Colt Officers Model Target OMT 3rd Issue 6″ .22 LR Revolver, MFD 1938 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1241.99

LSB#: 220109RB329

Make: Colt

Model: Officer’s Model Target 3rd Issue

Serial Number: 20169

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 sideplate is marked with a rampant colt logo. The crane flat is marked “20169 / C”, and the crane is marked “20169”. 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: The slightly-tapered barrel is 6” in length.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Patridge style blade adjustable for elevation in a base fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a flat topped square notched target sight that is adjustable for windage, mounted to the rear of the topstrap. The rear sight and the top of the top strap have a matte black finish to reduce glare.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with silver-colored Colt medallions. The grip screw escutcheons have developed verdigris. Otherwise, there are only a few scattered minor marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The grips are in about Excellent condition overall.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: 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 finish is thinning at some edges, most notable at the muzzle. There is some scattered minor surface oxidation, primarily on the frame but most easily seen in the unfinished side faces of the hammer. There are a few scattered minor marks. The action shows light operational wear including a faint turn-line on the cylinder, mostly not through the finish. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in Fine 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: None.

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 84 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 minor oxidation and wear, we can all only hope to be in this kind of condition when we’re 84 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 also likely to find a home in a Colt collector’s stable.

Please see our photos and good luck!