Larry,
I live in anderson,SC also.
Out going Sheriff Crenshaw is a gun guy from way back probably no problem.
Don't know that much about incomming John Skipper some say he is a really nice guy.
The few times I have talked to him seems kind of uptight to me and his ex-boss was an antigun asswipe.
City Chief is ex-FBI and is suppose to come with attendant hangups on us nuckle(sp?) dragging
hillbillys but may be ok for retired LEO. Skip and Jerry of Skip-J probably more intune than I.
Don't hold your breath till you find even a shooter grade Colt for 20K.
From what I have read a lot of guys are locking up the "originals" and buying West Hurleys to
shoot. these can be found from about 12K up but may need some work to run well, so
factor that in. I've wanted a Thompson all my life but now that we in SC can legally own one
they are way outta my price range.
Good Luck in your quest
Fred