Rare Colt Officers Model 32 Heavy Barrel

bc1023 · Jul 13, 2014

I figured to post this rare piece I recently picked up.

Only made 1939 to 1940, with about 1000 produced in total...

Here's a 1939 Colt Officers Model 32 Heavy Barrel in fine condition (95%) with no holster wear. Grips are about 98%.

It locks up super tight and the action is the nicest of any Colt I own, including all my Pythons.

Texas Star · Jul 13, 2014

Very nice indeed, but I really wish that you'd take some "dead-on" shots from the side instead of being so creative.

Well really, in addition to that.

bengal fan · Jul 13, 2014

That is one fine & extremely rare Colt!
I saw one on gunbroker about a year ago with a "but it now" for $1200. I put it in my watch list and it was gone the next day. You sure don't see them for sale very often.
Congrats!

Paul

Smithhound · Jul 13, 2014

Excellent Catch!! My interest's in handguns lie primarily with the old Smith's but a fine old Colt like that will make my ears perk up. I wouldn't hesitate a second to shell out some big money for a fine revolve like that one.
I read somewhere that as part of the blueing process of those old Colt's they were dunked into a vat of boiling gasoline before the final blueing, part of what gave them that old school finish. I would not want to work in that part of the factory.
Enjoy that one, and if you ever tire of it please let me know.
RD

shouldazagged · Jul 13, 2014

Just beautiful!

sophie · Jul 13, 2014

Mighty fine looking Colt. Congratulations.

Jebus35745 · Jul 13, 2014

Very nice, That would turn my head also. Not asking what you paid but what price range do these sell for? Be nice to have a Colt and a Smith both in that caliber. Ever shoot it? Larry

TSQUARED · Jul 13, 2014

Those pre WW!! Colt revolvers had the best single action of any revolver.

bc1023 · Jul 13, 2014

Thanks guys

Yeah, Colt did their finest work back then. The small touches and attention to detail are just phenomenal. There's even fine checkering on the trigger, back strap, and cylinder release. Colt didn't do that stuff after the war.

I got a really awesome deal at $1200 OTD. My shop routinely gives me nice deals because I do so much business there. I've seen them sell for a good deal more, but they rarely come up for sale to begin with.

gregintenn · Jul 13, 2014

I love that! Glad it went to someone who appreciates the craftsmanship it represents. Thanks for sharing.

2152hq · Jul 14, 2014

Nice Colt.

Are the 32Colt cal O/M all from a (cancelled?) State Police contract where the wrong caliber was requested? 32 instead of 38,,
or was the caliber offered for a while in regular production..

I remember seeing a large number of these 32's for sale many years ago from a distributor/dealer,,probably in GunList or SGNews (J&G Rifle Ranch perhaps).
Various conditions but the worst was VG,,the best was Exc and included the # box.
Of course I didn't have any money at the time!

BigBill · Jul 14, 2014

Nice.

I have a colt officers target model similar to yours with a 6" barrel in 22lr.
They say it's built on a 41 Frame. It's heavy for a 22 revolver probably the largest framed 22 revolver I ever seen.

H Richard · Jul 15, 2014

I have the same model but in 38 Special. Great shooting gun, but my Pre-14 K38 Target shoots just as well. But I would love to have that in .32!

bc1023 · Jul 15, 2014

2152hq said:
Nice Colt.

Are the 32Colt cal O/M all from a (cancelled?) State Police contract where the wrong caliber was requested? 32 instead of 38,,
or was the caliber offered for a while in regular production..

It was a very limited regular production. I doubt the SP would order revolvers with adjustable rear sights, patridge front sights, and heavy barrels.

2152hq · Jul 16, 2014

bc1023 said:
It was a very limited regular production. I doubt the SP would order revolvers with adjustable rear sights, patridge front sights, and heavy barrels.

I was told it was the Mass SP that made that order and refused to accept the revolvers. That on a thread on this forum I found in a search from last fall w/info posted by 'perrazi' when the same topic cameup. My own recollection of who ordered them was no clearer then than now!
But I knew I had seen them,,

I found this closed auction from a while back also with similar info re: the Mass SP ordering Colt HB/OM, but a typo in the order got them 32's instead of 38's. This one states an order of 400 guns.,,So I guess I probably answered my own question about who ordered it,,a factory letter to see if it's one of the 400 sent to MA S/P.
Item:10629172 COLT - OFFICER'S MODEL TARGET RARE .32 HEAVY BARREL...Mfd 1941...A SUPERB GUN!!! For Sale at GunAuction.com

A beautiful Colt no matter who ordered it back then.

JJEH · Jul 16, 2014

Very nice, congrats.

Jebus35745 · Jul 16, 2014

Is 2900.00 at the top of the scale on price for one of these in great shape? Know where one is, Larry

bc1023 · Jul 17, 2014

That sounds about what I've seen them for lately. Is the box with it?

Jebus35745 · Jul 17, 2014

Not sure abt the box, it's on guns international in the 32 revolver section. It's on page 2 and it's in SW Ohio. Been there for a while, they may take an offer. BC, you got a great deal on your 32. Larry

bc1023 · Jul 24, 2014

Jebus35745 said:
Not sure abt the box, it's on guns international in the 32 revolver section. It's on page 2 and it's in SW Ohio. Been there for a while, they may take an offer. BC, you got a great deal on your 32. Larry

Thanks Larry

Rare Colt Officers Model 32 Heavy Barrel

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