Colt Officer's Model Target Revolver

[Mr. Smith]

I'm mostly a S&W revolver guy, but today I acquired a Colt Officer's Model Target DA revolver in .38 Special with a 7 1/2 inch barrel, serial number 4623xx. Can somebody tell me when it was manufactured, or provide me with general background information about this model. Trigger pull is superb, and the general fit and finish is amazingly good. Thanks.

 

[Old Fuff]

Mr. Smith:

Could you post a picture? The serial number seems to be "out of range" at 4623xx, and while some 7 /2" barrels were made they are unusual. Be sure it says Officers Model TARGET on the side of the barrel, and that you have the correct serial number. It is stamped on the frame under the barrel, and can be seen when the cylinder is out.

 

[Old Fuff]

After researching a little further I believe your Colt Officers Model Target, No. 4623xx was made in late 1920. It was built on the company's mid-sized or "I" frame which is similar to today's Python (Python grips should fit). It is numbered in the same series as the Army Special, which was the fixed-sight service version of that day. Colt always lavished plenty of extra handwork on they're target guns because match shooters were very demanding. I would expect it to have a hand-honed action and hand-checkered walnut grips. The backstrap and trigger face may also be hand-checkered. If it still has the original finish it will be "charcoal blued" that is a heat rather then chemical process, and no longer generally available. The front sight adjusts for elevation, the rear one for windage. If you shoot it (and there is no reason you shouldn't) stick to standard, not +P loads. Treasurer it. They don't make them that way anymore, and considering the handwork - the won't ever again.

 

[happy old sailor]

man o man. "treasure it" should be in upper case. this revolver is world famous for slick and accurate. for sure, treasure it.

 

[Quantrill]

I would like to echo the "happy old Sailor". The Colt "Officer's Match" was the "centerfire" weapon for Bullseye shooting. In the early days of "The National Match", one had to shoot a .22, a centerfire and a .45. At that time the .22 was a Colt "Woodsman Target Model and the .45 was a worked over gov't model. But the centerfire was usually a revolver and for the winners, it was a Colt Officer's Match. You got yourself a real find. Have fun, they don't make them like that anymore. Quantrill

 

[Gordon]

On old Colts I've found that the mechanism needs to be kept clean and lubed as the hand system does not like to drag the cylinder against debris! They seem MUCH more sensitive to this than Smiths. Also you need to look for an Officers model target .22 to match your .38. I have a pre war Officers model in both calibers and a late 50's Officers model match (which I shoot regulary) in .22, ,32S&Wlong, and .38spl.. Incedentally the .32 was the 'cheat' gun in centerfire class of NRA matches. It seems about 20% more accurate (lighter recoil helps) and all 3 guns balance and feel the same which helped shoot the classes.

 

[Mr. Smith]

Thanks for all the useful information. Alas, I can't post a picture, but I can confirm that the serial number that appears underneath the barrel when the cylinder is open is indeed 4623xx. The left side of the barrel reads "+ Officers Model 38 +"but does not say "Target." The top of the barrel reads "COLT'S PT FA MFG CO HARTFORD CT USA on one line, with PAT'D AUG 5 1884 JUNE 5 1900 July 4 1905"" on the line beneath it. Barrel is definitely 7 1/2 inches, front sight is adjustable for elevation, and the rear sight is adjustable for windage, with reference marks scribed next to it on the topstrap. Trigger is blued and checkered, and the backstrap is checkered, although I don't know if it was done by hand. Grips are checkered, with a silver insert bearing the Colt logo. I spent the afternoon yesterday cleaning dried oil and powder residue from the lockwork, and many of the parts appear hand polished and shiny once the gunk is removed.

Does any of this information confirm a manufacture date in the 1920s? Also, does anyone know how to actually adjust the sights? The rear has a tiny screw on the top and also on the right side; the front has a tiny screw on the muzzle end and another on the right side. Thanks again for all the info!

 

[Old Fuff]

I did too say "late 1920." I'm never wrong, just misguided ... (grin).

The serial number range for 1920 was 445000 to about 463999. All of these were not Officer Models by any means because the popular "Army Special" service revolvers were included it the same series.

Rear Sight: The front/top screw locks the sight in place, the one on the right drives it. loosen the locking screw. Move the sight right or left by turning the screw on the right side. When done, tighten the locking screw. Be careful to not burr those little screws. Colt used to offer special screwdrivers for this purpose.

Front Sight: Much the same. The one on the side is the locking screw and the one in front will lift or lower the blade. Be sure too loosen the locking screw(s) before trying to make any adjustments.

Remember to move the rear sight in the same direction you want to correct for, and move the front blade in the opposite way you want to correct.

 

[Mr. Smith]

Thanks for all the info--I now understand you meant late 1920, not late in the 1920s.
I'd didn't get the chance to range test this beautiful revolver this weekend, but I hope to do so next weekend. I've got a bucket full of swaged HBWC that it should really like.

 

[aerod1]

I will be with Mr. Smith at the Market Hall Gun Show in Dallas today. I will be able to view his treasured Colt Officers Model in just a few hours.
BTW, Mr. Smith is a fanastic person and remarkable shooter.

Jim Hall