Colt 2nd Gen Sheriff’s Model Single Action Army .45 LC Revolver, 1960 C&R

SOLD FOR: $4275

LSB#: 230221AG001

Make: Colt

Model: Sheriff’s Model Single Action Army, 2nd Generation

Serial Number: 0486SM

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”, 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 “0486SM”. The left side of each portion of the grip frame is marked “0486 SM” 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 “486”, 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 “439”. The inside of each grip has “486” hand-written in white.

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 no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in 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. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 98% of its metal finish. The cylinder has minor turn-wear and faint scuffing. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. Most screw heads are sharp, a couple show minor tool marks. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in 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 two-piece faux-wood cardboard Colt box model-matching label, Colt warranty card and “Handling the Handgun” pamphlet.

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!

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud