Colt 2nd Gen Sheriff’s Model Single Action Army .45 LC Revolver, 1960 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3276
LSB#: 211025HE04
Make: Colt
Model: Sheriff’s Model Single Action Army, 2nd Generation
Serial Number: 0332SM
Year of Manufacture: 1960
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT SHERIFFS MODEL .45” (there is some gold paint-fill in this marking), 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 a rampant colt. The underside of the frame at the grip frame is marked “0332SM”. The left side of each portion of the grip frame is marked “0332SM” under the grips. The left front of the trigger guard is marked with a “VP” in a triangle and at the rear with a “P”, the right front is marked “5”. The front face of the cylinder is marked “332”, the rear face is marked with a rampant colt. The rear face of the frame (under the grip) and the rear of the loading gate each have assembly number “378”.
Barrel Length: 3”
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 smooth walnut panels. The grips have a few scattered minor nicks and scuffs, but no notable damage. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 98% of its metal finish. The cylinder has minor turn-wear and faint scuffing. There are a few scattered minor nicks and scuffs in the grip frame, mostly in the butt and backstrap. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. Most screw heads are sharp, the grip screw is disfigured, but useable. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Fine-Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with almost no play on each of the 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 in a faux-wood cardboard Colt box without label, with two-piece styrofoam inserts. The box shows scattered storage wear with fraying an tears at edges and corners.
Our Assessment: Colt’s Model 1873, the Single Action Army, is the “gun that won the west”, perhaps the most iconic handgun of all time. For nearly 150 years, the gun has been produced in a variety of configurations, finishes and calibers with three separate generations (some would say four!). This makes them a prime piece for collectors who may wish to acquire specific variations or one of each. This revolver is a particularly scarce model and a beauty to behold.
Produced in 1960, this is one of only 503 Sheriff’s Models produced in the 2nd Generation. Ordered by Centennial Arms Company, there were 478 blued and 25 nickel finish Sheriff’s Models made during the post-war 2nd Generation production with “SM” serial suffix denoting Sheriff’s Model. In the previous 1st Generation, these short-barreled revolvers would have been a special-order gun, the later 3rd Generation would see them offered as a distinct production model. It seems that somehow, the 2nd Generation may have the fewest Sheriff’s Models made.
In Excellent condition with 98% of its original finish, a bright bore with sharp rifling and strong mechanics, this revolver will add to even advanced Colt collections. With a 3″ barrel, no ejector rod assembly, and chambered for the classic .45 Colt cartridge, this Sheriffs model is a classy revolver from muzzle to butt, perfect for adding to a collection or as a BBQ gun. Who knows when you’ll get another chance to bid on one of the only 2nd Gen Sheriff’s models? Please see our photos and good luck!