Make: Colt

Model: Officer’s Model Target

Serial Number: 236872

Year of Manufacture: 1904

Caliber: .38 Special

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

Barrel Length: 6"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade adjustable for elevation in a base fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a flat topped "U"-notched target sight that is adjustable for windage, mounted to the rear of the topstrap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with smooth diamonds around the grip screw escutcheons, each with the assembly number hand-written on their interior. The grips have a few light nicks and scuffs, mostly on their bottom face. The grips show general light handling wear. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is some light erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 7-8/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 85% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There is light handling wear in the grip areas. There is fairly some scattered minor surface oxidation, mostly on the cylinder. There are spots of wear at the rear of each cylinder flute. There are some light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good 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: This revolver comes with a copy of "A Study of Colt's New Army and New Navy Pattern Double Action Revolvers" by Robert Best.

Our Assessment: The first issue Colt Officer’s Model Target revolvers were made from 1904-1927 and were serialized with the Army Special model. This particular style of Officer’s Model Target revolver was only produced from 1904-1908. It featured the New Army & New Navy frame style with the counter-clockwise rotating cylinder. 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 120+ year old revolver is outstanding, the sight picture is fantastic and the craftsmanship is something not seen in standard commercial offerings today. The revolver has light wear given its age, retaining a good bore and still locking up tight. This ought to still make for a great shooter and is certainly in better shape than any of us would be at its age. It also comes from the Robert Best collection with a copy of his book "A Study of Colt's New Army and New Navy Pattern Double Action Revolvers". This particular revolver is featured on page 198 of Best’s book. Please see our photos and good luck!