While not a first generation model, U.S. Firearms offers a modern Sheriff's Model available in a variety of configurations.
May 17, 2012
By Bart Skelton
Variety is certainly the spice of life, and that holds true when it comes to firearms. I've admired a lot of different models and styles of guns and calibers, particularly when it comes to unusual specimens. One of the rarest variations of the Colt Single Action Army, for instance, was the Sheriff's Model.
The Sheriff's Model was just a single action revolver sans ejector rod and ejector rod housing. Colt didn't just leave the ejector rod housing off – they used a different frame that didn't feature the ejector housing well on the right side. The Sheriff's Model was available in a number of barrel lengths, the most popular being the shorter versions, more or less designed as a concealed carry revolver, since the lack of ejector rod housing made the gun easier to carry in the waistband, pocket, etc.
I've handled several first generation Sheriff's Models and have always been a fan of them. The missing ejector rod takes a little weight off of the front end, making the revolver balance a little differently. Of course, removing empty cases from the cylinder is a little tricky since there's no ejector rod, but with a little practice, it can be done.
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A few years back, I was able to beat my old friend, Lance Olson, out of a great little Sheriff's Model with a two-inch barrel. The gun had been customized from an original by the wizard gunsmith, Kenny Howell. My little Colt is chambered for .22 Mag and is a real beauty. Colt didn't chamber any first generation Sheriff's Model revolver in .22 Mag, so historically it's not correct, but an excellent little piece regardless, and a lot of fun to shoot.
