Factory Engraved Colt Single Action Army SAA Orange County County Sheriff
SOLD FOR: $3325
LSB#: 211227HE02
Make: Colt’s PT. F.A. MFG. Co.
Model: Single Action Army, 3rd Generation
Serial Number: SHERRIFFOC5
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. / 5”. The left side of each portion of the grip frame was marked with a standard SAA serial number 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 “5” and the left of the frontstrap is marked with a “4”. 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 “5” and the rear “45”. The back of the loading gate is marked “160”. The barrel, cylinder, frame and grip frame have Class “B” scroll engraving engraving in the style of Wilbur Glahn with the backstrap engraved with “TO” and “FROM on banners next to “Zee Allred / SHERIFF BRAD GATES”. There is an embossed badge on the left grip panel marked “SHERIFF / ORANGE COUNTY / CAL.”. The inside of each grip panel has “160” hand-written.
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. The grips have minor play to the frame. Overall, the grips are in about Fine-Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Silver
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are only a few scattered minor marks. The finish has a few spots of minor tarnish which should clean up easily. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Excellent 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 custom shop display case.
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” 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 Excellent condition with 98% of its metal finish and comes with a nice Colt Custom Shop display case.
This gun was apparently gifted from Orange County Sheriff Brad Gates (Sheriff 1975-1999), who was personally endorsed by John Wayne in his first election, to Zee Allred, an Orange County based entrepreneur to turned a $500 loan into a multi-million dollar pool products business, Pool Water Products, with locations in five different states. It’s always interesting to have a gun with some history! Please see our photos and good luck!