Factory Engraved, .45 LC Colt Single Action Army 5 1/2″ SAA Orange County CA Sheriff, Silver Plated

SOLD FOR: $3,226.50
LSB#: 180918JR08

Make: Colt’s PT. F.A. MFG. Co.

Model: Single Action Army, 3rd Generation

Serial Number: SHERRIFFOC14

Year of Manufacture: 2000

Caliber: .45 Colt

Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .45”. 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 “SHERIFF O.C. / 14”. The left side of each portion of the grip frame was marked “S24159A” under the grips, these serial markings have been obscured with a series of “X” stampings. The left of each portion of the grip frame is also marked “14” and the left of the backstrap is marked with a “TD” monogram (Denise Thirion, Colt Expert Engraver). The left front of the trigger guard is marked with a “VP” in a triangle and at the rear with a “4”. The front face of the cylinder is marked “14” and the rear “45”. The back of the loading gate is marked “159”. The barrel, cylinder, frame and grip frame have Class “B” Expert level scroll engraving engraving in the style of Wilbur Glahn with the backstrap engraved with “TO” and “FROM on banners next to “David Lee Reza / SHERIFF BRAD GATES”. There is an embossed badge on the left grip panel marked “SHERIFF / ORANGE COUNTY / CAL.”.

Barrel Length: 5 ½”

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 & Condition: The grips are two-piece bone panels with an embossed OC Sheriff badge on the left panel. Each panel has a few scattered light scuffs and handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine-Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Silver

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is a patch of light erosion approximately halfway down the bore.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 95% of its metal finish. The barrel has several scattered light marks, most notably a cluster on the bottom-left. The frame, grip frame and cylinder show only light handling marks. The silver finish has scattered light tarnish, most of which simply wiped off with a cloth and the remainder should clean up easily. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good-Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lockup produces very little play on all six chambers. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes with a Colt Archive letter detailing the original configuration of the gun as well as some information about its production and where it was originally shipped. The letter is in Excellent condition.

Our Assessment: Everyone should have a Colt Single Action Army, and this would be a nice one to add to any collection. Shipped in 2000, this revolver is part of a special order of 14 such guns for CA’s Orange County Sheriff’s Department, originally shipped to their Advisory Council. It has Class “B” Expert engraving, a factory silver finish and factory carved grips with an Orange County Sheriff’s badge on the left panel. The 5 1/2″ barrel is a nice compromise between the sight radius of 7 1/2″ and the handling of the 4 3/4″. The gun is in about Very Good-Fine condition with 95% of its metal finish and a patch of light erosion in the middle of the otherwise great bore. The gun was apparently customized as a gift from Orange County Sheriff Brad Gates (Sheriff 1975-1999), who was personally endorsed by John Wayne in his first election. We are anxious to hear back from Colt regarding the origins of this revolver as a quick internet search for the intended recipient, David Lee Reza, turns up some interesting information from the Los Angeles Times regarding an individual by that name who got into some trouble with the Orange County Sheriffs. With the gun shipped in 2000 and Sheriff Gates retiring in 1999, it seems likely that this revolver was gifted before these troubles and the gun was sold or transferred during the affair. It’s always interesting to have a gun with some history! Please see our photos and good luck!

CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This single action revolver CAN be transferred as a dealer sale in California and CAN be sold as a Private Party Transfer (PPT) at our Simi Valley shop. This does not apply to out of state residents.