Great deal - Colt on 'Broker

[Waveski]

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=423481825#PIC

Boy , someone got lucky! 3 bills seems like a great deal for a classy old long barreled Colt shooter!

 

[BobWright]

Well, that makes two of us! I scored on a New Frontier!

Bob Wright

 

[evan price]

Lots of peening on the cylinder though.

 

[CraigC]

Yep, those firing pin marks all over the cylinder would've turned me off.

 

[Old Fuff]

It obviously was in need of a tune-up a long time ago. The bolt is leaving serious drag marks on the cylinder that show it's releasing way too soon, and I suspect that it isn't carrying up correctly as the cylinder turns from one chamber to the next. It also seems to be worse on one side then the other, which is a clue that the crane barrel (on which the cylinder rotates) is bent.

It is a neat gun, but putting in back into shape could run anywhere from $100 to $200 and maybe more. Serious collectors are unlikely to jump because it has lost too much of the original finish. They will sometimes pay big bucks, but only if the piece is in like-new condition - both in terms of finish and mechanical condition.

The Old Fuff loves these older Colts, but anyone who is thinking of buying one in this condition should have it checked out by a qualified gunsmith (that are hard to find now) and if work is needed get an estimated cost. Be aware that the factory probably won't work on one because they no longer have any parts.

 

[diyj98]

Yes, the old Colts are bad for timing issues. This one has been dry fired a good bit as well. It might have trouble setting off some rounds.

 

[19-3Ben]

I don't think I'd have touched it with a ten foot pole at that price.
I just don't know enough about the smithing necessary to make it right, and I'm not going to get stuck with a $300 paperweight.

 

[Old Fuff]

Yes, the old Colts are bad for timing issues.

Sometimes it's a bad rap because a fix isn't difficult. Other times it's a whole different matter.

The real issue is, "Why is their a problem, and what caused it?" Obviously a product that had serious timing problems with no apparent reason wouldn't have lasted from 1908 (when most of the "V" mainspring models were introduced), to about 1969 - 1970.

Those that really understand these revolvers understand the most common cause of issues is abuse, sometimes including decades of hard use. I've brought badly-out-of-time examples back to where they should be with nothing but a hammer.

Well O.K., it was a mallet with a plastic head or lead block...

But those that aren't skilled in doing this are well advised to stick to revolvers are good-to-go in the first place even if they cost more - and then handle them in a way that will keep them that way. Why go to the bother? Because good ones are exceptional shooters with a reputation for being tack-drivers.

It is not by coincidence that during a period running from the 1920's through the 1950's most of the big NRA Bullseye Center Fire tournaments were won by competitors who were shooting Colt revolvers.

 

[Waveski]

Honest admission : I received a 1947 Colt Official Police as a Christmas present last year, my first Colt revolver. (I also have a Woodsman.) The lock up of that revolver is so very tight , and it is a very accurate shooter. It is a fine piece , to say the least. When I looked at the .22 on 'Broker I was ga-ga over the 6" revolver ; never looked closely at some of the lower images , particularly the last one with the peened to bejeebers cylinder.

I stand corrected. A Colt of that type would be a wonderful .22 to have , but the one in question is compromised. End of admission.

 

[Old Fuff]

When I looked at the .22 on 'Broker I was ga-ga over the 6" revolver ;

Well I have some good news. Many of today's potential buyers don't pay much attention to most of the older Colt's, and those that do insist on snubbies or at least nothing over 4-inches. Therefore sellers usually will discount non-357 Magnum's with 6" barrels, and consider anything like that that's "just a .38" to be next to useless.

Go forth and partake...

 

[Vern Humphrey]

I have an almost identical Colt Officers Model Target (larger frame) built in the same period with the same sights (front adjustable for elevation, rear adjustable for windage.). It's an amazing revolver. I got mine for about the same price, but 10 or 15 years ago.

 

[Waveski]

Vern , you are the target of my envy!

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Every now and then the blind sow gets an acorn.

 

[Confederate]

Cylinder marks, peening on the chamber indents, buggered screws, cylinder stop won't lock. The last thing I'd need is another project! I have a friend with a mint Colt .38 Police with a 6-inch skinny barrel. He keeps it wrapped in an old oily t-shirt.