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old Colt identification
I need some help to identify this Colt...it was my grandfathers and I estimate he purchased it sometime between 1914 and 1920
on the top of the barrel is printed
COLT'S PT F A MFG CO HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.
PATENTED AUG.5.1885 NOV.6.88 MAR.5.95.
on the left side of the barrel is printed
COLT. D.A. 38
serial numbers on the butt are 255
559
B 22
it has a 6" barrel / Blade & Notch sights
so....what is this....and what was it originally designed to shoot?
......my estimate is that is an 1895 New Army .38 Long Colt
thanks guys
UPDATED: I found another source which tells me that this is a "second issue" 1895 New Army and that it was chambered for the .38 Special.....
I have been shooting 125gr cast light loads in the revolver
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atr,
Nice revolver. I know next to nothing about these old Colt .38's; but I think you are right that it is chambered for the .38 Long Colt. I have never heard if these are safe for smokeless loads or not, but I would not want to destroy my Grandfather's gun.
With the time it has been in your family, I would spring for a factory letter for it. I am not sure if those are available from Colt or the Buffalo Bill Museum.
Robert
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I'm sure there are Colt collectors sites on the net that could give you the definitive answer, but AFAIK that's a 38 Long Colt, yes.
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It looks like a "New Army / New Navy" and most likely is a 38 Colt long
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http://proofhouse.com/
has a section for colt dating of serial numbers. might be some good reading and help to date.
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thanks jt.....that reference you gave me was VERY helpful,,,it indicates that this Colt was manufactured between 1905 and 1906
my reference book indicates that this would be a "second issue" Colt, and that the
.38 special was introduced in 1904......