Make: Colt

Model: Officer’s Model Target

Serial Number: 272168

Year of Manufacture: 1950 (C&R)

Caliber: .38 Special

Action Type: Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “OFFICER’S MODEL COLT D.A. 38”. The top of the barrel is marked “COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A. / PAT. AUG. 5TH 1884, NOV. 6TH 88, MAR. 5TH 95, APR. 9TH 1901”. The left side of the frame above the grip is marked with a small Colt Rampant Horse logo. The crane, crane cut, and cylinder release are each marked “325”, an assembly number.

Barrel Length: 6”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square-notch adjustable for windage and elevation.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut target stocks with silver Colt medallions. There are light handling marks, some softened checkering on the right panel, and shallow bruising along the butt. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in about Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is light fouling but no visible erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 60% of its original finish. There is finish thinning throughout the barrel, frame, and cylinder, with areas of edgewear, operational wear, and minor oxidation along the cylinder flutes and high spots. The checkered trigger and wide spur hammer show silvering. The backstrap shows notable handling wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool-marked with serviceable slots. The markings remain clear. Overall, this revolver rates in about Good-Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with light play on each chamber. The single-action trigger is crisp and the double-action pull is smooth, consistent with Colt’s reputation for precision revolvers. The timing appears proper and the lockup is solid. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Our Assessment: This 1950 Colt Officer’s Model Target is an exemplary piece from the golden age of American revolver craftsmanship. The Officer’s Model line was Colt’s premier target revolver series before the introduction of the Python, designed for match-grade accuracy and featuring refinements such as adjustable sights, a finely tuned action, and a hand-fitted finish. Built on Colt’s heavy E-frame, the Officer’s Model Target in .38 Special was a favorite among competitive shooters and police marksmen alike.

This example shows signs of honest use, retaining about 60% of its original finish with a bright, sharp bore. The grips are original and well preserved, and the small Colt logo on the frame and the matching assembly numbers throughout signal originality and careful assembly. With its crisp mechanics, correct sights, and factory checkered trigger and hammer, it offers both collectibility and usability. The checkered backstrap and high-polish frame accents still communicate Colt's attention to form as well as function.

For the Colt enthusiast or classic revolver collector, this post-war Officer’s Model is a representative specimen of mid-century Colt precision. Its 6” barrel and target sights offer capable performance even today, while its classic lines and pedigree make it a standout in any wheelgun collection.