POTD: Fluted Frame Colt Sheriff’s Model SAA – Under 600 Made Total
Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! Here we have an 1887 Colt Sheriff’s Model Single Action Army with fluted frame, one of just under 600 ejectorless SAA revolvers produced in all calibers from 1882 to the 1930s. “The Official Record of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver, 1873-1895” lists 224 plain revolvers without ejectors in .45 Colt, including 70 with 4-inch barrels and blue finish.
The Sheriff’s Model designation indicates no ejector rod housing under the barrel. This kept the gun compact and snag-free for concealed carry or quick access. The slightly shortened barrel measures 3 7/8 inches, suggesting it’s been cut from the original 4-inch length at some point.
The early production fluted frame adds another layer of rarity. Colt used fluted frames briefly during early SAA production before switching to the standard round-cornered design. Finding a Sheriff’s Model with fluted frame combines two scarce features in one revolver. The barrel carries Colt’s two-line Hartford address on top with “45 CAL” on the left trigger guard. Three-line patent date markings appear on the left frame. Matching visible serial numbers on frame, trigger guard, and backstrap show proper assembly, with assembly number “784” on the loading gate.
Factory records were unavailable according to the included letter, not uncommon for firearms from the 1880s when Colt’s record-keeping was less comprehensive. The attractive Old West appearance with gray and brown patina suggests this saw actual frontier use during the late 1880s-1890s period.
Most of our POTDs utilize images from our friends at Rock Island Auction Company, the premier firearms auction in the United States. Take some time to browse their current auctions – who knows, maybe you’ll find a piece of history to take home!
“Rare and Desirable Fluted Frame Antique Colt Sheriff’s Model Single Action Army Revolver.” Rock Island Auction, www.rockislandauction.com/detail/5028/2112/fluted-frame-colt-sheriffs-model-single-action-army-revolver. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.
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