Make: Colt

Model: Officer’s Model Target Third Issue

Serial Number: 51392

Year of Manufacture: 1948

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

Action Type: Single Action/Double Action with Swing Out Cylinder

Barrel Length: 6”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned into a base fixed to the barrel, adjustable for elevation. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed and screw-set to the topstrap, adjustable for windage.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with silver-colored Colt medallions. The grips have minor handling wear with only a few small marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-plus condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 92% of its metal finish. The finish is lightly thinning at most edges. There is light handling wear in the grip areas. There are some minor nicks, scratches and light scuffing. The action shows light operational wear including a thin turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to very lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good-Fine condition.

Mechanics: 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 77 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 the revolver is in Very Good-Fine condition with light wear, a great bore and strong mechanics. This is certain to be the same fantastic quality target revolver it was when it rolled off the assembly lines in the '40s, but it's also likely to find a home in a Colt collector's stable. Please see our photos and good luck!