25, 2005, 05:10:07 PM »
Quote from: timothy
If youd like to email me the seriel number I'll tell you the year of manufacture.


Send me your e-mail address. Mine is below.  :D
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If  you're going to make a hole, make it a big one.
ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ
Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you,
Jesus Christ and the American G. I.
One died for your soul, the other for your freedom

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Offline jro45

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Just bought a Colt Single Action Army.
« Reply #8 on: October 26, 2005, 07:09:46 AM »
Sounds like you might have something Redhawk1. Good Luck
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