Colt officers model special

[SMOLT]

I have a oms that functions normal in single action mode. In double action mode, the cylinder indexes when the trigger is pulled, but the hammer does not cock. I know that colt made a few single action officers model specials and am wondering if i have one.

 

[Old Fuff]

There is a small lever mounted on the hammer face, called a "strut." If it is stuck in the rearward position or has been removed, the action would work as you describe. Dribble a couple of drops of solvent (and no more) down the hammer face after cocking the hammer and see if it starts to work. It may just be dry and need some lubrication.

Colt did make some Officers Model Special revolvers with single-action mode only, but they have a short cocking stroke that's a dead give-away. The old King Gunsight Co. in California made a similar conversion, but in that case the revolver should be so marked.

 

[dfariswheel]

Here's a link to an exploded view of a Colt revolver similar to the Officer's Model Special.

The double action strut is part number 5.

If you cock the hammer and look down the front you should be able to see the strut on the front of the hammer.
It's not uncommon for people to have removed the strut so the gun is single action-only.
This was in the belief that this would make the action smoother for single action target shooting.

Note that is possible that the person altering the action may have also remove the drop safety assembly also.
These are parts number 10 and 11.
With these parts out, it's very possible the gun could fire if the hammer is bumped or the gun is dropped.
If you look down the front of the hammer as you pull the hammer back, you can see the block, part number 10 as it slides downward in front of the hammer.

http://stevespages.com/ipb-colt-officialpolice.html

 

[TonyT]

The Colt OM Special was the first post WWII taget model with click adjustable rear vsights. They are great guns, I have them in both 22lR and 38 Special. I also shot an ealt post WWII OM which had been modified for short single action use. As aprevious poster mentioned in bygone days somne people felt that the converted sing;le action provided a better trigger pull.

 

[SwampWolf]

The Colt OM Special was the first post WWII taget model with click adjustable rear vsights.

My Officers Model Special, made in 1951, has the "Coltmaster" adjustable rear sight. In 1953, the new, click-adjustable "Accro" rear target sight was introduced. The OM Specials are fine revolvers but, imo, the untapered barrels made them look a little "ungainly" when compared to the later OM Match series.