Make: Colt

Model: New Service Target

Serial Number: 306965

Year of Manufacture: 1920

Caliber: .44 S&W Special, .44 Russian

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 red-beaded blade in a slotted base fixed to the barrel, adjustable for elevation. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed to the top strap adjustable for windage.

Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece reproduction deluxe checkered walnut. The grips have minor handling wear with no notable damage. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-Excellent condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Most remaining finish is Original, the cylinder shows treatment with cold blue.

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, just a little stubborn fouling. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 80% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is some scattered light wear with more notable handling wear in the grip areas. The cylinder shows even wear, treated with cold blue. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is infrequent minor surface oxidation. The action shows operational wear including a thin turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots, there are tool marks around some screw heads. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good condition.

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 quite desirable configuration, a target model with 7 1/2" barrel and scarce dual-caliber markings for .44 S&W Special and .44 Russian. The revolver has been equipped with a set of reproduction deluxe stocks and, apart from cold blue on the cylinder, appears to have seen gentle use over the last 106 years. It will make a great addition to a Colt or target revolver collection, especially for the .44 fans. Good luck and happy bidding!