As usual, the answer to this question is for you to determine. Whichever of the two it is, it won't be wrong.

Beautiful gun. The Officer's Models have very fine triggers.

Here's my .22 from 1930.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: ArtieS,

I found ten, count 'em, TEN wadcutters in my gun closet. Makes me feel like Gollum with The Ring in his paw. My Precious!


Are these revolvers prone to dry fire damage? Ok to dryfire if using snap caps?

I would find a beater to shoot and continue preserving that fine example.

I snagged a 1969 .22LR OMM from a local shop several years ago. It’s my only Colt revolver. It wore some crappy grips but luckily a buddy was selling a nice set of Nills for it. I should shoot it more.

That is a beauty. I don't know if it is too valuable to be a shooter. My inclination would be shoot it, but I could be making a terrible mistake.

Idon't understand.
Do you think it will be the next Paterson and build up your retirement fund?
Good guns do appreciate in value but it takes time and a good bit of luck.
I am sure the dealers just love you for putting up a gun "too good to shoot" and buying another one.

quote:

Idon't understand.
Do you think it will be the next Paterson and build up your retirement fund?
Good guns do appreciate in value but it takes time and a good bit of luck.
I am sure the dealers just love you for putting up a gun "too good to shoot" and buying another one.

I'm not in it for the money aspect. I consider myself the caretaker of an item and get enjoyment out of being such. When I'm dead and gone I like to imagine the next guy doing the same. Maybe 100 years from now the gun I took care of will be one of the finest examples around.

I have been watching this thread because I also, impulse bought the same model. I will post photos later.

A very cool looking gun.

My letter of authentication arrived from the Office of the Colt Historian, showing that it was shipped to the entity (I bought the revolver from), in 1960.

It truly had been on display, in a glass case, un-fired, for almost sixty years.



Should I shoot it a lot, or would that be a travesty?

I guess I know the answer ....

shoot it??


I would,

old timer told me to put a small dab of grease in the cyl stop cuts on the revolver if you are worried about drag marks,

never tried it (Cause the revolvers I have I shoot)

may work for you if you just want to do a cyl full or 3,


personally, I'd hang a target at 25, get a box of good midrange wadcutters, and try it out one handed as intended

You may want to ask the entity you bought from to double check old dusty corners for the original box. Might make a difference in your decision if you find it.

Shoot it. I’ve seen far too many mint guns sold at estate sales.

I've bought a grand total of one old unfired gun in my life.

From that, the lesson I learned was sell it now, unfired. Or shoot it a LOT. Don't do like I did, shoot it a little, decide it's too nice and that some collector should have it, then sell it.

quote:

This is one of my favourite revolvers. Congrats on a great snag! I'd recommend not firing it if it is in fact as such, and look for another shooter. Fantastic gun!

-Bruce

Agree 100%. I wouldn't want to shoot a gun that has remained unfired for decades. The collector in me is sweating just thinking about it.

quote:

Originally posted by RichardC:
My letter of authentication arrived from the Office of the Colt Historian, showing that it was shipped to the entity (I bought the revolver from), in 1960.

It truly had been on display, in a glass case, un-fired, for almost sixty years.



Should I shoot it a lot, or would that be a travesty?

I guess I know the answer ....

Think I'd keep it pristine, it's been that way for 60 years, pop it up on GB sell it and get one that's been used if you want a range toy...

JMO...

Here's mine in .22 MAGNUM with old Ropers...

Tim

There is no travesty in using a tool for its intended purpose. That's a beautiful revolver. Enjoy it in good health.

I have a Colt Trooper from the '60s. It is recommended to NOT dryfire. The repair is expensive and involves a large press. The same may not apply to your pistol but its better to play it safe.

If you shoot it be aware that most 148 gr wad cutter ammo has very soft lead and will lead up your barrel and chambers. That revolver has a strong action and will take standard pressure jacketed ammo fine. Looks like a nice find!