Scarce Colt Shooting Master Revolver - .38 Special

Description

3/10/26 - This is an excellent example of a Colt Shooting Master revolver manufactured in 1932. There were only approximately 3,500 of this revolver produced, with five different caliber variants involved, likely meaning there are only <1000 of this particular variation.  This is an all-matching revolver. This Shooting Master has retained about 96% of its original finish, with most finish loss existing as muzzle wear and high-edge wear. There is also a light turn line on the cylinder and some scarce pin-pricking on the right side of the frame below the cylinder. This revolver is fitted with period-correct, un-serialized wood grip panels which show no signs of chips or cracks. The bore in the 6" barrel is bright with crisp rifling and light signs of use. Mechanically sound with proper lock-up and timing.

The Colt Shooting Master revolver was introduced as a .38 Special target revolver for NRA match competition, and was one of the finest revolvers on the market at the time. It was shown privately to the top marksmen at the August 1931 National Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio and was unveiled to the public with the Colt Ace .22 LR model in a 1931 issued of American Rifleman magazine. The Shooting Master uses the Colt New Service Target frame except the Shooting Master has a slightly narrower and rounded butt and a dull finish is used on the top of the frame and extended to the grip just above the checking on the rear grip. This one has retained nearly all of its finish with just hints of high edge wear and a few extremely light surface scratches here and there. Fitted with hand-checkered wood grips with white trim. Mint bore.