Colt New Army 1907 q’s

V

vanfunk

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Hi everyone! (Now you all say, “Hi Vanfunk! :))

A nice relic has caught my eye recently - a 1903-model commercial Colt New Army 6” in .38 Colt. This one was one of the last ones made in 1907 and has the “VP” proof for smokeless powder. Reportedly this one may actually be chambered in .38 Special and not .38 Colt, which would be nice. It’s in about 90%+ condition with some scattered areas of mottling. The fire blue on the back of the hammer and trigger sides is excellent. I know these are delicate actions but I’ve just always loved them, and having one I could shoot sparingly with light smokeless .38 Special loads would be super. Evidently the timing on this example is perfect. Any input on these old gals? I owned a 4” model years ago but never fired it and traded it away.
 
vanfunk said:
Hi everyone! (Now you all say, “Hi Vanfunk! :))

A nice relic has caught my eye recently - a 1903-model commercial Colt New Army 6” in .38 Colt. This one was one of the last ones made in 1907 and has the “VP” proof for smokeless powder. Reportedly this one may actually be chambered in .38 Special and not .38 Colt, which would be nice. It’s in about 90%+ condition with some scattered areas of mottling. The fire blue on the back of the hammer and trigger sides is excellent. I know these are delicate actions but I’ve just always loved them, and having one I could shoot sparingly with light smokeless .38 Special loads would be super. Evidently the timing on this example is perfect. Any input on these old gals? I owned a 4” model years ago but never fired it and traded it away.
Click to expand...
“Any input on these old gals?”

shoot it!
 
Try seeing the degree of crane flex by pushing on the right side of the cylinder while it's locked up. This was pretty bad in the .41 Colt example I used to own.

Since the action is still in time, I would avoid rapid DA shooting. In fact, I personally would tend to admire it more than shoot it -- good condition specimens are no longer very common.

Othias et al has a good vid to watch on this series:

www.youtube.com

History of WWI Primer 043: U.S. Colt New Army Documentary

If you enjoy this content and want to see more, please consider supporting us at:https://www.patreon.com/CandRsenalhttps://playeur.com/c/candrsenalOr buy pri...
www.youtube.com www.youtube.com
 
I bought a very clean one 15 years ago. Had to replace the hand, cylinder stop and 3 action springs. Had to cut the springs myself as none were available at the time. Wasn't fun. Traded it off soon after getting it running.

I dunno, its pretty much the same size and weight as an Army Special or Official Police and there are tons of those out there. Finding a clean one isn't hard and they are much stronger and more durable, with no issues firing even +P .38s.

IMO, the only reason to get a New Army/Navy these days is if you need to fill a hole in a collection. As a shooter, it's no bueno for so many reasons- not the least of which being the horrendously heavy DA trigger.

I'd pass. I've got a bunch of OP's and they are keepers.
 
Thanks Dave, I’ll check.

I get your point, Nightlord, and if I could find an early (1908-09) Army Special in 90+% condition with fire blued hammer/trigger, I’d probably get that. Nevertheless, there’s something about the “unloved” New Army that I just love. My Great-Great-Grandfather was an Admiral (he commanded the Great White Fleet) and had either a New Army or a New Navy and was reportedly fond of it (though he never had to fight with it, obviously). He was reportedly a real SOB and was censured by Congress for vulgarity and letting the men drink beer. Wish I could’ve met him but I arrived 60 years too late.
 
vanfunk said:
Reportedly this one may actually be chambered in .38 Special and not .38 Colt,
Click to expand...

Can you tell by looking?
Will not a .38 LC be bored "straight through" for heel bullets?
Will a .38 Special have throated chambers?

I have read of shooting .38 Special hollowbase wadcutters for their low pressure and chance to "Minie" in the straight chamber and large barrel.

Flayderman says they made some .38 S&Ws but does not mention .38 Special.
 
Jim Watson said:
Can you tell by looking?
Will not a .38 LC be bored "straight through" for heel bullets?
Will a .38 Special have throated chambers?

I have read of shooting .38 Special hollowbase wadcutters for their low pressure and chance to "Minie" in the straight chamber and large barrel.

Flayderman says they made some .38 S&Ws but does not mention .38 Special.
Click to expand...
This is what I was going to mention but was beat by 8 minutes.
 
Evans! Good old Fightin’ Bob. Roosevelt had a guinea pig named after him, lol.

Jim, my understanding is that the later New Army revolvers (1903+) had .357 barrels and not the larger bores of the older ones.
 
Well, I didn't know but vanfunk should before he jumps into this one with both feet.
It shouldn't matter, a HBWC might expand to obturate in a heel bullet gun or shoot normally in a bullet diameter gun.
 
If a .358 drops thru the bore without touching the side, it's the larger bore dia.
I have got satisfactory results by using a .358 HB bullet - doesn't have to be a WC.
 
I had a cartridge conversion C&B that would set up a hollow base more often than not, but not enough more often. I caught FLG in a good mood and had him line the barrel to .357”. It was probably larger to start with than a .38 LC.
 
vanfunk said:
Thanks guys! I’ve slightly back-burnered this idea while I pursue this week’s obsession - milsurp rifles :)
Click to expand...
Going to shoot the Colt 1917 mil surp today! Someone put target sights on it, probably in the 50’s or 60’s. I test fired it last week and it was hitting bulleyes from 10 yards. Official range report today!
 
vanfunk said:
Go for it, Mark! A Colt 1917 is on my short list, too. If I can find one in 80+% condition, I’m buying it. :)
Click to expand...
they are cheap, but built like a TANK! can literally be used as a hammer
 
Where are you findin’ ‘em cheap, Mark? The ones I see in good shape start at $1k and go from there. S&W 1917s have gotten lofty, too. My LGS has two; one’s an 80% gun and they want $1495, the other is 95-98% and they want $1999! Yikes
 
vanfunk said:
Where are you findin’ ‘em cheap, Mark? The ones I see in good shape start at $1k and go from there. S&W 1917s have gotten lofty, too. My LGS has two; one’s an 80% gun and they want $1495, the other is 95-98% and they want $1999! Yikes
Click to expand...
I paid $750 for this one and it shoots ok! can’t figure a grip for it. Someone put target sights on it, but it period correct

but, local seattle shops have them

they had a S&W M17 in very excellent condition for well under $850. But I missed out

IMG_2496.jpeg IMG_2495.jpeg
 
vanfunk said:
Where are you findin’ ‘em cheap, Mark? The ones I see in good shape start at $1k and go from there. S&W 1917s have gotten lofty, too. My LGS has two; one’s an 80% gun and they want $1495, the other is 95-98% and they want $1999! Yikes
Click to expand...
BTW… they probably change the price as you’re walking in 😂
 
vanfunk said:
Oh my Lord, you’re probably right. The owner has cameras covering the parking lot, and he watches them live. He knows exactly what I’m into, too. “Quick, Nancy, put the Vanfunk prices out. He’s coming in!” :)
Click to expand...
I bet the non-van price is flipped around the tag! Pro -Tip! check both side of the tag
 
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