Colt Officers Model Target Heavy Barrel .38 SPL Revolver & Box MFD 1936 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1232
LSB#: 210623WG01
Make: Colt
Model: Officer’s Model Target, Heavy Barrel
Serial Number: 600483
Year of Manufacture: 1936 (https://www.colt.com/Customer-Services/Serial-Number-Lookup)
Caliber: 38 SPL
Action Type: Single Action/Double Action with Swing Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “+ OFFICERS MODEL 38 + / + HEAVY BARREL +”. The top of the barrel 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 sideplate is marked with a rampant Colt logo. The crane flat is marked “600483 / D”, and the crane is marked “600483”. The left side of the trigger guard is marked with “VP” in a triangle at the front and a “4” at the back.
Barrel Length: The slightly-tapered barrel is 6” in length.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Patridge style blade pinned into a base fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a flat topped square notched target sight that is dovetailed to the frame with a lateral set screw. The rear sight and the top of the top strap have a matte black finish to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips checkered walnut with silver Colt medallions. There are chip losses in front of both medallions. The surfaces are generally surface marked and scratched, with a handful of damaged checkered on each panel. The grips are tight to the frame and the fit is exceptional. The checkering is still pronounced throughout and both panels have darkened nicely with age. The grips are in about Very Good condition overall.
Type of Finish: The finish is a bright blue with a matte finish on the top strap. The backstrap and trigger are checkered.
Finish Originality: The finish is original.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 95% of its metal finish. The majority of the finish is retained everywhere but the leading edges and muzzle. There are some turn lines on the cylinder and wear in the cuts from the bolt. The flats have a few light surface scratches. The edges of the sideplate and the frame around the sideplate are just barely thinned. The screw heads show some tool marks with usable slots and the markings are crisp. Overall, this revolver rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The cylinder lockup on this revolver is SOLID, with no play whatsoever. The double action trigger is VERY smooth and the single action trigger breaks cleanly and lightly. The action functions correctly. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories:
- Screwdriver
- Cleaning Rod
- Cleaning Brush
- Colt’s Police Revolver Hand book
- Package of Cleaning Patches
- The Story of a Colt Officers’ Model
- Original Factory Box in Fair condition, showing many repairs and much wear
Our Assessment: The third issue Colt Officer’s Model Target revolvers were made from 1927-1949. The Officers Model was Colt’s premium revolver until the introduction of the super-premium Python in 1955. Back when revolvers were the target gun of choice, Colts were the target revolver of choice and it’s easy to see why. The lockup on this 85 year old revolver is outstanding, the sight picture is fantastic and the craftsmanship is something not seen in standard commercial offerings today. The finish is the type of bluing only found on old Colts and though it shows some marks and wear, we can all only hope to be in this kind of condition when we’re 85 years old.
This is certain to be the same fantastic quality target revolver it was when it rolled off the assembly lines in the middle of the ’30s, but it’s more likely to find a home in a Colt collector’s stable.
Please see our photos and good luck!