WTB: Colt Officer's Model Match .22LR

Rob Channell · 01-14-2010, 07:23 PM

I'd like a nice 6 inch barrel .22LR revolver to practice with and after much reading and thinking I think I'd like to find one of these (Colt Officer's Model Match). My older gun value book placed these in the $400-550 range for 90%-100%. I'm hoping they haven't increased too much in price. Most everyone's interest around here seems to be the high capacity 9mm, etc which might help except for the fact that there aren't any for sale around here.

The others I considered were the Colt Diamondback (more money) and the Smith and Wesson 17 and 617 models (more money if new, less if older used). I might consider one of these others if I happened to run across a great deal, but since I will most likely only buy one .22 revolver I ought to choose my favorite one.

What would be considered a good deal for one of these now and does anyone know of one available for a good price?

Drdogface · Drdogface's Garage

If I were looking for what you state I'd take a look at the Ruger Single Six. Has 22 LR cylinder and 22 Mag cyl in the same box. Used to come in blue or stainless... not sure now. They shoot dead nuts right outta the box.

Colts, IMO, have a lot of 'name value' in their price...

tabs · 01:36 AM

The action on a Colt Officers Model Match is superlative...the 22LR was offered begining in 1930 in the Officers Model.

I would say prices are in the $550 to $900 range for the Match version.

Collectors Firearms in Houston has one for $895.00

I am very familar with the series...they were first introduced in 1904 and discontinued in 1970. They were offered at first in 38 Long colt which is different than 38 spl. In 1908 the action was strengthened to accomodate the 38 spl...the 32 calibers were mostly special orders until a run of them was mfg in 1940. After WW2 the 32 was dropped. In the early 60's the 22 Mag was introduced and produced in limited quanities. The pistol was made in 4, 4.5, 5, 6 and 7.5 inch barrels...the 6 inch barrel is very common with the 7.5 inch following..the realy rarity is the 4 inch barrel...of which I have one. Only the 6 inch was produced after WW2.

an interesting variation on the Officers models was a customized version made by King Gun Sights in SF, CA...their flagship was the COLT KING SUPER CONVERSION which featured a vent rib on the barrel..they are fairly rare to find...with 38 spl being the easiest....in 32 I have only seen or heard of 2, one of which I have. In 22LR it is also very difficult to find..in 30 years I have seen 3 one of which I have...but there are probably a good number of them floating around. I also have the King Super in a Official Police in 22LR..talk about a slick revolver to shoot...WOW the action is smoooooth.

tabs · 01-15-2010, 01:41 AM

BTW the Ruger is a piece of junk compared to the Officers Model....

The only other competitior to the Officers is the Smith mdl 17...

I am currently looking to repurcahse an 8.375 inch Barreled one...let us try $600 to $1200...

tabs · 01-15-2010, 02:18 AM

U also might want to check out Rock Island Auctions February Regional auction...they have 3 Officers Model Marches in 22 LR as part of a multi-gun lots....

on2wheels52 · on2wheels52's Garage

I wouldn't be quite so blunt in dismissing the Ruger but someone looking for an old Colt isn't going to be satisified with a Ruger, beyond the fact one is a double-action and the other is a single-action.
I notice a tendency on the forum to be looking for and buying the latest and greatest firearms. Nothing wrong with that, there's some nice stuff being made. And for day-to-day use the newer ones are 'better'. But handle some of the older guns for a while, the tactile feel is so much different from the 'newer' ones.
I'll keep an eye out for one for you Rob but stuff like that rarely come through my shop (lots of Rugers though).
Jim

Rot 911 · 01-15-2010, 05:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tabs

BTW the Ruger is a piece of junk compared to the Officers Model....

Tabs you know a fair amount about guns, but this is not an accurate statement. The Ruger Single Six is a well made pistol that works flawlessly.

Seahawk · 01-15-2010, 05:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by on2wheels52

I'll keep an eye out for one for you Rob but stuff like that rarely come through my shop (lots of Rugers though).
Jim

I would be interested in a Ruger .22 wheel gun (I guess that is the right term).

PM if you have anything "sponge" worthy

My Dad has COM we inherited from my Great Uncle...not sure the year, but it is pre-WWII.