Colt New Service 45 Colt

[Shark Bait]

I had a busy weekend at a gunshow. This is one of eight guns that I bought, all from o e dealer who was selling off a collection. All the revolvers I bought, except the Colt New Frontier, had ****** rubber grips on them. Finding the right grips/stocks will be another project.

This is a Colt New Service chambered in 45 Colt with the less common 4.5 inch barrel. The serial number is 319XXX and appears to date to 1923. The finish is actually in better condition than this picture suggests. It is amazing for being 101 years old.

 

[.455_Hunter]

Nice!

It's ready to get to work...

Please don't safe queen it.

 

[470Evans]

The correct grips will be hard rubber and you can find them from time to time on Ebay. You could also post a wtb on the Colt Forum.

 

[robertrwalsh]

Major score. Congrats.

 

[Shark Bait]

Apparently, 1923 was the year Colt transitioned from hard rubber grips to wood with medallions. I ordered some aftermarket wood grips so I can get the rubber off asap.

 

[moosedog]

Nice catch. I have an original pair of wooden grips if you're still interested
PM me.

 

[Model19man]

Not crazy about the Goodyear grips but like the revolver a lot.

 

[Jack Flash]

Gotta love them old Colts!

I would take Mr. MooseDog up on his offer. Repos are ok, but just barely.

 

[Shark Bait]

I pm'ed moosedog about them

 

[Muley Gil]

I love the old New Service revolvers!

Yours is mighty fine!

 

[Enzo Rules]

Nice pickup.

 

[sigp220.45]

Very cool!

A .45 Colt New Service is a serious fight-stopper. I agree about the Pachmayrs, but you might want to hang on to them for the range.

I got this NY State Trooper NS and it has become a favorite thumper. I can’t imagine many Troopers were happy turning it in for a .38 OP when they transitioned.

 

[Guy M]

Nice revolver there Shark Bait!

ssig - I've got one of those old NYST Colt 45's as well. Have some reproduction grips on it and it shoots quite well.


Typically I'll load 250 - 255 gr bullets for it at 850 - 900 fps. I don't shoot it often, a box or two of handloads every year is all. Have had it about 40 years and it did belong to my grandfather. Good old guns. I really ought to get a nice belt holster for it. Might use it more if I had one.

Regards, Guy

 

[Shark Bait]

Great to see you here Guy! I'm pretty sure the folks here will enjoy your posts.

 

[biku324]

I really want a shootable New Service in 45 Colt - it was the original sidearm of the NMSP from 1935 to the late '50s, with a few in the arsenal until the early '60s.

 

[Shark Bait]

I really want a shootable New Service in 45 Colt - it was the original sidearm of the NMSP from 1935 to the late '50s, with a few in the arsenal until the early '60s.

I assume they were the 5.5 inch barrel version?

 

[biku324]

Yes. The original 30 officers all rode motorcycles, so the longer barrel was no problem.

 

[Shark Bait]

Here she is with correct vintage grips and the lanyard ring installed like it originally came from the factory. Moosedog was great and sent me nice wood stocks. Unfortunately, the fit wasn't good.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

Very cool!

A .45 Colt New Service is a serious fight-stopper. I agree about the Pachmayrs, but you might want to hang on to them for the range.

I got this NY State Trooper NS and it has become a favorite thumper. I can’t imagine many Troopers were happy turning it in for a .38 OP when they transitioned.

When Police Departments transitioned to autoloaders a lot had "Grandfather Clauses" so we could keep our revolvers.

 

[cherrypointmarine]

You need to post that on the Colt forum . I've been over since I got a couple of Colts lately . Some good guys over there , really helpful . It's so big though , you don't get the small town feel like you do here . If you do post it over there , I'm sure you'll start up some drooling .