COLT Officers Model Match .22 LR SA/DA Double Action Revolver MFD 1960 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1901
LSB#: 220112KS004
Make: Colt
Model: Officer’s Model Match
Serial Number: 79009
Year of Manufacture: 1960 (COLT Serial Number Lookup, confirmed by R.L. Wilson’s The Book of Colt Firearms, 3rd Edition, pg. 354)
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Single Action/Double Action with Swing Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “OFFICERS MODEL MATCH / CAL. .22 LONG RIFLE”. The right side of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. FA. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CONN. U.S.A.” The side plate is marked with the Rampant Colt. The crane is marked with the serial number, “79009” over “H”. The crane arm is marked with the serial number only, “79009”. 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 “C”.
Barrel Length: 6” Tapered Heavy Barrel
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a height adjustable blade pinned to a base that is fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a windage adjustable flat-top u-notch that is dovetailed into the top strap.
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 serrated. The smooth areas of each panel have minor nicks and the checkering has a few spots where the checkering is a little worn. There are no chips or cracks, and the checkering is otherwise sharp. Overall, the grips rate in Fine-plus 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 the crane arm. The frame itself has a few minor nicks on either side. 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-to-Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with no play when the trigger is depressed. The double action trigger is smooth. The single action trigger 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: This Officers Model Match Revolver includes its product-matching clamshell box, test-fire target, a cleaning rod attachment, and various factory paperwork.
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. The Officers Model Match was a successor to the standard Officers Model and Target revolvers that was produced from 1953 to 1969. This example was manufactured in 1960. As is generally the case with Colt revolvers, the lockup on this 52 year old revolver is 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. The original box and test-fire target are wonderful bonuses, making for a more complete package. This is the same fantastic quality target revolver it was when it rolled off the assembly line in 1960, and will be of serious interest to the discerning Colt collector. Good luck and happy bidding!