COLT New Service .45 Colt DA/SA Double Action Revolver, MFD 1922 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,037.00

LSB#: WY250206RC005

Make: Colt

Model: New Service

Serial Number: 316630

Year of Manufacture: 1922 (COLT Serial Number Lookup)

Caliber: .45 Colt

Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “NEW SERVICE 45 COLT”.  The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. FA. MFG. CO. HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A. / PAT. AUG. 5. 1884 JUNE 5 1900 JULY 4 1905”. The side plate is marked with a rampant colt. The forward left side trigger guard bow is marked with a “VP” in a triangle and the rear is marked with “3”. The crane and crane-cut are each marked with the serial number, “316630” and the crane cut is also marked “H”.

Barrel Length: 7 1/2”

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a shark’s fin blade set into the barrel. The rear sight is a u-notch at the end of a channel that is integral to the topstrap.

Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black hard rubber panels, both of which feature “COLT” in oval at the top. The smooth edges have intermittent light-to-moderate nicks and compressions, most notably at the top of the left panel. The checkering well-defined. The bottom rear of the right panel has a loss. Overall, the grips rate in Fair – Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: The finish is original, but the barrel may not be original to the revolver.

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

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 50% of its metal finish. The left side of the barrel at the tip has moderate thinning that resolves into speckles of finish loss. The top of the barrel has a few spots of minor finish loss and a few nicks through the finish. The frame has scattered spots of light thinning. The cylinder has moderate thinning on all edges as well as a few intermittent turn lines through the finish. The screws and pins have minor tool marks with strong slots. All markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in Good-to-Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The double action is smooth. The single action is light and crisp. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: This is a Colt New Service Model chambered in .45 COLT. The New Service is a large frame revolver, and came in several chamberings including .38-40 and .45 ACP. It may be best known for its use as the Army Model of 1917 (in .45 ACP.) The revolver is in about Good-to-Very Good condition with 60% of its original finish remaining. If the collectors aren’t interested in this revolver, it will be outstanding for home protection and the heavy frame ought to absorb any recoil. Good luck and happy bidding! – L.S.