All of my 'late' Colts came packed that way, as well.
My earlier ones came in the foam w/cardboard sleeve, the two-piece/w/cardboard sleeve and the 'Stagecoach'.
Packing and shipping likely happens away from the Custom Shop.
To the best of my knowledge, as well as a number of conversations with the Custom Shop guys, all SAA's and New Frontiers are built at the Custom Shop.
Vaya,
Scouts Out!