Found a 1950 Colt .38 at local pawn shop. Serial checked out as a 1950 Officer model, six inch heavy barrel, genuine wear so it hadn't been re-blued and tattoe'd by some home grown "craftsman". Had smooth wooden grips, not checkered, and on the right grip was a gold star that said "California Highway Patrol." Figured it would sit just fine next to the 28-2 and -3 in the safe, so I picked it up. Little freckling and wear, about 70% bluing remaining, nice clean barrel.

Jes sayin'........

It was just pawned, so I have to wait another 26 days before I can fill out the DROS, then another ten day wait. Welcome to CA...oh, if anyone asks, I got it for $375....it was someone's Grandfather who owned the gun, who was a CA Highway Patrolman at one time, and the grand kid pawned it...such a crime!

If it is truly from 1950, it would probably be the Officer's Model Special, a rather scarce variation of the Officer's Model made for only about three years, and replaced by the Officer's Model Match in 1953. You did very well for $375.

Verified through Colt website, it is the Officer's Model special. S/N was right on for that description. Had no idea they were scarce, thanks for the input. What sold me was the gold star emblem, everything else good about it is gravy!

I hate you.










Great example of something that caught your eye turning out to be gold. Did you try to find out the whole story behind the shield, like was the gun a presentation, or maybe the owner had it done up to commemorate his service?

I think when I'm really retired, as opposed to being unemployed, I'm going to spend a lot of time cruising between gun stores and pawn shops and the like. Gotta get me some of these stories!



I'm totally stealing that pic.

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TEAM DNF

When I saw that little gold star, placed where the Colt logo would have been on the grip, I had to ask the pawn guy to read it forme..one downside of retirement, your arms don't get long enough to read small print anymore....

Sounds like a great find. Sorry you have to wait so long.

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Who watches the watchers?

This pawn shop is hit or miss. Sometimes a good find appears (the Colt, a 1946 M&P .38 for $400) but others are overpriced and modified beyond any collector value, like missing front sights, or an old model Bearcat with no cylinder. I hit them about once a week, and if I find something, I usually haggle a bit and buy it on the spot. They have a pair of Collector Colt commemorative Frontiersman on display in boxes, but $650 and $850 price tags go against my inherent cheapness.

What?........A rare Colt and nobody has a pic of one?.......Curiosity is killing me here..........

Now it has a more appreciative owner, and at a good value it seems. That's a win

Only the one pic of the subject model of revolver but you can read about the model here:
Officer's Model

The picture in the article about the fourth model special differs from mine in that the rear sights on mine look more like those on the third model, and the front one has no ramp...hmmm.

You are going to need to post a pic. If you can't figure out how to post pic's, PM me and I'll forward my email address and I can post them for you.

Appreciate the offer, regarding posting photos, but the revolver is in the pawn shop safe until 7/03, it takes 30 days to clear for actual sale once received/purchased at the shop, then ten more days before I can take possession. Will post pics ASAP. Will also verify S/N since I took the seller's word, I couldn't read it without bifocals.

Thank you, sir

So, won't they let you take a couple of pics while WE'RE waiting???

They kind of frown on people taking photos in the store...they ain't the Pawn Stars....

Here's what I found,,

http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/a...psa202827f.jpg

An amazing find... especially when you consider the relatively isolated/remote location and size of Paradise, CA, located in the Sierra Nevada foothills.

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Conrad
SWCA #1830 SWHF #222

You're in the place on a fairly regular basis. You've given them money, right? To buy the gun? Or you have already bought it, but waiting to take possession of it...and they "frown" on your taking a few photos of it? That doesn't sound right.

Put down deposit to hold it until it gets cleared (30 day wait). It's a very busy shop, and I have purchased from them before but only two guys are manning the place, sometimes only one, so I can understand they are stretched on time keeping their eyes on "other folks" and helping customers. But I will give it a shot...my camera skills are lacking, don't have no smart phone, just an old digital.

The photo on Photobucket is of a Colt's Officers Model Target. I have one that is a fine shooter.

I have both a 1930s Colt Officers Model Target and a 1960s Officers Model Match. I do not have an OM Special, but would sure like to have one. They don't show up often. The OMs are great shooters, and they were worthy alternatives to the S&W K-frame target revolvers, but a little beefier. Like having a Python, except not in .357.

Just got back to making second deposit on the revolver. Brought extra eyes with me and a magnifying glass. Sad to say, it's not a Officers Model special...barrel says "Colt Officer 38, heavy barrel. Everything matches up to that model, including the checkered hammer, and non-ramped adjustable front sight. So it's not a rarity. Still like it, though. The California Highway Patrol medallion on the right grip looks like new,about the size of a dime, and might even be 10K, who knows? Maybe get a letter? Thanks for all the info, will still post photo when I take delivery 7/13.

Sounds like it's the earlier OMT if it has the adjustable front sight. The OMT front sight was adjustable for elevation and the rear sight was adjustable for windage.

By George, I think he's got it! Heavy barrel was an option or standard?

At least from the mid-30s onward, I believe the heavy barrel was standard on the OMT and also the 6" barreled OPs. At least I don't remember seeing an OMT which was not a HB.

Picked it up today. Laws here in CA are just so weird. I brought my own trigger lock, and a locking briefcase for transportation home. Guy didn't see the briefcase on the floor, and wouldn't accept my trigger lock...CA law..he whipped out a simple cable lock and put it through the cylinder, and motioned for me to go get a $10 gun pouch, which I wasn't about to pay for...I brought up the briefcase, so that issue was resolved. Also told him I would bring back the THREE locks I currently had from purchasing there..he laughed and said thanks. Guess they might be being scrutinized over their practices, who knows..anyway, revolver cleaned up well, Hoppes soaked patches through the barrel and cylinder were dirty from dust, no green residue. Removed grips, no underneath rust, cleaned/waxed that area and applied Ren Wax to the grips and screwed them back in. Gave the barrel, cylinder and trigger areas a light oiling, one last go-over with wax and a cotton shirt rag, and she is very nice. I would say 75% or better bluing..can see the little horsey now. Once I figured out my stupid camera, will post. 40 day wait was unbearable!!

Well, here it is...

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I think you got a great deal on it! Enjoy.

What you have is definitely the Officer's Model Target, Third Issue. 1927-1949. The grips seem to show considerable use. You'll like it.