[Thomas Garrett]

Recently "picked up" 1941 Colt / King Super Target .38 Special, 6"brl., Half-Cocker. Single action only.

[Gordon]

Really nice! The King treatment on yours is one of their later Super Target jobs. Prolly done in early 60 or very late 50s.

[Thomas Garrett]

Gordon, I'm waiting for OLD Fuff to get back with me. We're trying to determine if Colt did the work or if King Gunsite Co. They apparently closed in 1953. I gave him the Serial# and under it it's stamped with a large "C". I don't know if it means Colt or not. Either way it's going to go into my "barn" with 2 Colt OMM's. I love the old Colt "I" frames. Got this one of GunBroker last week.

[Thomas Garrett]

Old Fuff, I didn't PM you this information, but it's single action only. Help?

[Gordon]

King Gunsite history is interesting. Although they reorganized and relocated several times, they are actually still in business. I know they still did custom Colt Officers Model work into the 60s as my Dad had it done on a couple. It was dereguar to have a King Officers SA conversion for NRA bullseye up thru the early 70s.
The ventilated style rib and the hammer treatment gives away the later nature of Kings work. The prewar thru 1953 cockeye hammer was much more primative and they didn't have the ventilated sight rib.

[Omaney]

Ooooooooh!!! Colt...

[Thomas Garrett]

Next is a good cleaning, then to the range.:D

[Old Fuff]

The ventilated style rib and the hammer treatment gives away the later nature of Kings work. The prewar thru 1953 cockeye hammer was much more primative and they didn't have the ventilated sight rib.

They had both prior to World War Two. They also offered a front sight that didn't have the rib, as well as an adjustable rear one that was inletted into the top strap. King's "short actions" date from the mid-latter 1930's, and were the basis of the one S&W introduced in 1946. (Actually 1941 on the K-22).

[WingRider]

Hey Tom
I finally joined up. Hope to help you putting some rounds thru your new "pony" on Saturday.:p
Scott

[Thomas Garrett]

Scott, you got that right !, Bang, Bang.

[Thomas Garrett]

Old Fuff, Just got off the phone with Colt's customer service, Was told that the pistol originally left Colt factory with an agreement with King Gunsight Co. King bought "Lots" of certain firearms to customize to King's "Target/Match" specifications and was completed in 1941. Then sold by King Gunsite Co. to Colt dealers. All can be documented by a Archive letter i'm requesting from their Archive department. Cool !:D

[Old Fuff]

Sorry to be so slow, but I've been having on-and-off computer Internet connection problems.

Anyway, that's great news. I have some additional background information on the original King Gunsight Co. which I will be sending you. I believe the basic package consisted of an Official Police platform because I don't see any dovetails cut in the back of the topstrap for Colt's usual Officers Model rear sight. To that they fitted the heavy barrel, but I can't tell if it has Official Police or Officers Model markings. It could have been either, but King prefered the Officers Model configuration because the front sight base was easier for him to crosspin the rib to.

For $400.00 + plus shipping & FFL charges you bought a lot of gun there. Some people spend more for a piece of Tupperware... :cool:

[Thomas Garrett]

Old Fuff, no, there is no dovetail near the rear sight. And yes, it's a Official Police Model, Heavy Barrel. also the trigger on this has to be 1-1 1/2 lbs. pull. Awesome!! It's lighter than both my OMM's. And i like the "single action" only, thats the way i shoot. All i can say is, When someone lists something on GunBroker they need a good definition and clear pictures, otherwise someone like me that appreciates old Colts can come out like a bandit. Best purchase ever to date. She will be shot with pride!:D

[Old Fuff]

I'm suprised at the trigger pull, becaus at the time the NRA bullseye rule was 3 pounds. However I have seen 3 pound pulls that felt like 1 1/2... ;)

... otherwise someone like me that appreciates old Colts can come out like a bandit. Best purchase ever to date. She will be shot with pride!

I'm so sorry... you'll just have to learn to live with it. (GRIN!)

[Thomas Garrett]

I "love" it!!!

[Old Fuff]

I "love" it!!!

So........ :scrutiny: If you send it to me I can fix it... :evil: :neener:

[Thomas Garrett]

Old Fuff, Nope !!!!! No Thanks !. Taking the "new" pony out of the barn this afternoon. Run her through the paces. Meeting WingRider for a afternoon shooting session. I just love wasting precious metals.:)

PS. Anyone else had a chance to own one?

