Looking for Info on Colt Army Special 32-20.

[markallen]

I have friend that has a Colt Army Special 32-20, SN# 4-71262 that he inherited from His Grandfather. He Grandfather worked for the Sante Fe Railroad Security, but He doesn't know if this was worn for work. And is looking for some info. Such as manufacture date, value, and should he shoot ( bore looks ok but needs cleaning), and should he have it reblued, or leave alone? And anymore info anyone might have.
The cylinder turns, but is gunked up a bit, not rusted, just gunked. Cylinder also locks up tight, hardly any end shake, and trigger is Fantastic !!
Check out the notches on the right grip, at the bottom.
Thanks.

 

[dfariswheel]

To check the date made by serial number, look here:

http://proofhouse.com/colt/

If a gunsmith checks it out as "Okay", it can be shot.
Due to the family history, I would NOT have it re-blued.

 

[Kernel]

Clean it (gently), shoot it, do NOT reblue it (reblueing would destory the value). Go easy on the grips. I hear they can get pretty fragile with age.

 

[Jim Watson]

Looks pretty good, used but not abused, with finish wear but no boogered screws or chipped hard rubber grips. If you reblued it, you would pay to have the value cut in half.

CURRENT MANUFACTURE .32-20 ammunition is ok. Be careful of old stock, there used to be a rifle only load. But it has been years, decades since it was made.