Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this ULTRA RARE single-action revolver for a penny-start auction; this is the Colt Sheriff's Model Single Action Army!
The Sheriff’s Model SAA (1961 Model) in .45 Long Colt is a rare and distinctive Colt revolver, produced in a limited run of just 503 examples for Centennial Arms Corp. Easily identified by its compact 3-inch barrel and lack of an ejector rod housing, each revolver carried a serial number ending with the “SM” suffix. Of the total manufactured, 478 were finished in the traditional blue and case-hardened combination, while only 25 were produced in nickel, making both variations highly collectible today.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Sheriff's Model Single Action Army
Serial: 0055SM
Date of Manufacture: 1961
Caliber: .45 Colt
Finish: Blue with Color Case Hardened Frame
Barrel Length: 3" with No Ejector Rod Housing
Optics/Sights: Integral Blade Front with Frame Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut
Action: Single-Action Revolver
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt “Sheriff’s Model” Single Action Army is a law-enforcement–oriented variant of Colt’s legendary Single Action Army (SAA) revolver that traces its heritage to nearly 150 years of Colt production in Hartford, Conn. Fundamentally it retains the SAA’s simple, proven mechanics — an exposed hammer that must be cocked for each shot, a swinging loading gate for single-cartridge loading, and a short, crisp single-action trigger — but its design and historical use set it apart. Produced in many barrel lengths, calibers, and finishes over the decades, the Sheriff’s Model (sometimes called the “Storekeeper’s Model” by collectors) was originally made without an ejector rod or ejector-rod housing to create a simpler, easier-to-carry revolver for frontier users who prioritized compactness and concealability over rapid reloading. Colt would build these guns to special order with barrels of virtually any length, though 3" and 4" barrels proved most popular; the omission of the ejector saved weight and produced a cleaner, smaller profile that suited short engagements and everyday carry in the frontier era. That historical choice had practical and structural consequences that collectors and shooters still note today. Early Sheriff’s Models were made by modifying standard SAA frames — removing the small loop/socket on the front right edge used to anchor the ejector housing — which produced a non-symmetrical, somewhat awkward profile. In subsequent short production runs (including post-World War II remakes and modern commemoratives), Colt used a purpose-made frame with a pleasing symmetrical contour. Functionally, the ejectorless design changes the reload procedure: users remove fired cases one at a time through the loading gate with a short dowel or similar tool (historically a wooden dowel; modern shooters often use a pencil or ballpoint pen), a slower process than using a rod but perfectly acceptable for the role these guns were intended to fill. The Sheriff’s Model’s blend of historical authenticity, practical frontier pedigree, and the distinctive aesthetic of an ejectorless SAA makes it highly desirable to collectors; well-documented, original examples and attractive later remakes both command premium interest for their linkage to Colt’s long SAA legacy.
Condition:
Model: Sheriff's Model Single Action Army
Serial: 0055SM
Date of Manufacture: 1961
Caliber: .45 Colt
Finish: Blue with Color Case Hardened Frame
Barrel Length: 3" with No Ejector Rod Housing
Optics/Sights: Integral Blade Front with Frame Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut
Action: Single-Action Revolver
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt “Sheriff’s Model” Single Action Army is a law-enforcement–oriented variant of Colt’s legendary Single Action Army (SAA) revolver that traces its heritage to nearly 150 years of Colt production in Hartford, Conn. Fundamentally it retains the SAA’s simple, proven mechanics — an exposed hammer that must be cocked for each shot, a swinging loading gate for single-cartridge loading, and a short, crisp single-action trigger — but its design and historical use set it apart. Produced in many barrel lengths, calibers, and finishes over the decades, the Sheriff’s Model (sometimes called the “Storekeeper’s Model” by collectors) was originally made without an ejector rod or ejector-rod housing to create a simpler, easier-to-carry revolver for frontier users who prioritized compactness and concealability over rapid reloading. Colt would build these guns to special order with barrels of virtually any length, though 3" and 4" barrels proved most popular; the omission of the ejector saved weight and produced a cleaner, smaller profile that suited short engagements and everyday carry in the frontier era. That historical choice had practical and structural consequences that collectors and shooters still note today. Early Sheriff’s Models were made by modifying standard SAA frames — removing the small loop/socket on the front right edge used to anchor the ejector housing — which produced a non-symmetrical, somewhat awkward profile. In subsequent short production runs (including post-World War II remakes and modern commemoratives), Colt used a purpose-made frame with a pleasing symmetrical contour. Functionally, the ejectorless design changes the reload procedure: users remove fired cases one at a time through the loading gate with a short dowel or similar tool (historically a wooden dowel; modern shooters often use a pencil or ballpoint pen), a slower process than using a rod but perfectly acceptable for the role these guns were intended to fill. The Sheriff’s Model’s blend of historical authenticity, practical frontier pedigree, and the distinctive aesthetic of an ejectorless SAA makes it highly desirable to collectors; well-documented, original examples and attractive later remakes both command premium interest for their linkage to Colt’s long SAA legacy.
Condition:
This example is overall in Astonishing condition, showing no evidence of regular use or handling that we can see!
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
