Import Stamp on Barrel

D

Danvee

Inactive
I should be embarrassed to ask, but I don't know what the "c.a.i. st alb vt" means at bottom of barrel, Colt PPS, .38 spl. SN on butt "A 244xx etc." Other barrel marks seem normal. Is this an authentic Colt? Should I be wary of buying? Thanks in advance.
Danvee
 
The gun was distributed by Century Arms, either from a police department buyback or else it was imported back into the U.S.

As long as the gun functions well (lockup, trigger/hammer action, etc.) you will be perfectly fine with it.
 
Century Arms International, St. Albans, Vermont.

They're an importer/reimporter. American guns like Colts & S&Ws are sold over seas, do their duty, and then CAI is one of the companies that purchases them and brings them back into the US for resale.
 
Much obliged

And thanks, gentlemen. Will bring it home tomorrow and take it out with some pop cans in the hills outside my back door.
Danvee
 
They're an importer/reimporter. American guns like Colts & S&Ws are sold over seas, do their duty, and then CAI is one of the companies that purchases them and brings them back into the US for resale.
Click to expand...

Apparently they handle some domestic deals, too. I purchased a Smith & Wesson Model 10 nickle 5" gun marked "Detroit Police Department" that came in a Century Arms cardboard box numbered to the gun (on a printed label). There was, however, NO "CAI" stamped on the gun, so I assume it never left the U.S.
 
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