COLT Officer’s Model Target .38 Special SA/DA Double Revolver, MFD 1936 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1125
LSB#: 210920TC01
Make: Colt
Model: Officer’s Model Target
Serial Number: 600483
Year of Manufacture: 1936, confirmed by the included letter signed by COLT’s official historian, Beverly Jean Haynes.
Caliber:.38 Special
Action Type: Single Action/Double Action with Swing Out Cylinder
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F. A. MFG. HARTFORD CT. U. S. A. / PAT’D AUG. 5, 1884 JULY 4, 1905 OCT. 5, 1926”. The left side of the barrel is marked “OFFICERS MODEL 38 / HEAVY BARREL” (these markings are flanked by Maltese crosses). The side plate is marked with the Rampant Colt. The crane is marked with the serial number, “600483” over “X”. The crane arm is marked with the serial number only, “600483”. On the left side of the frame the forward trigger guard bow is marked with “VP” in an inverted triangle, and the rear is marked “4”.
Barrel Length: 6” Tapered Heavy Barrel
Sights/Optics: The front sight is an adjustable patridge-style blade with orange aiming reference pinned to a base that is fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable square-notch leaf dovetailed into the topstrap. The topstrap is finished matte for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut panels with smooth borders, each with inset Colt medallions at the top. The backstrap is checkered. The smooth areas of each panel have minor nicks and compressions throughout with the lower edges having a few more notable examples. The wood is slightly dark in appearance. There are no chips or cracks, and the checkering is well-defined. Overall, the grips rate in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. Light operational wear can be found underneath the cylinder latch as well as the interior of and base of the crane arm. There is minor thinning on the heel of the grip frame. The frame itself has a few minor nicks on either side. There is a small cluster of minor nicks on the left slide of the barrel. The cylinder has a faint turn line. The screws and pins have minor tool marks with strong slots. All markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in Fine-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with no play when the trigger is depressed. The double action trigger is smooth, though a bit sponge on return. The single action trigger is as light as a feather. We have not fired this revolver. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This Officer’s Model Target Revolver includes a letter of provenance from Colt manufacturing’s historian, Beverly Jean Haynes.
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, Colt models were the target revolver of choice and it’s easy to see why. The lockup on this 85 year old revolver is simply outstanding, a testament to the craftsmanship of Colt firearms—it is something not often seen even in finer commercial offerings today. The finish is near immaculate, as is the bore, giving the revolver a contemporary feel in-hand. The provenance letter is a boon, lending a verified legitimacy that is not easy to come by. This is certain to be the same fantastic quality target revolver it was when it rolled off the assembly lines in 1936, and will be of serious interest to the discerning Colt collector. Good luck and happy bidding!