Another Colt Question - Officers Model Match

Barrocky

Does anybody know if the Officers Model Match 5TH Issue revolvers originally came with an owner's manual of any kind. I have seen quite a few of these in both .22 & .38 cal for sale over the years,many had boxes and test target and warranty card but I've never seen one with an owner's manual. I would be interested to know because I have one that's all complete except for the owner's manual - something else to hunt for if it should have one. Thanks ....Jeff

JudgeColt

Curse this "issue" business! I assume you are getting your "issue" sequence from the Blue Book. I do not hold myself out as the authority qualified to challenge the Blue Book "issue" sequence, but I think it is wrong. In my opinion, the first Officers Model, the one introduced in 1904 with the counter-clockwise cylinder rotation, was the "first issue." The Blue Book then goes on to divide what I think is the "second issue" Officers Model Target into a "second" and "third" issue. I do not think the Blue Book "second" and "third" issues are different enough to constitute two different "issues." They are both based on the Army Speical (Official Police) frame, and differ only in their grips and sights. The OMT is "second" issue in my opinion. Third came the Post-War Officers Model Special. Fourth came the Officers Model Match, which is what I gather you have. Fifth is the ultra rare Mark III "J" frame-based model introduced in 1969.Therefore, in my opinion, the Officers Models break down into the following "issues:"OMOMTOMSOMMMk IIIThat is only five models or "issues."In my experience, the manual for any Officers Model is the same as an Official Police of the same vintage. However, I did not buy any of my Officers Models new, so I cannot say for sure on that issue.

Barrocky

Judge, Thanks again and you are right - I've been reading (5th issue) in the Blue Book for so long now that's what I call them. I have the OMM .22 made in 1967, I think you were the person who told me the year on that one also a while back. It's hard to believe I've never seen the owner's manual for this gun,seen many for sale with boxes and paperwork but every one so far has not had the manual. Mine has a perfect box,warranty card and test target but no manual - I'd like to get one some day to make it complete if I could find out what it looks like. Guess I better invest in some better books one of these days. Thanks again ...Jeff

rballi

This Old Timer I know has a OMM, he has all the stuff, but no manual. I have never seen one.Judge Colt, explain the MKIII J frame more please. Are you referring to the Trooper?Roy

JudgeColt

There were revolvers called the "Mark III Trooper" also built on the "J" frame. The Mark III "J" frame was eventually modified into the Mark V, when the grip frame was changed. All are now discontinued. The original Troopers were built on the "I" frame. The Mark III was an entirely different frame and mechanism from the "I" frame (Army Special, Official Police, Officers Model, Commando, Trooper, Marshall, Border Patrol, Python, etc.). The Mark III had coil springs and transfer bar ignition, while the "I" frame had leaf springs and the hammer block safety. The Mark III also had one of the uglier trigger guard shapes ever on a gun, but that is just my personal opinion. The Mark III was a good strong gun, and cheaper to produce than the "I" frames. I had, and now wish I still had, a nickel 8-inch Trooper Mark III .22LR. VERY heavy but neat to shoot. [This message has been edited by JudgeColt (edited 03-20-2002).]

rballi

Thanks for the MKIII info. I have a line on a NIB Trooper MKIII 6" Nickel from the 70's, he wants $400 for it; good deal?Roy