Definitely need some info on this one.

[Anzac15]

Went back to the gun show today and this Colt DA 38 grabbed my attention.
I do not usually gravitate towards these, but it was priced right, and, its got character.
So, here are a few of my many questions regarding it..
What model is it?? I have seen many revolvers like this one in the short time I've had to research it, some call it a '92, a '98, an '02, and an '04 to name a few.
Is it military? Is it civilian?
Serial number on butt is 213871, in two lines.
Barrel reads 'COLTS PT.F.A MFG CO
HARTFORD CONN USA
PAT AUG 5 84 NOV 6 88 MAR 5 95'
I have zero knowledge of these, but I like this one a lot. Any info will certainly be appreciated!

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[oldfoneguy]

Colt Model 1895 a forerunner to the New Service. Not Military, it would be marked so at the bottom of the grip strap and side frame. The extra markings on the grip strap may be from the Police department that it served. Very possibly a .38 black powder round. Looks like it had a life and a half. Does the serial number on the grip strap frame and the crane match? How's the bore and the lockup when it's fully cocked? - Bill

[Anzac15]

Revolver is very tight..timing seems perfect.
The etched number appears to be an Atlanta phone number, which is where I am, although the first three numbers would be an area code (not employed until 1948 at least here)
So its a model 1895? Not a model 1892?

[oldfoneguy]

Yes it's a Model 95 which was the 2nd update of the Model 92. There were subsequent updates of this pistol in 1896, 1901 & 1903. If it were any of the later versions the patent dates would be on the barrel, yours ends at 95 which makes it a Model 95. Although a civilian version many of these pistols were purchased privately and used in the Spanish-American war. If only it could talk! The Military version was replaced after the Philippine Insurrection of 1899. The .38 Colt cartridge proved itself too weak to stop the hopped-up Morro warriors and many a US serviceman found himself getting hacked to death even after putting a full cylinder into one of them. That pistol served with the US Military from 1892 thru 1909 when it was replaced with the New Service in 1909 the big difference being the New Service was a .45. - Bill

[Anzac15]

Thank ya Bill..yep, have read about the Moros. Talk about learning the hard way..

[Anzac15]

Ok, so its an 1895..looked up some serial numbers, and from what I see, it appears that this one was made in 1903(?)
I'll be honest, this has been one of the most confusing firearms I've ever owned!

[CINDERS]

Wonder if they issued 1897 shotguns to the troops a load of buckshot at 10 yards would definitely ruin a Morro's day......whats the saying never bring a knife to a gunfight.
Looks a pretty cool piece anyway Anzac.

[Anzac15]

I have indeed read accounts of 1897s being issued to solve that problem.

[Daan Kemp]

It would be interesting to know how many really lost their lives due to the inadequate handgun stopping power against souped up Filipinos. And after how many shots. There should be some research with facts, could anybody point me in the right direction please?

[oldfoneguy]

During the insurrection these pistols were pulled from the line and were replaced with the older Colt Model 1873's. Although not as fast to reload the 1873's 45 Long Colt round had unquestionable stopping power that must have made many troops sent there happy.

Yes Anzac these pistols continued in production until 1908 when they were superseded in 1909 by the Colt New Service.

If you ever plan to shoot it never attempt to use a .38 Special as the .38 Long Colt was always a low pressure black powder round. I think a .38 Special will be too long for the cylinder anyway.
Black Hills Ammo loads this round to the original power levels however I don't know if they load it with black or smokeless powder. The round did have a reputation for being accurate in its day. If the bore is in good shape it may be fun to shoot with correct ammo. - Bill