Colt Officers Model 6” Heavy Barrel RARE .32 Cal.  Revolver, MFD 1940 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,302.00

LSB#: LSB251107RG003

Make: Colt

Model: Officer’s Model Target, Heavy Barrel

Serial Number: 644300

Year of Manufacture: 1940 / C&R  (factory letter)

Caliber: .32 New Police ( .32 S&W)

Action Type: Single Action/Double Action with Swing Out Cylinder

Markings:The left side of the barrel is marked “+ OFFICERS MODEL / COLT   32 /+ 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 and crane cut are marked “644300”. The left side of the trigger guard is marked with “VP” in a triangle at the front and a “Y” at the back.

Barrel Length: 6” Heavy Barrel

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 minor dings and handling wear and scratches on the left bottom grip 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 Fine condition overall.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore but there is some minor erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 90% of its metal finish. The majority of the finish is retained everywhere but the leading edges and muzzle. There are nicks and dings on the frame. There is a turn line on the cylinder and wear in the cylinder stops. The cylinder has minor pitting with freckling spots of oxidation and thinning on the leading edges.  There are carbon rings on the front of the cylinder.  The screw heads show some tool marks with usable slots and the markings are crisp. Overall, this revolver rates in about Very Good condition as a C&R.

Mechanics: The cylinder lockup on this revolver is SOLID, with no play whatsoever while the trigger is depressed. The double action trigger is 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: Colt Factory Letter, Documentation notes, soft case.

Our Assessment:  The Colt Officer’s Model Target stands among the finest target revolvers of the prewar era, representing Colt’s commitment to precision shooting and refined double action revolver design. Introduced in 1930, the Officer’s Model was developed as a premium target revolver, combining excellent balance, refined sights, and Colt’s famously smooth action. While most examples were produced in .22 Long Rifle and .38 Special, the .32 caliber variants occupy a far more exclusive corner of Colt collecting, produced in comparatively small numbers and offered for only a limited period prior to World War II.

This 1940 heavy barrel example is chambered in the scarce .32 New Police, a chambering introduced in 1932 and discontinued by 1942. Colt did not publish production totals for the .32 Officer’s Model, but surviving examples are widely recognized as uncommon to rare, with collector demand historically placing them at a substantial 100% premium over their .38 Special counterparts. The heavy barrel configuration further enhances desirability, pairing the inherently mild and accurate .32 cartridge with a platform optimized for deliberate target shooting. The presence of the Colt factory letter confirming manufacture and configuration provides important documentation and reinforces the revolver’s authenticity and collector value.

Condition remains strong for a prewar target revolver, retaining the majority of its original finish with honest wear consistent with careful use. The solid lockup, smooth double action, and crisp single action break exemplify Colt’s prewar craftsmanship at its peak. The original sights, strong markings, and well fit walnut medallion grips further contribute to the revolver’s overall appeal. Taken as a whole, this Colt Officer’s Model Target in .32 New Police represents a scarce and highly desirable variation, combining prewar Colt quality, documented factory provenance, and a chambering that remains one of the most elusive in the Officer’s Model lineup. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and best of luck with your bids!!!

BF