An amazing find... especially when you consider the relatively isolated/remote location and size of Paradise, CA, located in the Sierra Nevada foothills.
Colt "Highway Patrolman"....
- Thread starter Ron M.
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Watchdog
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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.
bronco45
Member
The photo on Photobucket is of a Colt's Officers Model Target. I have one that is a fine shooter.
DWalt
Member
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.
Colt serial number website is in error?
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.
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.
DWalt
Member
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?
DWalt
Member
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.
Well, the Colt has been paroled and is home...
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!!
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!!
DWalt
Member
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.
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