Bought another Colt, hoping it is original
- Thread starter Clark
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The New Service appears to have a correct barrel, but an altered front sight. Unless one is a very picky collector this doesn't matter, and probably makes it a better shooter.
The .32-20 has replacement (genuine stag) stocks that are probably worth more then the original ones, at least in the United States where the material they are made from can no longer be imported from India. If you want exact duplicates of what came on it, post a serial number using xx for the last numbers and I'll be able to describe what you should get.
The .22 has Colt target stocks, which may or may not have been on the revolver when it left the factory. Usually they didn't but there is no reason they couldn't. Again, post a serial and some more research can go forward.
Any way you look at it, you have a fine collection.
Just noticed that the .22 was made in 1940. If so be aware that the stocks are post-war usually found on target revolvers with adjustable sights.
The .32-20 has replacement (genuine stag) stocks that are probably worth more then the original ones, at least in the United States where the material they are made from can no longer be imported from India. If you want exact duplicates of what came on it, post a serial number using xx for the last numbers and I'll be able to describe what you should get.
The .22 has Colt target stocks, which may or may not have been on the revolver when it left the factory. Usually they didn't but there is no reason they couldn't. Again, post a serial and some more research can go forward.
Any way you look at it, you have a fine collection.
Just noticed that the .22 was made in 1940. If so be aware that the stocks are post-war usually found on target revolvers with adjustable sights.
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MMCSRET
Member
The stocks on the OP 22 are what came on my 1956 OP 22, they were optional in 1956 and as OF sez, not available in 1940. Great guns, all!!!!
RustyHammer
Member
.. very nice. "Living" history ... enjoy!
bannockburn
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Nice collection of Colts. I have always been particularly fond of the New Service models.
OP
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Clark
Member
I am surprised at how much you guys know.
joel6180
Member
You need to go to the colt forum - those target grips/stocks on your last gun are worth a good bit!
This is what the stocks on the .22 should look like:
1930 OMT
I do see the correct type for sale from time to time on evilbay, and the ones that are on it have some significant value.....Or you might find that the target stocks are more comfortable for you and just leave them on.
BTW, I feel your pain. I bought a .45 Colt NS that had been refinished. In my case, it was very obvious, and the price reflected that fact. Nevertheless, they are fun shooters and I enjoy it for what it is.
1930 OMT
I do see the correct type for sale from time to time on evilbay, and the ones that are on it have some significant value.....Or you might find that the target stocks are more comfortable for you and just leave them on.
BTW, I feel your pain. I bought a .45 Colt NS that had been refinished. In my case, it was very obvious, and the price reflected that fact. Nevertheless, they are fun shooters and I enjoy it for what it is.
OP
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Clark
Member
I bought a revolver today.
I think it is a 1978 Colt Officer's Model Match.
But I don't think it is original.
The wide trigger and hammer spur, I guess Colt did that.
The grips look aftermarket Fitz ten-O-grip.
The barrel, I can't tell. It looks like a Colt front sight, but there is nothing written on the barrel and it is 6.5" long. But then they did such a good job of putting the Colt front sight on, I dunno.
I think it is a 1978 Colt Officer's Model Match.
But I don't think it is original.
The wide trigger and hammer spur, I guess Colt did that.
The grips look aftermarket Fitz ten-O-grip.
The barrel, I can't tell. It looks like a Colt front sight, but there is nothing written on the barrel and it is 6.5" long. But then they did such a good job of putting the Colt front sight on, I dunno.
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The revolver appears to be a mostly stock Colt .38 Officers Model Match (made from 1953 through 1970). The barrel and front sight are standard for that production, as is the rear sight. However model stampings I'd expect seem to be missing so I suspect a polish and refinish. The trigger is standard, but a trigger shoe has been mounted on it. The hammer spur has been substantially modified, possibly at the factory but outside of it being far more likely. You have correctly identified the stocks.
It would be of little or no interest to a serious collector, but for the listed price ($349) it should make a great shooter if it is in sound mechanical condition.
It would be of little or no interest to a serious collector, but for the listed price ($349) it should make a great shooter if it is in sound mechanical condition.
Cocked & Locked
Member
Another picture of stocks on my 1937 .22 OP
OP
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Clark
Member
OK, i see my mistake in serial numbers.
It is a 1954, not a 1978.
Thanks
It locks solid. It does start dragging the bolt a little early.
