[garandwra]

An examination of the underside of the slide reveals no marking.

The entire slide has been closely examined and again, there is no
marking.

I have a letter from Colt stating that it was shipped to Hebard in
1965.

Any additional info on identifying this as a Hebard conversion
would be appreciated.

 

[elliotf]

Per the Blue Book The model known as the Gil Hebard Model was basically a .38 AMU.

"38 Spl. or .45 ACP cal., left side slide marking includes either "COLT .38 SPEC. KIT", or "COLT .45 ACP KIT", these kit guns were designed to be used for competitive target shooting, and many of the guns were shipped without sights, with the buyer providing the sights of his/her choice, kit guns can be found with a myriad of various target sights. Approx. serial no. range is 00100-01164. Production began in 1964, and fewer than 400 of the .38 Spl. Kit Guns were mfg. by 1970. It is estimated that approx. 1,050 .45 ACP Kit Guns were mfg. by the end of 1970."

 

[BigG]

You've had the slide off the frame and examined them both for any markings? If so, my Colt was marked Clark and the city Louisiana on the disconnector track of the slide. Maybe it was done by somebody other than Clark.

 

[garandwra]

This is a 38 Super converted to 38 Special using a AMU barrel. It is not a Colt kit.

In addition, there is small shim added to the inside top of the left side of the ejection port
with what looks like rivets holding it in place.

The shim rubs up against the barrel hood and it is assumed that the shim is there
to properly align the barrel after each shot.

Comments?

 

[BigG]

Sounds like you got a fibber mcgee special courtesy of some unknown tinkerer. Not a Gil Hebard pistol. They were professionally done.

 

[garandwra]

The installation of the front and rear target sights was done professionally and is of the highest quality,
right down to the matching finish.

This gun is a real puzzle.