Colt New Service Question

[merlin49]

I have recently found my dad's new service colt revolver that I had believed to be taken by other relatives after his death.

It is chambered for 45 ACP with a 51/2" inch barrel and thanks to proof house the serial number puts the manufacture date in 26 or 27. It has the aluminum grips from the military and the barrel is pitted and needs attention.

My question is should it be left alone because I would like to replace the cylinder and maybe the barrel and chamber it for long colt.

I am not a collector and have no clue of its value.
any ideas?
Thanks

 

[hovercat]

Dad's old gun. Clean it and shoot it as it is. If you want a .45 LC, get your own. Someday your kids can fight over who gets dad's and grandpa's guns.

 

[DPris]

Aluminum grips from the military?
Mine are wood. Guess I slept through the aluminum grips on those.
Denis

 

[Jim K]

The military did not use aluminum grips. They used two versions of the New Service, the Model 1909 and the Model 1917, the latter made for .45 ACP, using half moon clips; both were made with plain wood grips, without checkering. Neither was made as late as those dates. The model number should be on the butt.

If it is not, and has not been removed, then the gun is a commercial model and, all else being equal, probably more valuable than the military model. Pictures would be necessary to get any idea of value, but I would definitely leave it alone.

Jim

 

[tipoc]

I agree with the others here. What you have is one of the great and classic American service revolvers in 45 acp. Clean it up, make sure it functions properly and take it out and shoot it.

If you would like to have a wheelgun in 45 Colt you can do that at any time and there are a number available on the market.

Some pics would be nice. Especially of the "aluminum" grips.

tipoc

 

[merlin49]

Thanks for the info guys. I guess I assumed the military because of these clunky grips. I will post pictures when I figure out how. The half moon clips are missing but I intend to shoot it. It cleaned up pretty nice.

 

[Dframe]

Most people nowadays use "Full Moon" clips (that load the entire cylinder at once) widely available from many sources. They are more convenient than the old half moons, though they can be a bit of a pain to load and unload. I agree with the others. I'd clean it carefully, then take it out and shoot it. congratulations on your find. The New Service was/is a great gun.
Out of deference to it's age (around 100 years) and the fact that they haven't been manufactured in decades, I would avoid +p or over pressure ammunition, and just use standard 45acp ammunition.

 

[pendennis]

If it's .45ACP, it will also handle full-moon clips. They're a bit more easily found than the half-moon variety.

If you can find it, you can also fire .45 Auto Rim in it, and not use the -moon clips.

 

[Jim K]

I am well aware of full-moon clips and .45 AR. I used the words "made for .45 ACP, using half-moon clips", which is correct.

Jim

 

[merlin49]

Thanks again guys I have some full moon clips coming to try and even ordered a box of 45 auto rim brass to try. I am looking forward to shooting it.

 

[shootist2121]

I have two 1917 Smiths with compromise bores from shooting corrosive ammo. With that said I scored my tightest group with one @ 50 feet scoring a1-1/2 inch group. The other came close @ 2-1/4 inch. ( Federal Match 230 grain)

I'm telling you this, because having shot more than a hand full of so call " bad bore" surplus hand guns over the last 40 years that all have shot good if not better groupings than they should. Heck, I shot a 1911 Colt ( ww1) with a bore that looked like a mountain it was so pitted. With Remington 230 we were all pleased to see 3-4 inch groups @ 20 yards centered! I would never shoot lead in though...LOL

So don't sweat the barrel! Shoot and have fun.

Be Safe