Make: Colt

Model: Officer’s Model Target

Serial Number: 305261

Year of Manufacture: 1908

Caliber: .38 Special

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

Barrel Length: 6"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Marble Sheard brass-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 "5621" hand-written on their interior. The grips have a few scattered light nicks and scuffs. There are a few more notable dings on the bottom faces of the grips. 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 infrequent minor erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 8+/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 75% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There is handling wear in the grip areas with some notable erosion at the top of each grip strap. There is fairly evenly scattered faint surface oxidation with a little more notable oxidation on the left of the barrel which has some wear. 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: None.

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 is from just after the changeover period of 1908, when the frame style transitioned from the New Army & New Navy type to the Army Special type, and the cylinder rotation transitioned from counter-clockwise to clockwise. 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 118 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 wear consistent with its age, but retains a good bore and still locks 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, author of "A Study of Colt's New Army and New Navy Pattern Double Action Revolvers". Please see our photos and good luck!