Colt Officers Model Target 3rd Issue, Blue 6″ DA Revolver & Box, MFD 1938

SOLD FOR: $1076

LSB#: 210623WG02

Make: Colt

Model: Officer’s Model Target 3rd Issue

Serial Number: 19487

Year of Manufacture: 1938 (https://www.colt.com/Customer-Services/Serial-Number-Lookup)

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

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

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT / OFFICERS / MODEL / .22 LONG RIFLE”. 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 left sideplate is marked with a rampant colt logo. The crane flat is marked “19487 / & / Y”, and the crane is marked “19487”. The left side of the trigger guard is marked with “VP” in a triangle at the front and a “4” at the back. The front face of the cylinder is marked “7” and “8”.

Barrel Length: The slightly-tapered barrel is 6” in length.

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. The grip screw escutcheons have developed verdigris. The checkering is still sharp throughout and there is no mentionable wear or damage to either panel. Both grips have darkened nicely with age. There are no chips or cracks. The grips are in about Excellent condition overall.

Type of Finish: The finish is a bright blue with a matte finish on the top strap. The backstrap and trigger are checkered.

Finish Originality: The finish is original.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 95% of its metal finish. The majority of the finish is retained everywhere but the leading edges, trigger, muzzle and backstrap. It looks like there is one ding on the left side backstrap, maybe a drop. The edges of the sideplate and the frame around the sideplate are just barely thinned from removal. The screw heads show little to no tool marks with strong slots and the markings are crisp. Overall, this revolver rates in about Fine-Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The cylinder lockup on this revolver is SOLID, with no play whatsoever. The double action trigger is VERY 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:

• Wax paper
• Pachmayr Grip Insert
• Cleaning Brush
• “Shooting Suggestions”
• Factory Original 2-Piece Box, Correctly Numbered in worn and tattered condition, missing pieces and falling apart
• January 1, 1939 price list / brochure

Our Assessment: The third issue Colt Officer’s Model Target revolvers were made from 1927-1949. 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, Colts were the target revolver of choice and it’s easy to see why.

The lockup on this 83 year old revolver is outstanding, the sight picture is fantastic and the craftsmanship is something not seen in standard commercial offerings today. The finish is the type of bluing only found on old Colts and though it shows some marks and wear, we can all only hope to be in this kind of condition when we’re 83 years old.

This is certain to be the same fantastic quality target revolver it was when it rolled off the assembly lines in the middle of the ’30s, but it’s more likely to find a home in a Colt collector’s stable.

Please see our photos and good luck!