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10-17-2017, 10:54 PM
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Colt Shooting Master > Update Letter Added
I went to a gun show Friday and found a Colt Shooting Master .38 made in 1940. Don't recall ever seeing another one in person. After posting it on another forum I found out that only 100-200 where made with a square butt out of only 3500 total. Anyone else have one to show?
Last edited by RILEY31; 11-10-2017 at 06:50 PM.
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10-17-2017, 11:05 PM
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Whooo...!!!
I like that!
New Service revolvers and any variant thereof are my very favorite Colt revolver of all. An uncommonly found Shooting Master would be a prize.
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10-18-2017, 12:08 AM
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I don't know how many SMs were made, only that I have not seen one in many years. Basically it is a target variant of the large frame New Service. A few SMs were made chambered in .357 Magnum, which was Colt's first revolver in that caliber. One of those would be a great find.
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10-18-2017, 03:01 AM
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Here is some information about the Colt Shooting Master calibers and number of each made.The link below tells the full story
The Shooting Master was offered in five standard calibers for a total quantity of approximately 3500 guns. They were as follows: .45 Colt (Qty 156), .45 ACP (Qty 250), .44 Russian/S&W Special (Qty 94), .357 Magnum (starting about 1936) (Qty 500) and the .38 SpeciaL (Qty 2500). There are three known Shooting Masters to have been made in another caliber. One of each of the following is known: .22 RF Caliber, 38-200 (.38 S&W) & .455 Eley. There are two known Shooting Masters to have been made with a nickel finish. One was in .45 Colt and the other in .45 ACP.
A close look at the Colt Shooting Master
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10-18-2017, 04:59 AM
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Nice find! I passed on one of these a couple of years ago because the cosmetics weren't quite good enough for me. I regret that now.
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10-18-2017, 11:49 AM
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This is a 38 special shooting master shipped in 1937.
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SWCA 1932 SWHF 135
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10-18-2017, 11:57 AM
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I wish I had one to show, those are fine revolvers. Congratulations.
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10-18-2017, 12:41 PM
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A masterpiece for sure.
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Life is short,live it fully.
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10-18-2017, 03:09 PM
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Here is one from my earlier post:
A Pair of Colts With Different Ropers
Bob
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10-18-2017, 03:12 PM
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Here is 357 magnum Shooting Master shipped July 1938.
King rib, Roper grips with period correct ammo. Shooting 148
grain wad cutters is like shooting a BB gun of a battleship.
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SWCA 1932 SWHF 135
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10-18-2017, 06:02 PM
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Nice Shooting Masters! I wish I could find one in 357 that I could afford.
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11-10-2017, 06:52 PM
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I received the Colt Letter today so I updated the post
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11-14-2017, 12:24 PM
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Caliber is 38/c ????
What is that? Are they saying 38 Colt?
Does it chamber 38 Special?
Nice gun!
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11-22-2017, 11:41 PM
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A little late to this party but I have a Shooting Master in 357 that has quite a bit of character. At some point in its ~80 years on this earth, someone shortened the barrel, and it has its share of patina. No rust or pitting, it's all smooth to the touch, just intriguing wear to the bluing.
It's a fantastic shooter, and whoever did the barrel did a great job as it's still exceptionally accurate.
I'm not typically into guns with this much "color" but the modifications make me think it was a real working piece for somebody interesting. If only it could talk.
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11-23-2017, 02:29 AM
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handejector, It is .38 special.
lifesizepotato, That is a very nice and unique Shooting Master.
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11-23-2017, 01:53 PM
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So it shipped to the Marine Corps? That's neat.
If someday you decide to pass it on to another owner, send me a PM. 
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11-23-2017, 08:06 PM
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I will remember you Muley Gil, This is an interesting gun besides the fact that it was sent to the USMC, It is written about in the book Colt New Service Revolvers by Bob Murphy. The entry is as follows: "348281 .38 Special, square butt, factory rebuilt to .357.
I have been trying to contact Colt to see why this was not noted in the letter but the are out till the 27th for Thanksgiving.
I had not thought to try a .357 round in it until I was informed about the book entry, but it is chambered for .357.
Last edited by RILEY31; 11-23-2017 at 08:40 PM.
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