One From the Competition - Officer's Model Match 22LR

[22hipower]

Dug this one out of the safe today, hadn't looked at it in a long time and didn't remember that it was in pretty good condition. No indication, that I can see, of its being fired since it left the factory in 1957. Hard to believe that Thomas Turpin didn't take this one to the range as soon as he got it; December 1957, maybe a Christmas present. Anyway, thought I'd share it . . . .and maybe I'll take it to the range one of these days.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

https://flic.kr/p/2n2Nx73 https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/

https://flic.kr/p/2n2Nx7y https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/

https://flic.kr/p/2n2MiRM https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/

https://flic.kr/p/2n2LUfw https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/

https://flic.kr/p/2n2Nx4h https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/

 

[pawncop]

An outstanding revolver.

 

[Walter Rego]

That's an outstanding package. One often wonders how something like that stays together for over 60 years and gets little to no use.

I have a Colt OMM .22 that was made in 1961 with the box, papers and outer sleeve but missing the test target. I think my 1955 K-22 Masterpiece is more "shootable" but bench resting both revolvers at the same time with the same ammo reveals no difference in accuracy that my ability could ever discern.

 

[Babysitr]

Shoot it? why?.....I'd find a shooter grade one, and have twice the fun

 

[chief38]

Well I see the gun was never registered with Colt so the Warranty is not in force - Ha Ha - LOL!! GREAT looking gun! They were high quality and very accurate. Even all the accoutrements are in great condition. Too bad Thomas never enjoyed his Colt, but now you get to do the enjoying for him.

 

[bmcgilvray]

Hmmm ... is this akin to keeping a trophy wife "new-in-the-box"?

Very nice Colt! So that's what they looked like lying in a shop gun case back in 1957. Viewing the entire package is appreciated. Was the best year by the way. I'm a '57 model. I haven't held up so well though.

Here's No. 67912, just a little earlier than yours. One supposes it's also a '57 though no letter has been obtained as of yet. Not new-in-the-box and with no supporting accessories and accouterments. It sure is a deluxe shooter though.

 

[gregintenn]

Oh my!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[chief38]

YUP - no Safe Queens in my house!

 

[DWalt]

Back in the day of serious Bullseye competitive shooting, many shooters preferred Colt OMM .22 and .38 Special revolvers to S&W's products. Of course, those days are long past. I doubt if any remaining Bullseye shooters still use .22 and .38 Special revolvers.

 

[bmcgilvray]

Yeah DWalt. They're long past and and so am I, but we moved last fall and I'm now close to a range that holds Precision Pistol competition so I may dust off some target .22s and .38S, and the Colt Gold Cup and attend, just to provide some anachronistic comic relief.

 

[22hipower]

Hmmm ... is this akin to keeping a trophy wife "new-in-the-box"?

Very nice Colt! So that's what they looked like lying in a shop gun case back in 1957. Viewing the entire package is appreciated. Was the best year by the way. I'm a '57 model. I haven't held up so well though.

Here's No. 67912, just a little earlier than yours. One supposes it's also a '57 though no letter has been obtained as of yet. Not new-in-the-box and with no supporting accessories and accouterments. It sure is a deluxe shooter though.

Very nice, although I suspect it is from 1956. I also have 72085 which I show as 1956 but don't have a letter so don't know for sure. And for the guys worried about me not shooting the other one, this is the beat up one that goes to the range.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

https://flic.kr/p/2n2TQHn https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/

https://flic.kr/p/2n2Ue22

https://flic.kr/p/2n2Ue4S

 

[DWalt]

It's unfortunate that most competitive handgun shooting today is of the "Combat" nature that does not involve pinpoint precision accuracy, mainly just knocking over as many steel targets as possible in the shortest time. For those who have never participated in a Bullseye match, it takes tremendous stamina, concentration, and a full hot Summer afternoon to complete a "2700" match at 25 and 50 yards. No way I could even begin to do that today.

Wintertime shoots were .22 only at the 50' range in the basement of the local firehouse. In a way, they were more fun and not nearly as cutthroat as the outdoor matches.

 

[rockquarry]

It's unfortunate that most competitive handgun shooting today is of the "Combat" nature that does not involve pinpoint precision accuracy, mainly just knocking over as many steel targets as possible in the shortest time. For those who have never participated in a Bullseye match, it takes tremendous stamina, concentration, and a full hot Summer afternoon to complete a "2700" match at 25 and 50 yards. No way I could even begin to do that today.

Wintertime shoots were .22 only at the 50' range in the basement of the local firehouse. In a way, they were more fun and not nearly as cutthroat as the outdoor matches.

I'm in agreement regarding Bullseye shooting. I've never fired in formal Bullseye competition, but I've done all my handgun shooting "Bullseye" style for the last twenty or more years after using the two-handed combat approach for many years before that. The latter became increasingly dull.

You learn a great deal about shooting technique and discipline using the one-handed Bullseye style, but I think few have an interest in such shooting today. It's much too slow and requires a great deal of patience. Regardless, we're fortunate to have choices in the types of shooting we enjoy.

 

[Golddollar]

I'm in agreement regarding Bullseye shooting. I've never fired in formal Bullseye competition, but I've done all my handgun shooting "Bullseye" style for the last twenty or more years after using the two-handed combat approach for many years before that. The latter became increasingly dull.

You learn a great deal about shooting technique and discipline using the one-handed Bullseye style, but I think few have an interest in such shooting today. It's much too slow and requires a great deal of patience. Regardless, we're fortunate to have choices in the types of shooting we enjoy.

I'm still doing it. My club down in Maryland will be starting up its Wednesday night .22 league in May. I'm starting up my practice sessions now because of the hemorrhage in my right eye so I can get used to sighting with my left eye. I really missed the .22 league when I was working out of town, but since I retired I have returned with regularity.

 

[lrrifleman]

Back in the day of serious Bullseye competitive shooting, many shooters preferred Colt OMM .22 and .38 Special revolvers to S&W's products. Of course, those days are long past. I doubt if any remaining Bullseye shooters still use .22 and .38 Special revolvers.

Sir, glad you didn't wager a bet! I still use my K22 and K38 for Precision Pistol! I enjoy shocking people by shooting timed and rapid fire stages single action!

 

[jrm53]

I got to handle one like this about 28 years ago it was the first one I had seen, I like S&W's but the OMM colt was VERY impressive. Jeff

 

[DWalt]

For those unaware, the Colt OMM is built on essentially the same frame as the (old) Python. As are many other Colt revolvers.