[Richiep15]

I came across this gun recently as part of a collection I purchased and it’s a complete mystery to me, so I’m looking for some help to identify exactly what it is. What’s clear is that I t’s a DA 45 Colt with a smoothbore barrel (not a sleeve), a screw on poly choke and what appear to be British proof markings all over it. Just forward of the trigger on the right side of the frame there’s a rectangular mark engraved that seems to read “Not English Made” although it’s hard to discern exactly what it says.

I’ve included pictures here. Any help would be appreciated!

https://www.amazon.com/photos/shared/_kNAtg4eQG2paYRWkdrBLw.h2LhHkonuqyaFUe5tBIwgA

 

[Absalom]

I don’t get your pictures in super good quality on my phone screen, but the barrel shenanigans are not reflected in the British proofs that I can see.

The gun has the Enfield acceptance stamp on the left side, the markings on the rear frame plus the crossed pennant proof in front of the cylinder; these belong together and were applied when the gun entered service.

The NOT ENGLISH MAKE and the nitro proofs on the right side of the barrel are early commercial proofs applied after retirement and before the gun could be sold commercially; they are pre-1955, as the NOT ENGLISH MAKE was eliminated that year.

PS: Just realize I never addressed you question. Yes, I think it’s a New Service shipped to Britain likely during WW I. If I read the serial correctly as 122695, that would put it in 1916.

 

[DJDave]

Trick shooters of the day used smooth bore revolvers to take advantage of shot shells for there trick shooting.

 

[JohnnyP]

Caliber marking on barrel is not original. Most likely originally a .455.

 

[Colt1860]

The British Proofs, acceptance marks and serial number would all indicated that it was one of the guns the British purchased for World War I. It was originally a .455 eley (Webley) The Colt 45 is not a factory marking. A lot of these guns were converted to 45 long colt when they were imported to the US. I would say someone bought a cheap surplus new service revolver and converted it into a 45 colt bird shot snake gun or rat gun.

 

[29aholic]

There was a Gun Digest Article years ago about a gunsmith in Joplin MO (?) that specialized in smooth bore revolvers...snake guns.

 

[cjwils]

Maybe you already know this, but smoothbore handguns are generally illegal. I don't recall the exact details. Maybe someone else will come along who can say more.

 

[Kerz]

https://www.atf.gov/firearms/firearms-guide-identification-firearms-section-8

 

[thecoltguy]

Maybe you already know this, but smoothbore handguns are generally illegal. I don't recall the exact details. Maybe someone else will come along who can say more.

True but a few have been added to the list that are acceptable. It's easy to get one approved by submitting a letter to the ATF. Only about a dozen New Service smoothbores were made and I have the serial numbers of most of them. There is only one known that has the 5 1/2" barrel and it's not the one shown above.

 

[Richiep15]

Just wanted to say thanks to all of you that responded and for the info you provided. I was aware through some earlier research that there may be restrictions on smoothbore revolvers but didn’t know exactly to what degree so I appreciate the info and the links. The info on the gun’s most likely history is invaluable too. It’s an interesting gun, not exactly what I was hoping it would be given its age, etc. and not worth much of anything or the trouble it would take to move it so it’ll probably stay right where it is.

Thanks again to all!

 

[rockquarry]

Jim Harvey (Lakeville Arms) made such conversions on Colt New Service (and perhaps other) revolvers in the '50s and maybe early '60s.