Colt Officer Model

[leeharrysouth]

I have a Colt Officer model target revolver that was made in 1933. It's condition is exceptional and seems to be good and tight. I want to fire the revolver but am unsure of what type of cartridge to use. The barrel is marked officer model 38. I am told that all officer model revovers were 38 special if marked 38. Some sort of pripriotory thing with S&W. Is this correct. Is it a 38Special or just .38. It is the third issue of its kind with adjustible front and rear sights. Also what cartridge would be best. I have 158grain Lead Round Nose on hand and also FMJ at 130 grain. I heard that lead bullits were what these revolvers were designed to shoot. Is 158 grain ok.

Thanks

 

[dagger dog]

lee,
Welcome.A picture of the barrel roll marks would help. I own an officers model target produced in the late 40's early 50's. I don't recall any Officers Models in 38 S&W, I believe they were all .38 S&W Special.

BUT I COULD BE WRONG,

Wait a while and Fluff or Jim will be by and give you the definite.

I shoot the 158 gr LSWC's in mine with Bullseye powder, but as soon as the supply runs out I will be switching to Unique.
The lead ones are definitley the ones to shoot.
I have shot several hundreds of 158 grns without any problems.

The Officers Model is the poor mans Python, just don't look as purty!

 

[Walkalong]

Great guns. I have a later model. I also believe it will be .38 Spl, but do not know for sure.

 

[dfariswheel]

If your Officer's Model was made in 1933, it would be a Third Model as made from 1927 to 1949.

These were chambered for the .38 Special, and .22LR.

You model will shoot any standard (no +P) .38 Special ammunition, lead or jacketed.
The gun was built for use with 158 grain ammo, which was the standard load of that day, but target shooters usually custom loaded 148 grain, semi-wad-cutter, or wad-cutter lead "Mid Range" target loads.

If you shoot lead bullets, buy a Lewis Lead Remover Kit from Brownell's.
This is a special tool used to remove leading from the bore without extensive scrubbing or possible damage to the barrel.
Also buy a couple of BRONZE chamber brushes from Brownell's to clean the chambers.

Until the Python was introduced, the Colt Officer's Models were probably the most consistently accurate double action revolvers ever made.

 

[leeharrysouth]

Thanks for the reply and kind welcome to THR. If jacketed ammunition will not damadge the barrel I think I will go that way. Sure will cut down of the cleaning. I have a good supply of 125g and 130g FMJ on hand. I assum that weight of bullet would be ok. I obtained this revolver from a fine old fellow who had got it from his father. The gentlman was going to live in a retirement home and therefore gave up shooting. It is amazing to me how the action is so crisp and condition so good on this old revolver. At first I had decided to not fire it and keep it as a safe queen. Well, that aint going to happen. Its just too nice a piece to let sit around. I think I am going to really enjoy shooting it. Hope to give a try first of next week.

Thanks

 

[1KPerDay]

Great revolver. Jacketed is fine, lead is fine. Have fun and enjoy that lovely trigger!