I recently obtained (this afternoon) this older Colt revolver from a local gun store. It is a Colt Officer's Model 38 Heavy Barrel, and I was told it is a 3rd edition (I have no idea). The counter guy said it was chambered in.38 Long Colt, but I don't think so. I think it's a.38 Special. I hope so, so I don't have to reload yet another caliber. But I can do it if I have to.The revolver has King front and rear sights and a King Cockeyed hammer.
I read that it may have also had a trigger job and other internal modifications for bullseye shooting. It's a bit worn in spots and has a few scratches but the trigger feels really nice! It needs a good cleaning, the cylinder is filthy and hasn't been scrubbed in years. The rifling looks very good. The grips are sharp with no chips or cracks.
The cylinder locks up nice. There is a pretty good wear line in the finish on the cylinder. The serial number is 606XXX which I think puts the date of manufacture as 1937 but the serial numbers for this model seem to be a bit confusing.I found this serial number explanation out there on the net:'Prior to 1949, 38 caliber Officers Models were serial numbered with the base model of the day; that is, the New Army/Navy, Army Special and Official Police. From 1949 through 1952, the 38 caliber Officers Model Specials were numbered in a uniquely assigned range identified as Officers Model Special in the Proofhouse charts.
Starting in 1953, the 38 caliber Officers Model Match was serial numbered with the Troopers.' And a serial number chart from Proofhouse:Official Police & MarshalYear Serial Number199999999999999999999947 79948 709949 70949 7899999999999999999999969 9631969 J10011970 J8601Numbers continued from Army Special serials.Marshal Model serial numbers are in the 833352 - 845317 range and have an 'M' suffix, 2500 or less were manufactured from 1954-1956.So I think it was built in 1937.
And I think it's a.38 Special. Maybe.Any ideas or info you guys can provide is greatly appreciated. It's a.38 Special.The only Officer's Model in.38 Long Colt was the First Issue Officer's Model of the Colt New Army & Navy revolver and was made from 1904 to 1908.
After that, everything was.38 Special.Your gun is known as the Colt Officer's Model Target, Third Issue.The Third Issue was made from 1927 to 1949. It was available in.22LR and in.38 Special.The Heavy Barrel version of the Officer's Model Target was introduced in 1935.The grips are not correct for the gun.
Item Description: Colt Officer's Model Match.22 Caliber Pistol, Serial Number: 86609 - VanDerBrink Auctions is please to bring you this Colt Officer's Model.22 Pistol hand gun. It is a lang barrell handgun. Is is blued with a walnut wood checkered grip. It is 6 shot single action, visible hammer. Buying AS IS and Buyer must have FFL, Permit to Carry, Police officer, and 21 years of age.
Colt Officers Model 22 Revolver Serial Numbers Info
These documents musst be presented at registration to purchase. On-Line bidders must use authorized dealer with FFL and also provide documentation or be authorized to bid by the auction company. This is being sold at NO RESERVE at auction on 10-10-09 in Mitchell, South Dakota. For more information please contact VanDerBrink Auctions for more information. 6005-201-7005 or www.vanderbrinkauctions.com.
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Colt Officers Model Revolver History
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