Just arrived - Colt Official Police Heavy Barrel

Many times I warned myself not to buy a used Colt revolver on an online auction because in case of excessive wear, not speaking about any mechanical damage, they are absolutely irreperable in Poland. But not always I am smart enough to follow good advices. Like in this case:



These pictures are from the Auction House Hermann Historica. Guys there know how to take an eye-catching photo… And when I saw these pictures of 1947 Official Police I had to bid on this one... Hammer price was good, about 430 USD, but the Auction House charges 25% premium and with costs of international transport and export paperwork everything together made 715 USD.

Yesterday it arrived:

Looks and feels great, I think that the risk and cost were worth it.

Mechanically, it locks tightly, but the cylinder lock engages too early. Actually you can see how its impact point on the cylinder moved earlier and earlier. Not continously, but in sudden jumps, as it seems. There are several distinct marks from the cylinder lock before each notch. I hope that with not very extensive use it will stay where it is now. Otherwise I'll be in trouble...

Visually, bottom of the trigger guard is a bit scratched and blueing is slightly worn out close to the muzzle. I also wonder if the grips are original. Somewhere I read that grips in 1947 model should be made of plastic not wood. And they seem to be oversized, as if these were replacement grips, that should be fitted to the frame but someone left them, as they are. Anyone could confirm?

Now I can't wait to shoot it. I plan to use it in a historic pistol contest in our shooting club.

And finally comparison with its 30 years younger, stronger, fatter cousin:

sequins said:

What's in the running at the historical shoot off? I'd love to hear more about that, too!

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Nothing very special: 15 shots to the standard ISSF pistol bullseye target, 10 best shots count. Distance 25 m, single-handed hold. The weapon must be a non-target pistol or revolver made before 1960.

commygun said:

Some judicious sanding and refinishing could make those grips fit flush in short order. They're not original so why not?

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I should be able to do that, but I need some learning first. I refinished several rifle and black powder pistol stocks and several grips of cap&ball replica revolvers but they were already well-fitted to frames. Now I have a pair of oversize grips for a Blackhawk which I need to fit as well. This should give me the practice but first I have to learn how to do the sanding so that the resulting surfaces are really flush with metal and not sunk below!

@Waveski
thank you, I appreciate your generous offer, but I wouldn't be able to use the grips in this contest. The rules require the grips to be unmodified and thumb rests are specifically forbidden.

Waveski said:

Well , we would be interested in how you do anyway.
Good shooting , good luck.

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The last edition of this year's historic pistol contest in our club took place on Saturday so we have final results:



Twice I was first, three times second and second in the final classification. Trigger is fantastic, sights excellent, only the grip is too slim but you can get used to it. I am very glad that I bought it, one of my best gun buys if not the very best!