Colt Officer Target price check .22 & .38

I have an Officers Target in .22 lr from 1930. It was the first year for the .22 lr. It's very accurate and I do shoot it.
 
They looks like they are in good condition so the prices are low to reasonable for your average gun shop. That aftermarket rear sight on the .38 is why it’s $150 less.

You could probably spend a long time hunting around on gunbroker and other online sites and not find ones in better condition for those prices. A lot of the ones out there are not pretty. I was watching a .22 officer model with serial number 23640 on Proxibid last weekend and it was in about the same condition and it sold for $650 +21% commission + Shipping + FFL fees, etc. By the time you factor in the fees of buying online you're well over $800.

It looks like there is crud around the cylinder release on the .38. Is that rust or just holster lint? What's up with the grips? I can't tell for certain if those are Colt plastic grips or really good condition wood grips. I'm assuming plastic, which isn't deal breaker, but I believe the original grips should be wood.

One nice thing about being able to view in person is you can check the lockup. There are a 100 articles out there on that, if it's something you aren't aware of. Also you can check out the rifling and make sure it's still in good condition. I would expect everything to check out on those 2 as they look like they've been well cared for over the years.
 
They looks like they are in good condition so the prices are low to reasonable for your average gun shop. That aftermarket rear sight on the .38 is why it’s $150 less.

You could probably spend a long time hunting around on gunbroker and other online sites and not find ones in better condition for those prices. A lot of the ones out there are not pretty. I was watching a .22 officer model with serial number 23640 on Proxibid last weekend and it was in about the same condition and it sold for $650 +21% commission + Shipping + FFL fees, etc. By the time you factor in the fees of buying online you're well over $800.

It looks like there is crud around the cylinder release on the .38. Is that rust or just holster lint? What's up with the grips? I can't tell for certain if those are Colt plastic grips or really good condition wood grips. I'm assuming plastic, which isn't deal breaker, but I believe the original grips should be wood.

One nice thing about being able to view in person is you can check the lockup. There are a 100 articles out there on that, if it's something you aren't aware of. Also you can check out the rifling and make sure it's still in good condition. I would expect everything to check out on those 2 as they look like they've been well cared for over the years.
Lock up was tight on both, the bore is very good, no rust, the grips, I didn’t pay attention to them - next time I’ll check.

my main concern is the .38 has very high sights, aftermarket. And someone said the dovetail should not be there. So there would not be any collectors value.
 
For collectors I believe the .22 is interesting...the .38 is great for a shooter...where is this dealer? Does he take checks? Heh.

You can't go wrong with either or both. But, I'm prejudiced...I've a thing for old Colts...I shoot 'em, not a collector.

Ask over here, Colt Forum...they will know.
 
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For collectors I believe the .22 is interesting...the .38 is great for a shooter...where is this dealer? Does he take checks? Heh.

You can't go wrong with either or both. But, I'm prejudiced...I've a thing for old Colts...I shoot 'em, not a collector.

Ask over here, Colt Forum...they will know.
i shoot everything I collect and I’m starting to collect old Colts. the dealer told me, the pair have been together since forever. Hate to break them apart. The .22 is from 1948 and the .38 is from 1953
 
Look like good shooters, ones you could take to the range and enjoy. I don’t own any Colts. But those might change my mind, depending on how they fit in my hand. For tight clean guns the prices are appealing.
 
those look like repop grips FWIW. If you check them out don't worry if the cylinders wobble around a bit. It's the Colt/Python lockwork where they don't fully lock until the trigger is held to the rear. So hold the trigger to the rear, and see if the cylinders move much. If they do, pass.
 
A serial number check would tell the story, but those appear to be early post-war Colt's, made of left over pre-war parts.
After WWII Colt revolvers used "Coltwood" plastic grips and had no checkering on the cylinder release, and probably not on the grip frame.

Pre-war guns had checkered cylinder releases, triggers, hammers, and the front and back of the grip frame.
 
Either Coltwood (plastic) grips or good reproductions of such.
These are E-frames, so vintage Python\Trooper grips will fit them as will the new Python Altamonts.
The prices are good for what they are. Make sure the tiny windage setscrew on the .22 rear sight isnt missing- same with the elevation adjustment screw on the front sight.
I would grab both if funds allow, or the .22 if only one.
I have a slightly later .22 Officers Model Match, paid around $800 couple years ago and its worth every penny.
 
those look like repop grips FWIW. If you check them out don't worry if the cylinders wobble around a bit. It's the Colt/Python lockwork where they don't fully lock until the trigger is held to the rear. So hold the trigger to the rear, and see if the cylinders move much. If they do, pass.
that’s what I did! pull the trigger to the back and it is TIGHT!
 
A serial number check would tell the story, but those appear to be early post-war Colt's, made of left over pre-war parts.
After WWII Colt revolvers used "Coltwood" plastic grips and had no checkering on the cylinder release, and probably not on the grip frame.

Pre-war guns had checkered cylinder releases, triggers, hammers, and the front and back of the grip frame.
I had the dealer/collectors run the numbers. .22 is a 1948, 38 is a 1953
 
We don’t always make money when selling firearms. If you like these, buy ‘em, shoot’em, then sell them if you don’t want to keep them. You won’t lose more than a dinner date at a good restaurant, and you will probably enjoy the whole experience.
you’re right! I like the .22! will put it in Layaway Jail
 
Everybody likes to shoot a .22. Betcha it's accurate as well. They just don't make 'em like they used to, and never will again.

By the way, competition guys used to shoot those one handed, single action.
 
Everybody likes to shoot a .22. Betcha it's accurate as well. They just don't make 'em like they used to, and never will again.

By the way, competition guys used to shoot those one handed, single action.
wonder if that’s why the .38! has tall after market sights???
 
Likely the owner wanted to make repeatable adjustment from 25 to 50 yards, those old sights with a bit of windage in the rear and elevation in the front are not much.
 
You are a cold-hearted bastage if you plan to break those two brothers up after all these years. If you don't get both you're worse than Hitler. ;)
Yes SIR! I was going to buy them on the spot Thursday, but cooler heads prevail and and and… I don’t know were I’m going with this
 
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