Colt Commando US WWII 4″ .38 Special Double Action Revolver, MFD 1942 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,025
LSB#: 191121AY06
Make: Colt
Model: Commando
Serial Number: 20078
Year of Manufacture: 1942 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: 6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder Revolver.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT COMMANDO / .38 SPECIAL”, the top is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A. / PAT’D AUG.5.1884. JULY 4.1905. OCT.5.1926.”. The left-front of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle, the left-rear with an upside-down “A”. The top-rear of the frame on the left has a flaming bomb ordnance mark. The crane and crane cut are each marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch in the topstrap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered “Coltwood” plastic with rampant colt logos at the top of each panel. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Each panel has a slight gap to the frame at the top, indicating minor shrinkage which is common with Coltwood grips. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition and would be Excellent but for the minor shrinkage.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. The finish is very lightly thinning at some edges, more notable at corners. There are a few scattered minor scratches, most notable on the left of the barrel. The cylinder has a thin, light turn line. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Fine-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with no play on each chamber with the trigger depressed. The double action trigger is smooth, the single action is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: As the United States entered World War II, demand for all things military strained even the massive industrial capacity of America. Front-line arms were prioritized for front-line units, but there was also a need to arm law enforcement, guards at factories and other sites with strategic importance, the Maritime Commission and various other non-combat roles which still required arms. To help fill this demand, Colt produced a variation of their Official Police revolver with specifications determined by the US Government. The result was the Commando revolver, roughly equivalent to Smith & Wesson’s Victory model, with 50,617 produced from 1942-1945. This example appears to have seen a very gentle life despite being produced in 1942. It retains about 96% of its metal finish with a great bore and strong mechanics. It should make a great addition to a Colt or WWII small arms collection. Please see our pictures and good luck!