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I was recently teaching a friend of mine how to shoot pistols, when he mentioned he has his dad's gun from the war. He told me it hasn't been used in probably 40 years or more, and he knows nothing about it. I asked him to bring it over so I can give it a quick once-over, and see if it might be serviceable. I know he would want his son to be able to fire his grandfather's firearm if it was possible.

It turns out the gun is a blued, 4 inch, Colt .38. The stamping says " Colt Official Police 38 " It is a SA/DA and holds 6 rounds. It appears the wood grips are original and worn. It has 62 stamped on the backstrap. It has a fixed front sight, and the rear sight is about 2 inches long and runs along the spine of the cylander. (it appears to be an early form of a rail). It has very few scratches or blemishes, and some minor holster wear. The serial number is 687120, and there is a "Y" stamped underneath.

Interestingly enough, the container also had a shipping document for the gun. It originated from the War Department, and shipped from the Rock Island Ordnance Depot to his father in Chicago. It indicated the gun was used, and the document was dated 1/24/46. The price for the gun.... $19.87.....

So my questions are: Does anyone know anything about this particular gun, or have any experience with it? Althought I'm sure it will never leave the family, what is the value of this type of piece? Would anyone have any hesitation in firing this gun since it appears in operable condition. The action is smooth, the barrel is spotless, and the cylander is clean and smooth.

If I can figure out how to add a picture, I'll do it in a subsequent post.

Mucho Gracias

What a treasure!

I confirmed the Colt is a .38 special, and its rated at about 85%. I figure the value at about $350 - $400 as well. However it is has priceless sentimental value. In fact, we're taking the grandson out to the range over Christmas to teach him to shoot on his Grandpa's Colt. How cool is that!! The kid will also have the chance to shoot a 9mm, 45 ACP, and .357. Lucky Kid!!

Griffen wrote:Would anyone have any hesitation in firing this gun since it appears in operable condition.

Assuming that the gun appears in good condition, I'd have no problem firing it with standard pressure .38 special (no +P). If anything, modern .38 special is somewhat weaker than the ammo that gun was designed to use.

According to the list at proofhouse, that revolver was made in 1943. If wikipedia can be believed, that makes the wood grips unusual, since Colt allegedly used plastic between entry to WWII and 1954. I wouldn't swear to that last, though.

I have a Colt Army Special (essentially the same revolver) made in 1922 and they are lovely guns to shoot. My reading around suggested that factory (non +P) ammo should be fine, but I like to load low pressure plinking rounds for mine, because why stress an old lady at all, if you don't have to.

Edited to add: Very useful post here from USA1 on checking timing, cylinder play etc: viewtopic.php?f=23&t=38190