COLT Officers Special Target .22 LR SA/DA Double Action Revolver, 1951 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1200

LSB#: 220109RB325

Make: Colt

Model: Officers Model Special Target Revolver

Serial Number: 62124

Year of Manufacture: 1951 (COLT Serial Number Lookup, confirmed secondarily in R.L. Wilson’s The Book of COLT Firearms, Third Edition, pg. 354)

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

Action Type:  Single Action/Double Action with 6-Shot Swing Out Cylinder

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “OFFICERS MODEL SPECIAL / .22 LONG RIFLE CTG.”. The right side of the barrel is marked “COLT’S MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U. S. A.”. The side plate is marked with the Rampant Colt. The crane cut and crane arm are both marked with the serial number, “62124”. 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”

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a height adjustable undercut blade pinned to a 2 1/2” serrated ramped base that is fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a “Positive Click” adjustable “Coltmaster” square-notch dovetailed into the top strap.

Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered Coltwood plastic panels, each with inset Colt medallions at the top. There are minor handling marks, and the lower edge of the left panel has a few light dings. Coltwood plastic has a tendency to shrink over time, and so is the case here; the panels are considerably shy to the grip frame. There are no chips or cracks, and the checkering is sharp. Overall, the grips are in Fine-plus condition.

Type of Finish: Dual Tone Blue (The Frame and Grip Frame are Matte Blue)

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with well-defined rifling. There is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. The barrel has scattered minor nicks running mainly along the left side where, at the tip, there is a spot of minor holster wear. The frame has intermittent minor nicks along the edges as well as minor nicks, some through the finish scattered about. The serrated backstrap has a few minor nicks through the finish. The cylinder has a distinct turn line as well as scattered minor nicks. The screws and pins have very minor tool marks, all have strong slots. All markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in Fine-to-Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with no play when the trigger is depressed. The double action is smooth. The single action is feather light. We have not fired this revolver. As with all used firearms, thorough and consistent cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: 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. This example is a fairly rare (it’s estimated that 4500 were produced in .22 Long Rifle) Officers Model “Special”, described by Colt as being “[D]esigned to satisfy all shooters, whether they go for precision target shooting, occasional plinking or the serious business of law enforcement,”. Target shooters take note, for this is a truly lovely plinker. Wear is minimal, and the lockup on this 71 year old revolver is of course outstanding, a testament to the craftsmanship of Colt firearms—it is something not often seen even in finer commercial offerings today. The finish on this revolver is near immaculate, the bore is immaculate and mechanically, the revolver is sound. Good luck and happy bidding!