Make: Colt

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

Serial Number: 0402SM

Year of Manufacture: 1960, shipped 1961

Caliber: .45 Colt

Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder

Barrel Length: 3"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a quarter round blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square groove integral to the top strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth walnut panels. The inside of each panel has "402" hand-written. The grips have only a few minor marks, most notable is a small nick on the bottom of the left panel. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-plus condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original, numbers match.

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, just a little stubborn fouling. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are a few scattered light marks, most notable around the outside of the cylinder. The action shows light operational wear including minor turn-wear on the cylinder, mostly in the stop-notches. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. Most screw heads are sharp, a couple show light tool marks. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: None.

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 Fine condition with 97% 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!