I received a Colt 38 D.A. 6" barrel from my dad, who got it from a retired Police Chief many, many years ago. Based on what I've read, I believe it must only use the 38 Long Colt ammo (probably hasn't been fired in over 50 years). Since the cylinder rotates counter-clockwise, it must be one of the early models. The serial number 96 510 is on two lines - could it be an 1898 New Army model? I have attached a photo to see if you could tell me what it might be worth and any other pertinent info. Thank you.
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Colt 38 D.A. info request
- Thread starter garebear
- Start date
Bob Wright
New member
Those more into collecting can tell you more, but you have a Colt New Army or New Navy Model, which became the Army Special then the Official Police. Your gun probably dates to about 1895 or so.
Bob Wright
Bob Wright
Dfariswheel
New member
96 510 was made in 1898.
That would probably make it an 1896 commercial model version.
That would probably make it an 1896 commercial model version.
That is the civilian version of the military revolver of the time. Technically, if it has the original grips, it is the New Army. Colt produced that gun in two versions, the New Army and the New Navy; they were the same except for the grips. The Army had those grips, the Navy had the word COLT in an oval instead of the colt logo.
The later guns of that model were made to accept the .38 Special, but that round probably won't fit in your revolver unless it has been altered.
Jim
The later guns of that model were made to accept the .38 Special, but that round probably won't fit in your revolver unless it has been altered.
Jim
Like many older Colts, it's appears to be missing the ejector rod head; and AFAIK, all Colt DA revolver cylinders rotate opposite the way S&W's do, because the Colt design has the cylinder pawl on the opposite side of the frame.
Wasn't that the same type revolver, used unsuccessfully against drugged-up Moro's during the Phillipine Insurrection, that led to the .45 cal Model 1911 ?
.
Wasn't that the same type revolver, used unsuccessfully against drugged-up Moro's during the Phillipine Insurrection, that led to the .45 cal Model 1911 ?
.
Yes, the ejector rod head is missing, a fairly common condition with those guns. Unfortunately, parts for those guns are getting scarce, but the rod head is easily made (6x36 threads).
Most Colt cylinders do rotate clockwise, but that gun is an exception; the cylinder rotates the same direction as an S&W.
The military version, in .38 Long Colt, while on a par with European revolvers of the era, was not powerful enough to stop Filipino rebels. That led to its being replaced by the .45 caliber Model 1909 and later by the Model 1911.
Jim
Most Colt cylinders do rotate clockwise, but that gun is an exception; the cylinder rotates the same direction as an S&W.
The military version, in .38 Long Colt, while on a par with European revolvers of the era, was not powerful enough to stop Filipino rebels. That led to its being replaced by the .45 caliber Model 1909 and later by the Model 1911.
Jim
Thanks all for taking the time to reply with your information.
The grips I believe are original with the Colt emblem and both have been nicked. I will try to locate an ejector rod head.
Am I correct in assuming that this model is to only use 38 Long Colts even though the 38 Special would fit? I would guess that the previous owner was supplied with 38 Special rounds while on the police force.
What would your opinion be for using .38 Special 148 gr. wadcutters for plinking or protection? Thanks again for your assistance.
garebear
The grips I believe are original with the Colt emblem and both have been nicked. I will try to locate an ejector rod head.
Am I correct in assuming that this model is to only use 38 Long Colts even though the 38 Special would fit? I would guess that the previous owner was supplied with 38 Special rounds while on the police force.
What would your opinion be for using .38 Special 148 gr. wadcutters for plinking or protection? Thanks again for your assistance.
garebear
Dfariswheel
New member
In order to be able to know if it's safe to shoot at all, you need a gunsmith to look it over.
You can shoot LIGHT loaded .38 Special ammo, but accuracy will usually be poor due to the larger diameter bore of the old .38 Long Colt.
Since some 148 grain loads are pretty much standard loads, you'd be better off reloading very light hand loads, or buy some .38 Long Colt ammo from one of the Cowboy ammo makers.
You can shoot LIGHT loaded .38 Special ammo, but accuracy will usually be poor due to the larger diameter bore of the old .38 Long Colt.
Since some 148 grain loads are pretty much standard loads, you'd be better off reloading very light hand loads, or buy some .38 Long Colt ammo from one of the Cowboy ammo makers.
Colt changed the barrel dimensions of those revolvers at the same time they reamed the cylinders full length for .38 Special, c. 1903 and #200,000. The Army Model 1903 and USMC Model 1905 were made for .38 Special. Colt did NOT change the barrel marking to indicate that .38 Special would fit.
Those guns made for .38 Special are safe to fire with the standard version of that cartridge. .38 Special +P or +P+ are not recommended. Some factory loadings of .357 Magnum will just fit the cylinder; needless to say, firing that round in those revolvers is definitely a NO-NO.
Jim
Those guns made for .38 Special are safe to fire with the standard version of that cartridge. .38 Special +P or +P+ are not recommended. Some factory loadings of .357 Magnum will just fit the cylinder; needless to say, firing that round in those revolvers is definitely a NO-NO.
Jim
NorthernPlus
Inactive
I purchased a New Navy commercial, circa 1904 Saturday at an estate auction just last Saturday. The barrel is marked "38 Special" on the left. It has the last patent date of '95, and the cylinder is only cut for 38 special length. .357 will not fit. So I have ordered a letter today from Colt. The finish match looks correct. 3 months later, will see what the letter says......Knew all of this when I bid on it, but had to roll the dice on this one.
Norbert
Norbert