Colt D.A. 38

[Pokey]

Hey guys...I've come for more help. I got a Colt D.A. 38 passed down to me from my wife's grandfather. This .38 revolver is in pretty good shape. I tried to do some research on it but I don't know anything about Colt and I'd like to know how old it is and some history on it...Can anyone help??

Thanks in advance!!!!

[The Rabbi]

Hey guys...I've come for more help. I got a Colt D.A. 38 passed down to me from my wife's grandfather. This .38 revolver is in pretty good shape. I tried to do some research on it but I don't know anything about Colt and I'd like to know how old it is and some history on it...Can anyone help??

Thanks in advance!!!!

Any markings on it? That would be a start.

[Pokey]

Any markings on it? That would be a start.

On the left side of the barrell it says "Colt D.A. 38"

On the cylender release it's got a 3 digit #

That's about it...

[John Wall]

Your gun was made at the turn of or shortly prior to 1900.

Look in the cylinder. If the chambers are the same size from front to rear, it is chambered for the 38 Long Colt, and should NEVER be fired with any 38 Special round. Unfortunately, the 38 Spl will chamber in this gun. The 38 Spl is loaded to higher pressures than the 38 Long Colt. In this case, it is best to not shoot it, even with hard to get and very expensive 38 Short or Long Colt.

If you have access to a newer revolver, look in the cylinder. You will notice the chamber is larger than the throat where the bullet exits the chamber. ONLY IF IT HAS THIS STEP, should only the lightest 38 Spl be fired in it.

This gun should be relegated to the "wallhanger" category.

Edited May 16, 2008 by John Wall

[Pokey]

Thanks for the info...I appreciate it...

[musicman]

can we see a pic of this 100+ year old Colt?