[NorwichCadet]

This is my addition to this post. Colt M1901

 

[MrRush]

NavyO I would not touch that M1889. I'm not sure why this thread has been bear for so long especially since I feel a run on these old Colt D.A.'s over the past year. I'll add my 1895 Navy to this survey. Its SN 181xxx, an unaltered gun produced in 1895. Its within 2000 numbers of TR's M1895 Navy which he used in the charges up Kettle and San Juan Hills.

My M1985 Navy is shown with a period Navel Officer Belt, correct USN marked flap holster and a Pattern 1889 cartridge box complete with the C. J. Ehbets Cartridge Feed Pack.

 

[LaVistaBill]

Colts DAs 1889-1908

I guess there's room for another old ugly 1895 Model 38 DA. It's mechanically sound and I use it when I don my "Old Rough Rider" costume and shoot in NCOWS (National Congress of Old West Shootists) matches.

 

[MrRush]

Very nice example Mr. Bell.

 

[Abwehr]

MrRush,

That is an absolutely gorgeous rig you have! I just get excited looking at your photos. I was told early on when I startted picking up some early Colt revolver to stay away from the early DA firearms as they had "weak actions". Well, I did not feel that way, but still know they are over 100 yrs old. They had to start somewhere and I don't plan on going into combat with them, LOL.

Here is photo of my earliest Colt Swing-out Cylinder DA Revolver;

 

[MrRush]

Another nice example. I ignored these old 38 DA's for years, but flawed or not they have earned their place in history.

 

[finloq]

Top is a New Army (1896) from 1900. Bottom is a New Army (1892) lettered to the Illinois Adjutant General 12/1894.

 

[azshot]

I got one recently, and it's a perfect size in the hand. A tiny thought keeps entering my mind, that I should try to shoot it.

 

[finloq]

Nice rig, AZ

 

[LaVistaBill]

Go ahead and shoot it, I shoot mine all the time with Black Hills .38 LC cowboy ammo. The bullet is sized .358 so you might get some keyholing, but it's safe to shoot in these old guns.

I got one recently, and it's a perfect size in the hand. A tiny thought keeps entering my mind, that I should try to shoot it.

 

[finloq]

They were originally made for an outside lubricated bullet of .376. Sometime after 1900 (anybody know an exact year?) the military switched to the now common inside lubricated .357 that we know. Colt changed the barrel dimensions at the same time. If you really want accuracy, you might try Ten-X, they advertise a hollow based bullet for their .38LC. Or reload your own.
Black Hills advertises 650fps which is around 100fps below the original loading. They make this ammo specifically for Cowboy Action and Granda's old shooter. It should be safe if the pistol itself is safe.


I have not slugged the bores yet, but here is a visual on my 1891 production and 1900 production.

"Self-realization. I was thinking of the immortal words of Socrates, who said, "... I drank what?"

 

[azshot]

Good info, thanks. I've avoided reloading for the outside heeled bullets my whole life. I shoot enough obsolete calibers, including .40-65 and .33 Win! But I was thinking as you suggest, buying a box of current "cowboy" rounds, just to try it out once.

 

[finloq]

THAT is an interesting holster CDA.



"Self-realization. I was thinking of the immortal words of Socrates, who said, "... I drank what?"

 

[pds03003]

Haven't gotten to share some of my meager collection - here is my Army Model of 1894 - boring shipping destination, but I am a sucker for fire blue.

 

[finloq]

A bit aged in appearance, but still not bad for $25.

 

[GermanHunter]

Made in 1907. The last year I guess. This gun looks like it was carried a lot

I want to make some loads for it and bring it back to live!

 

[haggis]

That particular late model, unlike its predecessors, was chambered (and barreled) in .38 Special. While using .38 long Colt shouldn't harm the gun, .38 Special target wadcutters are probably the best load for it. Under no circumstances should you use +P ammunition.

Buck

 

[NorwichCadet]

 

[Plutonius]

Colt DA 38

Colt DA 41

 

[thecoltguy]

Model 1892