John Taffin’s Colt Officers Model Special .22 LR Double-Action Revolver C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,075.50
LSB#: LSB260521SS029
Make: Colt
Model: Officers Model Special
Serial Number: 60294
Year of Manufacture: 1949 / C&R (Colt Serial Number Lookup)
Caliber: .22 LR
Action Type: Double Action Rimfire Revolver with Swing Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “OFFICERS MODEL SPECIAL” / “.22 LONG RIFLE CTG.”. The right side of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.”. The crane cut is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 6” Heavy Barrel
Sights/Optics: The front sight is an undercut blade pinned to a ramped serrated base fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable square notch target sight dovetailed to the topstrap. The topstrap has a matte finish for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The custom grips are two-piece hardwood panels with brass escutcheons. There are scattered handling scratches and compression marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Very Good-Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is light fouling present. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 93% of its metal refinish. There is thinning at the muzzle. There are scattered scratches and scuffs throughout. There is a turn line on the cylinder. There is residue in the flutes and leading edges of the cylinder. The face of the cylinder, forcing cone, and bottom of the top strap have fouling. The screw heads have strong slots. Overall, this pistol rates in Good-Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lockup is tight with no play at each chamber. We did not fire this revolver. We did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: John Taffin Collection Certificate of Authenticity
Our Assessment: The Colt Officers Model Special was introduced in the late 1940s as a premium target revolver intended for precision shooting and competition. Built on Colt’s medium frame, it featured a heavy 6″ barrel, adjustable target sights, finely fitted double-action lockwork, and chamberings suited to formal target disciplines. The .22 Long Rifle version provided an economical and exceptionally accurate training and competition revolver, while retaining the balance and handling characteristics of Colt’s larger-caliber target models. This 1949 example also carries provenance to the John Taffin Collection, adding collector interest given Taffin’s extensive writing on classic American revolvers and sixguns.
This Officers Model Special retains approximately 93% of its metal refinish, with muzzle thinning, scattered scratches and scuffs, a cylinder turn line, and fouling around the cylinder face, forcing cone, and underside of the topstrap. The custom hardwood grips remain in Very Good-Fine condition, while the bright 9/10 bore has sharp rifling with only light fouling and no visible erosion. The action functions correctly with tight lockup and no perceptible play at each chamber. The included John Taffin Collection Certificate of Authenticity adds desirable provenance. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY