Colt Officers Model Match 6” .22 Lr & Officers 38 Revolvers 1950s w/ Case

SOLD FOR: $1,425.00

WOA#: WY240602AC032 & WY240602AC033

Make: (Both) Colt

Model: (370) Officer’s Model Match 22Lr & (887) Officers Model 8 Heavy Barrel

Serial Number: (370) 71370

Serial Number: (887) 650887

Year of Manufacture: (370) 1950 (https://www.colt.com/Customer-Services/Serial-Number-Lookup)

Year of Manufacture: (887) 1956 (https://www.colt.com/Customer-Services/Serial-Number-Lookup)

Caliber: (370) .22 Long Rifle

Caliber: (887) .38 Special

Action Type: (Both) Single Action/Double Action, Swing Out Cylinder with ejector.

Markings: (370) The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT”, “OFFICERS MODEL MATCH”, and “ CAL .22 LONG RIFLE.”. The right of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CONN. U.S.A.”. The left sideplate is marked with a rampant colt logo. The crane cut is marked “71370 / U”, and the crane is marked “71370”. The left side of the trigger guard is marked with a Triangle “P” and “W”

Markings: (887) The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT”, “OFFICERS MODEL 38 HEAVY BARREL”. The top round 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 left sideplate is marked with a rampant colt logo. The crane cut is marked “650887 / k”, and the crane is marked “650887”. The left side of the trigger guard is marked with a Triangle “P” in front and another proof aft of the trigger guard

Barrel Length: (Both)The barrel is 6” in length.

Sights / Optics: (370)The front sight is a black blade pinned into a ramped serrated base fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a flat topped adjustable square notched target sight that is screwed into a recess in the top of the frame.

Sights / Optics: (887)The front sight is a black blade pinned into a ramped serrated base fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a flat topped square notched target sight that is dovetailed into a recess in the top of the frame.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered wood with silver rampant Colt medallions. There is some minor handling wear, some depressions, and a few small surface scratches. The checkering is very crisp with a few softened peaks. There are no chips or cracks. The grips are in fine overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: (Both) The bores are bright and the rifling is sharp. These bores are very clean for pistols of this age. In this writer’s opinion the bores rate 9.5/10.

Overall Condition:(370) This revolver retains about 97% of its metal finish. The cylinder has a crisp turn-line.  There is thinning and finish loss on the leading edges of the muzzle and a spec behind the left side of the trigger guard. The knurling on the ejector rod is sharp and the rod has no notable operational wear. The serrations on the trigger and the checkering on the hammer are sharp. The frame, crane and trigger guard are beginning to plum. The screw heads show no tool marks with strong slots and the markings are crisp. Overall, this revolver rates in about fine plus condition as C&R.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 95% of its metal finish. The cylinder has a thin turn-line.  There is thinning and finish loss on the rear of the trigger guard. The knurling on the ejector rod is  very sharp and the rod shows no notable operational wear. The serrations on the trigger and the checkering on the hammer are sharp. The right side of the barrel shows light speckling of  surface rust. The screw heads show no tool marks with strong slots and the markings are crisp. Overall, this revolver rates in about fine condition as C&R.

Mechanics:(Both)  The cylinder lockup on these revolvers are very good with little to no side to side play. The single action triggers break cleanly and lightly with little to no overtravel. The actions function correctly. We did not fire these revolvers. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: These revolvers are presented in a custom built, wooden, display box lined with Black velvet. The revolvers are set juxtaposed to one another and chased by their french settings that hold them secure for travel. Also accompanying the pair is a pistol box made of wood ready to hold 38 special rounds the Ammo Box is marked “STOEGER ARMS CORP./507 FIFTH AVE.NEW YORK N.Y. /38 MID-RANGE”

Our Assessment: The Colt Officers Model Match revolver chambered in .22 Long Rifle stands as a testament to the legacy of Colt firearms, renowned for their precision engineering, exceptional accuracy, and timeless craftsmanship. This revolver, part of the esteemed Officers Model series has earned accolades from shooters, collectors, and enthusiasts alike. From its sturdy frame and barrel construction to its finely tuned adjustable sights, this revolver embodies the epitome of Colt’s commitment to excellence. The choice of .22 LR caliber further enhances the versatility and performance of the Officers Model Match, the .22 LR delivers a flat trajectory and sufficient power for target shooting, small game hunting, and recreational plinking. In conclusion, the Colt Officers Model Match revolver in .22 Long Rifle embodies the timeless qualities of precision, reliability, and craftsmanship that have defined Colt firearms for generations.

For more historical context, the Colt Officer’s Model series began with the Officer’s Model Target in 1904, primarily designed for sport shooting. The Officer’s Model Match, produced from 1953 to 1969, came in various calibers, including .38 Special, and featured a 6-inch heavy tapered barrel. The Officer’s Model 38 Heavy Barrel was introduced in 1935. It offered a heavier barrel option for improved accuracy and reduced recoil. While the earlier Officer’s Model variants were primarily for sport shooting, the heavy barrel version catered to competitive shooters, target practice, and precision shooting. In summary, the Colt Officer’s Model 38 Heavy Barrel was developed to meet the demands of serious shooters, offering enhanced accuracy and stability for competitive shooting and precision work. Its legacy lies in its role within the Officer’s Model series, which spanned nearly seven decades of revolver craftsmanship

Whether appreciated for its exceptional accuracy on the range, its practical utility in the field, or its historical significance as a collectible piece, These two revolvers remain a cherished icon in the world of handguns. They make a wonderful display and are in outstanding shape for their C&R age. So bid high and bid firm. I highly encourage you to take a look at the condition in our high quality photos. Good luck on your bid. -K.F.