[Old Fuff]

Yes, the Old Fuff. That why I think you should send it to me for a.... well... ah... I know!!! A professional examination and to get the trigger pull fixed. :uhoh:

Be aware that I am a very slow workman... :scrutiny: :D

[Thomas Garrett]

Old Fuff, Going to get it measured properly this afternoon. The range i go to has a guage there. Inquiring minds want to know. But for sure, she's feather-light in that department. I'll let you know how it ends up. But, i'm glad to hear you're a "Coltsmith".:what::D

[Old Fuff]

If it's really well below 3 pounds it had to be special ordered that way. This of course is possible. By eliminating the double-action the single-action pull could be set lower then usual. As it was shipped from the factory as an Official Police the pull would have been 3 pounds-plus.

As an aside: Smith & Wesson offered a special kit for their K-38 Masterpiece revolver that included a hammer and trigger. The single-action thumb cocking stroke was shortened even more then the regular short-action, and the double-action was eliminated. I have one in my personal model 14-2.

[Old Fuff]

But, i'm glad to hear you're a "Coltsmith".

Indeed? Well I could do some remarkable work on your new toy. :uhoh:

Does the term, "Fitz Special" ring a bell? :eek: :evil: :D

[Thomas Garrett]

Old Fuff, need a phone #, we can talk in person. PM me :D:D:D

[Gordon]

I didn't know the pre war King's had skeletonized hammers like that, nor Ventilated ribs. I have only seen solid ribs before early 50s and cockeyed hammers lightened by thinning. Well today is another learning day! Nice , nice gun BTW. Surely you don't want me to "learn" Colt made stocks like that before the 50s?

[Thomas Garrett]

Went to the range saturday afternoon. Had to adjust rear sight from 6 o'clock to POA ( my preference). After that, shot the red out of a B-8 target at 25 yards. dead on !! The only thing i noticed was the "kick" and "report" was lighter than my OMM .38 Sp. Had to shoot them "switching off" more than once to really tell the difference. Must be the Heavy barrel vs. Match barrel. Also the trigger pull is 2 lbs.

PS. Gordon, the original grips i took off, put them away. (Brown Coltwood) Went to the Colt Standard wood grips (1958 Colt OMM's) because they're larger for my hands. Looking for a set of Herritt Left handed thumbrest to finish her off like my other OMM's.

Old Fuff-She ran like Secretariat.

[mrjig]

It appears i have essentially the same pistol in .45 colt with an additional cylinder in .45 acp
Pistol serial #347694
xtra .45 acp cyl 347703
Vent rib red insert front sight.
Skeletonized hammer no double action.
Fabulous trigger.
I shot it at Quantico with reduced loads and shot several deer and a bear with it.
Happily i was careful with it and from what i have been reading here and elsewhere, it seems the piece may be desirable.
I found this site by accident but it seems like a good place to hang around.
Best.
dick

[Thomas Garrett]

Mrjig, Just seen a .45 version on Gunbroker go for $2,240.00 this last week. A week after i got this one. Unbelievable:what::D

[mrjig]

It would be hard to sell this piece but at 73 i now shoot little and fish much.
Looks like we both got great value.
A few years ago i shot with it, 2 deer with one shot.
A thru and thru on both with a Keith .454424 cast bullet (wheelweights).
For all i know that bullet is still flying!
Thanks.
dick

[Thomas Garrett]

Mrjig, Can you get a picture?

PS. I'm your long last grandson. It will go nicely with my .38. And well taken care of!:D

PSS. I also like venison!!!

[Thomas Garrett]

MrJig, How many pounds of venison did you get for one bullet? Awesome Story ! That's a first.:what:

[mrjig]

Yes Tom it is a good story, but the double was inadvertent not deliberate.
I was approached by a yearling and a doe.
I made the judgment that the yearling was least likely of the 2 to survive a NY winter and held on the yearling.
The doe was behind the yearling but not lined up.
As i squeezed the trigger, apparently the doe stepped forward.
The yearling dropped instantly but the doe bolted then crashed.
There i was with 2 deer and only one antlerless deer tag.
I put a rope on each and ran/feel down the mountain to a farm,where i knew the owner would be milking.
When i offered him his choice of deer he was unable to grasp how i had acquired 2 deer when he had heard but one shot!

I know that this story does not belong under Revolvers but you opened the door!
I am about to search the site to get instructions for posting a photo of my
Super Target.
dick

[Thomas Garrett]

MrJig, Absolutely not. It was a unforseen incident. Now, if you would of told me (us) that's what you were aiming at. OK! :evil::):D


PS. I haven't had venison in about 10 years. Miss it.

[WingRider]

Hey Tom,
Loved your comment "I'm your long lost grandson":D
Scott

[mrjig]

At Tom's request i attempted to take and post a photo.
Poor effort but it was a first for me.
Hope it appears...
dick

[Thomas Garrett]

Mrjig, yep. it turned out. :D, Now, the main question i have is. What would be a good appraisal of the pistol for insurance purposes?

[Thomas Garrett]

Believe me, not to keep this thread active. Anybody know the value?:banghead:confused:

[Thomas Garrett]

Old Fuff, Value?