This Old Colt

[Dump1567]

I found this in a local shop. It's been sitting there for awhile. I actually had a choice of 3 New Services:

A 5 digit Ser. # .455 with 5 1/2" barrel in rough shape, bored out to 45 Colt with some wood target stocks (missing the lanyard) for $995

A 1926 5 1/2" barrel marked ".45 Colt" on the barrel but looked to be a .45 acp cylinder with plastic stag grips. Also someone checkered the back strap (not sure if colt offered that?). finish was nice, but they wanted $1,300.

And this 1926 7 1/2" barrel .38 W.C.F.. I think the grips are replacement Coltwood, but I'm no expert. Bore became nice and shiny after I cleaned it. It's a little rough with some minor pitting, but I'll take good care of it. They were asking $995, but they knocked off a $100.

I had gotten rid of a nice 5 1/2 incher in 45 Colt and have regretted it since. This is kind of its replacement.

 

[Muley Gil]

I had one like it back in the '80s. Mine was about 95+%.I traded it off because ammo was expensive and so were reloading dies and bullet moulds. Of course, this was before Cowboy Action Shooting came on the scene.

 

[Texas Star]

Mine was a 5.5 inch .45 Colt, about 1935, in near new condition. It was VERY accurate.

Never owned a .38 WCF. Or a DA gun with a bbl. that long.

If you can find ammo, I think it'd be a killer, to 75 yds or more. Maybe to 50 yds. on deer, more for coyotes.

Let us know how it shoots.

 

[forrestinmathews]

.38 WCF....meaning .38-40 Winchester? What an interesting chambering. Especially since you don't have to recover the brass.

 

[Dump1567]

Midway USA has a few offerings of this cowboy load. I researched this caliber a few years ago for a buddy that traded into a Colt SAA so chambered. I didn't know what the heck it was.

Basically equivalent to .40 S&W. a 180 gr. bullet travelling about 900+ fps.

 

[DocB]

That would have been my pick too. A 38-40 in a pistol like that is just so rare. I had an old 1873 Winchester in that caliber, but gave it away. Still have one box of ammo left. Colt chambered in many odd cartridges. There's a late 1890's gun in 41 Long around here somewhere. Never seen another like it.

 

[DWalt]

If you can't find .38-40 brass, .45 or .44-40 brass can be easily reformed to .38-40. .40 (10mm) lead bullets will work fine. Reloading dies are readily available. Check Lee for dies, might find some used ones on eBay also. Ammo will not be a problem if you load your own.

 

[Toyman]

This is a Colt New Service Target shipped February 1921 with 7 1/2 inch barrel.

 

[Dump1567]

Just back from the range. New Stags and T-grip. Distance is 7 yards double action.

I really enjoyed shooting this. I will probably buy some dies and reload for it.

 

[MCorps0311]

You found a beauty,I never fine anything other than the new stuff.