SHERIFF'S MODEL Description
.45 LC cal., nickel, blue, cyanide case colored finish, plastic faux stag grips standard.
Aside from the definitive short barrel, Sheriffs Models were made with three features which distinguished them from the rest of the guns. Oral history is that Great Western purchased Colt's existing inventory of single-action parts, cylinder frames, and some tools when they began operations.
When viewed from the bottom, the Sheriffs Model offers strong evidence of this; all Sheriffs Models examined feature a full radius to the front of the cylinder frame, whereas the Great Western frames exhibit a pinched and elliptical appearance. Further, all of the Sheriffs Models examined feature a Colt hammer with the firing pin and a hole through the recoil shield. It is believed that these cylinder frames were actually made by Colt.
To make a Sheriffs Model, the ejector rod housing lug was simply removed. It has been noted that Sheriffs Models are serial numbered below 400.
The words "GREAT WESTERN" were roll marked on the side of the barrel, there was not enough space on top of the barrels.