1933 Colt New Service 4.5"

[Randy Bohannon]

Having been a Colt fan for many years there are certain models of our favorite makers that we learn are must haves a.k.a 'Grail Gun". It is certainly different for ea. of us.Having lived in Buffalo for 10 years I have gotten to know the fine folks at The Sports Lure here in Buffalo pretty good.They have treated me in pretty good with nice deals over the years. 80% of my 50+ rifles/handguns have been handled through them or bought from them.
I stop in several times a week to look see or hanker around a bit and shoot the breeze. One of the employees comes up and says 'Dave just took in a nice Colt New Service 45'. We walk over and it's a very, very nice shooter grade 1933 Colt Service in .45 Colt, plenty of these to be had in 6 + " but the 4.5" is a rare bird. So here's one Buffalo WY, I do bit research with the boys over on the Colt forum. Every one said how come you haven't bought it ? So I bought it, I was there when they opened and gave them what they had on the tag. Dave the owner say's if I didn't buy it he was raising the price $200.I have always sought the best years and models in shooter to almost collector grade with a few collector grade,this one is my pinnacle. Thought I would share
Thanks for looking

[Don McDowell]

That's sweet.
My neighbor picked up a police positive in 38 special in like new condition, and oh my what a sweet action that one has.

[Randy Bohannon]

Don I have a small pile of pre war Police Positives 4" 5" .38 Colt N.P. and Official Police's in .38 Special,Officer's Mdl's .22 When you realize Colt made 1 gun for every 10 S&W's. Any of the Colt double actions in particular pre war (WWII)and except the Lightening and Thunder these actions were hand fitted by skilled craftsmen.Coltsmiths at the factory had all the parts to fit one gun.They filed, honed and polished until it worked flawlessly.On the other hand S&W smith's went to large bin's with hundreds of parts and selected parts until the gun would function with minimal hand work.

[Don McDowell]

Someday when I'm not buying some other gun I really don't need I'ld like to get ahold of a Trooper. I shot one an LEO friend of mine carried, many years ago, and I've been pining for one ever since.

[Randy Bohannon]

This one came up totally unexpected such as it is,I didn't need it but I sold a Colt Anaconda in 45 Colt for crazy money, it nearly paid for the 1877 Shiloh on order.I missed having a big double action in 45 Colt especially with a short barrel. The actions on early Troopers is the same as the COLT 3 5 7,Official Police and Python. I have taken apart 1920'-30's Colt D frames and they are a marvel of precision and quality not likely to be reproduced any time soon.

[Stephen Borud]

Great Pistol!

[Lumpy Grits]

Great piece of Colt history, and looks to have been well cared for.
GOOD FIND
Hope you bought some Lotto tickets that day
Gary

[J.B.]

What a terrific find Looks pristine given its age. That fit and finish is hard to find in most firearms today. The attention to detail seems lost. A few exceptions of course. Well done. Magic looking revolver. .

J.B.

[Randy Bohannon]

Many of the guys on the Colt forum have stated they thought the New Service/Shooting Master were the best of Colt double actions. Could never find the right condition/cartridge/barrel length combination that I was willing put up a fair chunk of change for.I'm most appreciative of men who can and do take care of their possessions.This one has been another man's or two prized possession and it shows.I will pull the grips and the side panel, degrease,relube and wax her up she will shine like a new dime and be ready for another 80 years of kind treatment.