Make: Colt

Model: Shooting Master

Serial Number: 339635

Year of Manufacture: 1936

Caliber: .38 Special

Action Type: SA/DA Single and Double Action Revolver with 6-Shot Swing Out Cylinder

Barrel Length: 6"

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a patridge blade pinned in a slotted base fixed to the front of 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 checkered walnut with silver-colored Colt medallions. The interior of each panel has a portion scooped out in front of the screw hole. Otherwise, the grips show only light handling marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

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

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 85% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. The balance is mostly handling wear in the checkered grip straps. There are notable tool marks at the front sight pin on each side of its base. There is a patch of oxidation on the bottom-front of the trigger guard. There is infrequent minor erosion, most notable on each side of the frame behind the barrel. There are a few other scattered minor marks. The action shows operational wear including a thin turn-line on the cylinder. 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 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.

One of the most rare variations is the Shooting Master. It is similar to the New Service Target model, but with a slightly different grip profile, matte finish along the topstrap, back of the frame down to the strap checkering, and top of the hammer, and curiously without checkering on the cylinder latch. Approximately 3,500 were produced from 1931-1938 with the majority chambered for .38 Special, like this one. When introduced, the Shooting Master was Colt's most expensive revolver, all hand-tuned at the factory for a buttery smooth action.

This example has survived the last 90 years quite well, retaining the great majority of its metal finish, a nice bore and strong mechanics. It should still prove to be a great target revolver, but would also make a prized addition to a Colt revolver collection. Good luck and happy bidding!