Colt Officer’s Model Target .22 Long Rifle — Late 1949 Production, Serial No. 56747

Offered is a late-production Colt Officer’s Model Target revolver chambered in .22 Long Rifle, serial number 56747. This is a Third Issue Officer’s Model Target from the final period of production, immediately before Colt discontinued the model in 1949 and introduced the Officer’s Model Special.

This revolver is particularly interesting because it is equipped with the reddish-brown molded Coltwood synthetic grips associated with Colt’s late-1940s/postwar production. While the traditional Officer’s Model Target is commonly encountered with checkered walnut stocks and silver Colt medallions, documented 1949 Officer’s Model Targets are known with Coltwood grips. The grips on this revolver appear consistent with that late-production configuration.

The revolver has a 6-inch barrel marked “OFFICERS MODEL TARGET .22 LONG RIFLE,” six-shot cylinder, Colt double-action/single-action mechanism, adjustable target sights, target-style hammer and trigger, and blued-steel construction.

Serial number 56747 is clearly stamped on the frame under the crane, and corresponding numbered markings are present on the fitted crane/yoke components. This is an important feature on a collectible Colt because it indicates the major factory-fitted components have remained together.

The revolver retains a substantial amount of its period blue finish with visible age-appropriate wear, thinning, handling marks and patina. The cylinder retains strong finish in several areas, while the barrel shows more noticeable finish thinning and wear. The frame markings and Colt rampant-horse trademark remain visible. The Coltwood grips show age and handling wear but remain intact and display their molded Colt emblems.

This is not simply a typical prewar Officer’s Model Target. Its very late serial number, 1949-era production, .22 LR chambering and Coltwood grip configuration make it an especially interesting transitional example for a Colt collector.

Specifications: Colt’s Patent Fire Arms Mfg. Co., Hartford, Connecticut; Officer’s Model Target, Third Issue; .22 Long Rifle; six-shot cylinder; approximately 6-inch barrel; double-action/single-action; adjustable target sights; blued finish; Coltwood molded grips; serial no. 56747; circa 1949.