I've got a '43 model, such a nice gun. Congrats!

 

A very nice revolver!
I also purchased a 1936 version a few years ago and it is a fine shooter. I don't shoot it a bunch but plan on taking it out again this week
Here's a picture of mine:

 

A great example, I envy you.

 

Where would I go to check date of manufacture by serial number?

Thanks!

 

ProofHouse.com
Try here

 

ProofHouse.com
Try here

Thank you...I'll give it a try.

 

Great shooting Rimfiregirl.
Congratulations that OM looks gorgeous.

 

That's a very nice piece!

 

Outstanding!! Beautiful piece.

 

Beautiful revolver!
I can guarantee that would not have lasted a year at my LGS, at least not if I saw it.
You made a great purchase, and I am green with envy.

All the best---
BRP

 

Now that I have finished drooling all over the keyboard, I can comment.....

That, sir, is one fine fine shooter you got yerself there!

 

Thanks, folks. I let my husband shot the Colt after I was done and he commented about how smooth and effortless it was to operate. This after he just got done shooting his beloved Smith 617 that has seen thousands of shots.

 

Nice revolver and you don't need to baby it. I shoot the heck out of my K22 Masterpiece and it still looks like the day I bought it. These old revolvers are hand built and show it in the smooth action and accuracy they possess!

 

Very nice example of a fine old piece. Back before Canadian gun laws changed I picked up a very clean Colt Police Positive target model for a good price, because it was chambered for 22 WRF. Hard ammo to get up here and costly. It's a first issue from the G series, 1914. It's a joy to handle and shoot on occasion.

Enjoy your new revolver.

 

I would suggest you go back and buy the lesser condition one to shoot a lot and put the other up as a safe queen the old classic target revolvers of the 1930’s-late 60’s were works of art in both construction and performance. I will admit revolvers are my favorite handguns

 

There is almost nothing finer than an old revolver from when craftmanship meant something.

 

The guns made from that era have no comparison in quality to anything made today, even the custom stuff. You did well. Enjoy it!

 

A "Keeper".

 

Jealous I am, like a fool I sold my OMM .22lr, the model that came after your revolver, it out shot every Smith M17 and 617 I've owned but a friend just had to have it....

Congratulations on your purchase.

 

That revolver is a beauty! You are one lucky handgunner. I don't know but I think if it were mine I'd shoot it as much as I could. But it would NEVER, of course, see the inside of a holster.

 

Thanks, agin, folks. I like the idea of buying the one in lesser condition for the sake of shooting and making the one I have now a safe queen. Not sure if my husband will like the price tag of that move, though.

Gerald, ouch! We've all had some of those we never should have let go. I feel your pain.

 

A few years ago I left a gun show with a Colt Officer's Model Match, but it was a .38 Special. Beautiful, well made, and accurate. I'd love to have a .22 and a .22 magnum to go with it. I have a 617, but it just does not have the same "panache" !!!!

 

There's been a pair of Colt Officer 22 LRs sitting at a LGS for over a year with no takers, one in good condition and one in very good condition. Since I've long been an admirer of pre War double actions, I was tempted. I finally made an offer the other day on the more expensive, better shape one and to my surprise, I walked out the door with this very nice 3rd issue Officer in 22 LR. Serial number put it at 1937.


It's a jewel, no doubt about it. Everything is butter smooth and the fit of parts is breathtaking. Saying they don't make them like this anymore is an understatement. You could write a book on this.


I bought the Colt 22 LR to enjoy for the keepsake that it is, but to also shoot it every now and then, just enough to better enjoy it, but not enough to lower its condition.


Took this Officer Model to the range today along with a number of other revolvers that are my workhorses, some of which needed tuning. Long session, but I figured I'd shoot the Colt a little to end the session on a sentimental note, so to speak. Yeah, saving the best for last sort of thing.

After firing the Colt for function and with hands a little shaky after shooting some of my magnum revolvers and also with my eyes a little tired and blurry, I decided to shoot the Colt at a full 25 yards to see if the Officer Model's rep for being a 22 LR target revolver had any merit. Probably not fair, given how tired I was, but I just had to see. Loaded up six and went to work.


One group was all it took. Yeah, my 1937 built Officer Model even beat my new 617 with a red dot that I was also shooting today and this with the Colt's vintage iron sights. If this is a dream, don't wake me up.

Since you want to keep this one in near perfect condition, you need to back to LGS and buy the other one to use as a shooter. It's only money.

 

I third and fourth the motion to go back and buy the other one also. One to shoot, one to hang in a frame as art.

You have two hands, right?

They are called handguns, not hands guns.

 

My 1940 Officers Model 22 LR and its big brother in heavy barrel 38 Special. Both third issue. Colt lookup shows 1950 on the 38, but Blue Book shows them produced 1927-1949 so it's 1949 or 1950.

 

I would not blame you at all for going back to get the second one. I would.