POTD: Too Expensive for The Times – Colt Shooting Master Revolver
Sam.S 09.14.23
Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! Here we have a Depression-era Colt. This is the Colt Shooting Master. The Colt Shooting Master was introduced in 1931 as Colt’s premium target revolver. Based on the New Service frame, Shooting Masters were carefully fitted and honed for top accuracy. Originally in .38 Special, it was also offered in .357 Magnum, .44 Special, .45 Colt, and .45 ACP. As higher-end guns during the Depression era, Shooting Masters commanded a premium price. But their excellent triggers, hand-checkering, and accuracy refinements appealed to competitive shooters. Distinctive features included a rounded cylinder latch and parkerized frame top. While not high-production guns, the finely crafted Shooting Masters represented Colt’s best pre-war revolver work. They highlighted Colt’s reputation for quality and innovation during a time of growing interest in formal target shooting matches.
“According to the included factory letter, this revolver was shipped as a single item to A.J. Palmer of Bridgeport, Connecticut on May 25, 1931, on order #19932/1. The grips are the traditional “Not Listed”, with the caliber, finish and barrel length verified. The sights have been modified, with an extra-large serrated Patridge blade installed in front and a fully adjustable non-factory replacement Micro-brand rear sight, with the two-line address and patent dates on top of the barrel, “COLT SHOOTING MASTER .38” on the left, with “VP” and “3” on the trigger guard and the Rampant Colt on the side plate. The hammer, trigger and grip straps are all sharply checkered, with a pair of fancy hardwood wraparound grips marked “Cot SM-NS” on the interior. While not explicitly documented, an A.J. Palmer of Connecticut was a noted target shooter and shooting authority, having served as the editor for the 2nd edition of Fuller’s Small-Bore Target Shooting.”
Lot 3435: Colt Shooting Master Revolver, Documented, Individual Shipped – Documented A.J. Palmer Shipped Colt Shooting Master Double Action Target Revolver with Factory Letter. (n.d.-r). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved September 13, 2023, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/77/3435/colt-shooting-master-revolver-documented-individual-shipped.