That's often easy to fix, and new parts are not required. However it does require expertise. Use the revolver and shoot it enough to determine how well you like it (or don't). If the outlook is positive consider returning it to Colt and see if they will do a tune-up.
Another great Colt DA revolver is the .38 Trooper. Basically a duty version of the Colt Officer Model Match only with a Baughman style front sight. Even now the .38 Troopers are still a fairly reasonable buy. They don't seem to have as many fans. If you can find one I suggest you get it. It will make a nice addition to your collection. Mine was made in 1960. I picked it up about fourteen months ago for $375.00.
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Clark
Member
This one appears to be correct in all respects if your 1930 date is right. Do carefully inspect the bore for rings, as .32-20 ammunition would sometimes leave a bullet stuck in the barrel, and the next shot would ruin it. Not common, but did happen. If you shoot it, use ammunition with lead bullets only, not jacketed.
OP
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Clark
Member
During World War Two Colt assembled on top of everything else, some revolvers using previously made parts left over from the Great Depression years. Most of them were used by domestic law enforcement agencies and guards at various factories doing war production work. After the war many if not most were sold as surplus. Some were lightly used where others were run into the ground.
You have one of the former, and it appears to be totally originally, even down to the pre-war gas oven blue that can't be duplicated today.
Good buy on your part.
You have one of the former, and it appears to be totally originally, even down to the pre-war gas oven blue that can't be duplicated today.
Good buy on your part.
OP
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Clark
Member
After the barrel was blued and assembled, they adjusted the barrel/cylinder gap and then cut the forcing cone. For that reason it's not blued.
The blue itself was not done by submerging the parts in a tank filled with hot chemicals as they do today. They were completely degreased, racked and placed inside a gas-fired furnace. The temperature was controlled so they turned a pale/satin blue color, which was unique to Colt handguns from the early 1920 to about 1940.
The blue itself was not done by submerging the parts in a tank filled with hot chemicals as they do today. They were completely degreased, racked and placed inside a gas-fired furnace. The temperature was controlled so they turned a pale/satin blue color, which was unique to Colt handguns from the early 1920 to about 1940.
OP
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Clark
Member
I got another one today.
It is another Officer's model, like the one above that I got on Jan 7.
I am sure today's purchase is not very collectible, as it has most of the blue replaced with gray.
The serial number is 751XXX, and I am assuming that is somewhere around 1950... not sure.
It has different sights than the 1978 model. The front sight is elevation adjustable, where as the 1979 adjusts elevation in the rear.
It is another Officer's model, like the one above that I got on Jan 7.
I am sure today's purchase is not very collectible, as it has most of the blue replaced with gray.
The serial number is 751XXX, and I am assuming that is somewhere around 1950... not sure.
It has different sights than the 1978 model. The front sight is elevation adjustable, where as the 1979 adjusts elevation in the rear.
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That is a Colt Officer's Model Target with the heavy barrel. Pre-WWII. Colt stopped making the OMT in 49, but they probably assembled and sold OM Targets into the ffirst couple years of the early fifties. I have a heavy barrel OM Target 6" from 1940. Great revolvers. How are the mechanics?
Here is mine
Here is mine
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OP
OP
Clark
Member
The mechanics are perfect on this one, as far as I can tell.
I have not done every check in Kuhnhausen's book.
I just:
1) Pull the trigger and when holding back, try to move the cylinder with the other hand.
2) I check that the bolt is falling into the beginning of the scalloped out part of the cylinder. This was perfect in the 1950 I got today, but the 1978 Officers I got two weeks ago, the bolt falls too soon.
3) The trigger feels good in double action or single action..
4) The hammer spring feels strong enough [ I once bought [5] police positives that were surplus police and had the name of the PD welded over, and the hammer springs got weak].
5) There is no crack between the crane and the frame.
I have not done every check in Kuhnhausen's book.
I just:
1) Pull the trigger and when holding back, try to move the cylinder with the other hand.
2) I check that the bolt is falling into the beginning of the scalloped out part of the cylinder. This was perfect in the 1950 I got today, but the 1978 Officers I got two weeks ago, the bolt falls too soon.
3) The trigger feels good in double action or single action..
4) The hammer spring feels strong enough [ I once bought [5] police positives that were surplus police and had the name of the PD welded over, and the hammer springs got weak].
5) There is no crack between the crane and the frame.
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