Colt Model 1896 US Army 38 Long Colt revolver

[varifleman]

Here for your perusal is my Colt US Army Model of 1896 serial number 141041 made around 1900. Six inch barrel, six shot, 38 Colt caliber double action military issue revolver. Model of US Army 1896 on butt with serial number. It has a mirror bore so I'm looking forward to shooting it. I've ordered the Colt Archive letter so should have delivery information in 4-5 months.

[HWooldridge]

Very nice.

[hoodat]

Good Lord that is sweet!!!

I can't remember -- can you use 38 Special ammo? Or 38 Special brass?? jd

[Gray Fox]

.38 Special brass can be trimmed to the proper length and swaged hollow based wadcutters usually will account for any difference in bore diameter. I used to tumble lube the Hornady dry lubed boolits in LLA for additional proof against leading. Unfortunately, I let someone else have that revolver. GF

[JoeJames]

Per Hatcher, Textbook of Pistols and Revolvers: "This bullet as originally made was smaller than the diameter of the barrel and had a hollow base so that the powder pressure would expand the bullet and make it take the rifling". It looks as though the case should probably be the same diameter as the 38 Special case, but is maybe a bit shorter. Hatcher was not very clear on that.

[hoodat]

Is there a shoulder in the chambers, or just straight thru bores?

[Ajohns]

One thing you will find, they are fun!
I use 357 max brass shortened to 1.5 and load a hollow base wadcutter flush. 3 grs titegroup.
Using a shorter case, the boolit will somewhat expand from .358, to .380 cylinder wall diameter then have to swage down to around .362/4 groove diameter.
Any way will work, but I've saw less lead buildup on the forcing cone starting with a case that's flush cylinder length.

[smkummer]

In my 1901 colt army, I use 2.8 grains bullseye in a 38 special case with a hollowbase wadcutter seated slightly outside the case. The last data from Hercules in the early 70’s listed 2.8 grains bullseye and a 150 grain bullet for 38 long colt. It works well and accurate. No need to make this more complicated than it need be.

[Baltimoreed]

Or correct heel base bullets. Very nice Colt.

[Thumbcocker]

Can't wait for a range report.

[missionary5155]

We have a 1903 made cousin. Our's is a 41 Colt with a 6" barrel.

[Texas by God]

They are bored through. .38 Special brass will work with .38 Long Colt pressure loads. A hollow base wadcutter will give the best accuracy probably.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[El Bibliotecario]

I believe the straight chamber allows firing .357 rounds...at least once. I do NOT recommend such a practice.

Attached are the original accompanying GI accoutrements for this pattern revolver.

308916

[varifleman]

Just got the Colt Archive letter: