Make: Colt

Model: New Service Target

Serial Number: 325806

Year of Manufacture: 1926

Caliber: .45 Colt

Action Type: SA/DA Single and Double Action Revolver with 6-Shot Swing Out Cylinder

Barrel Length: 7 1/2"

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade in a slotted base fixed to the barrel, adjustable for elevation. The elevation adjustment screw is missing. The rear sight is a "U"-notch dovetailed to the top strap adjustable for windage.

Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth faux-pearl panels. The grips have a few tiny chips on inside edges. They otherwise show only light handling marks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is dark with well defined rifling. There is erosion and pitting scattered through the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates about 5/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 92% of its metal finish. The finish is generally strong throughout. The balance is mostly minor oxidation in the gripstrap checkering. Otherwise, there are only a few scattered minor marks and light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from soft, but legible to incomplete. Overall, this revolver is in Good-plus condition as refinished.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The Colt New Service is a large frame, large caliber, double-action revolver made by Colt from 1898 until 1941. Made in various calibers, the .45 Colt version with a 5 1/2? barrel, was adopted by the U.S. Armed Forces as the Model 1909. At the time, the Webley was a standard sidearm in the British Empire, but officers were expected to purchase their own, which more often than not was Colt's New Service revolver.

This example is a Target Model with 7 1/2" barrel chambered for the classic .45 Colt cartridge. The revolver has been equipped with a set of faux-pearl grips and given a new blue finish, appearing much younger than its age of 100 years. The bore shows erosion consistent with the use of corrosive primers, more common when it was made, but retains strong mechanics. This would be a prime candidate for restoration or simply re-boring for target shooting. Good luck and happy bidding!