My old war horse

[Jim]

I used my old Colt New Service revolver yesterday to qualify for my CWP test. Dunno why, but I chose it over my S&W mod. 19. Kinda glad I did, though. I found out it works jes' as good as it oughta'. I shot 255 gr. truncated tumble lubed boolits pushed by 9 grains of Unique.
I'll say one thing, it draws a lot of attention. I had several shooters ask me "Wotinell is that big, black revolver you're shootin'?". I had one guy ask me "How come that pistol booms instead o' bangs?". "It's a .45 Colt, bud!".

[Mohillbilly]

I rarely shoot my 1909(ret.) but when I do,I get the same remarks.

[targetshootr]

I was told this is a 1909 but I have no way to verify it. It's 45 colt which was shortened and an adjustible front sight added.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b233/targetshootr/Im003502.jpg

[9.3X62AL]

Somewhere I have Serven's "Colt Firearms" (1954). I'll consult it and see if a serial number range or proof marks can confirm ID on a 1909 vs. a New Service.

[targetshootr]

That would be great. I have the feeling it's a New Service. There are several sets of numbers under the crane and here's a few serial numbers on the bottom of the grip (http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b233/targetshootr/Im003481.jpg). I don't use it much so I've been thinking about selling or trading it.

[9.3X62AL]

Found the book--finally. Moving is a PITA, on several levels.

From Serven, pp. 246--(summarized)

Military 1909 service revolvers showed stampings as follows, across the narrow way of the butt--

Army versions--

U.S. - ARMY - MODEL - 1909 - No. - 33 - 635 (example only)

Navy versions--

USN - (anchor) - 45 DA - No - 6 (example only)

Marine Corps versions--

US - MC - No - 1 - 215 (example only)

This model was on production from 1897-1943. Army production numbered around 14K units, Marine Corps had fewer, and the Navy models were very few in number.

Fits the pattern of USA or USMC stampings, it looks like to me. I'd say it's a 1909.

[targetshootr]

Thanks very kindly AL. I guess the seller was right. I like how it's a big honkin gun.

[9.3X62AL]

They are that. I've eyeballed a couple at gunshows and shops, almost pounced on one last year in 45 Colt. Ruger Redhawks and Colt Anacondas are pretty good-sized too, but not as classy as a N/S by half. Run them with 250-260 grain boolits at 800-900 FPS, and they'll last forever--same deal with S&W N-frames. If stronger loads are preferred, it's Ruger time.

[targetshootr]

Yep, I've got a blue 5 1/2" 44 mag Redhawk that is screaming to be converted to 45 colt. It almost feels too big for 44s.