Lotsa nice pics and interesting comments. I have plenty of pre 14s,model14s, K-38s, or whatever you prefer and the granddaddy M&P Targets. I have one OMM, simply to use for grips, it’s a very nice gun but it’s no Smith ! Raised up right with Smith & Wesson’s !
The Colt might shoot as well as the Smiths but not in my hands.

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That’s the same test procedure I’ve used.
If you’re going to use a Ransom Rest, this is the way to do it!

I’ve posted this film before, but it definitely is in keeping with the topic.
It’s a training film with Marine marksman and Olympic Gold medalist, Bill MacMillan. (He shoots a Colt Officer’s Match):

CONTENTdm

There’s one spot where McMillan shows his timed/rapid fire dry-fire technique. Masterful example of thumb cocking, indeed!

Here’s the relevant thread:

How to REALLY shoot a Pistol! (Film)


If you haven’t seen it, check out the LASD in the film from the 1930s:
RARE - LASD Pistol Team Exhibition, Historic, 1936, Color enhanced - YouTube

I think there are mostly Colts in that one (plus a Thompson SMG!)


How many people do you know that would let you shoot cigarettes out of their mouth or ears?

Very neat film, thank you for posting the link.

If you look closely you’ll notice he has both an Officers Model Special and an Officers Model Match. The Special appears to have been fitted with a Micro rear sight in place of the factory unit.

The K frame rear sight fitted to his 1911 was ahead of its time. He’d also stippled about every non flat surface on that 45 too.

There sure is a lot of talk about the mysteries and complexity of the old Colt “leaf mainspring” DA revolvers, such as those being discussed here.
I had to dig a bit through my archives, but I found an interesting article titled “Servicing the Colt Revolver”. It was published in Guns Magazine in May 1957. The author is William Edwards. But, the real author of the content is Arnold Goodwin (AKA: “Goodie”), then foreman of the Colt custom repair department. He began work during WWI, fitting 1917s! So, by 1957, he knew his stuff.

You can find the article by going to the Guns magazine website, GUNS Magazine Home - GUNS Magazine, then going to the back issues page, and downloading the PDF for May 1957.

Here’s the link (I hope this is OK to list!)

https://gunsmagazine.com/wp-content/...8/12/G0557.pdf

Give it a read. You might decide the old Colt is worth reconsidering. Or, you might be completely scared off!
I really like the comment that the only tools you need are “a rawhide mallet and a clean file”! (Well, of course, you also at least need the correct screwdrivers!)

Well, if the "clean file" is the nail file I found in my Mom's old purse, then I already have a screwdriver...After all, it's just a Colt......Ben

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Cogito, ergo BOOM!...

One of the things I did learn after owning a half dozen or so Colt DA evolvers was how to properly disassemble the action for a good detail cleaning and lube with modern lubricants, which often helps considerably if they are coated with old, varnished oil. And how to stretch the hand. They seem to go out of time fairly easily, evident if you cock the action slowly and watch for when the bolt pops into the cylinder locking notch. Stretching the hand just a couple thousandths or so often remedies that issue.

Thank you very much for posting that link. Jerry Kuhnhausen’s book(s) on Colt double action revolvers are great references also. I have 2 Colts that need their hands stretched a bit but I don’t have the confidence to tackle that particular repair.