Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this EARLY production double-action revolver for a penny-start auction; this is the Colt Shooting Master!
Colt produced approximately 3,500 Shooting Master revolvers between 1932 and 1940, with the majority—around 2,500—chambered in .38 Special. Nine factory-engraved examples are documented, all in .38 Special, featuring engraving levels ranging from Class “A” to beyond Class “C.”
As Colt’s flagship revolver of the pre-war era, the Shooting Master represented the very best the company could offer in precision, fit, and finish. Every detail—from the meticulously hand-tuned action to the mirror-polished bluing—reflected Colt’s commitment to perfection. It was a revolver built for serious marksmen and professionals who demanded the utmost accuracy and reliability, and many shooters of the time regarded it as the finest double-action revolver ever produced. What makes this example even more extraordinary is its rare King Super Target feature. These King ribs, known for their sleek profile, improved sighting plane, and custom target pedigree are seldom found on Shooting Masters today. This scarce upgrade elevates an already elite revolver into an even higher echelon of collectability. Today, the Colt Shooting Master stands as a masterpiece of American firearm craftsmanship, revered both for its performance and its scarcity among collectors, with King-modified examples representing some of the most sought-after of all.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Shooting Master
Serial: 340238
Date of Manufacture: 1936
Caliber: .38 Special
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 6" with Colt-King Super Target Rib Mounted to the Barrel
Optics/Sights: Patridge Undercut Blade Front with Adjustable Rear
Stock/Grips: Checkered Walnut with Silver Rampant Colt Medallions
Action: Double/Single-Action Revolver
Markings: Standard / This example features master scroll engraving.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt Shooting Master, introduced in 1932, was the pinnacle of Colt’s double-action revolver development during the interwar period—a refined, precision-built target version of the formidable Colt New Service. Built on Colt’s large “New Service” frame, the Shooting Master was designed to provide match-grade performance while maintaining the strength and ruggedness that made the New Service a favorite among military and law enforcement users. It featured a flat-top frame with fully adjustable target sights, a finely checkered trigger, and a checkered backstrap to ensure superior control and handling during slow-fire competition. The revolver was offered in several powerful and accurate calibers, including .38 Special, .357 Magnum, .44 Special, .45 Colt, and .45 ACP, and standard production models typically carried a 6-inch barrel and finely checkered walnut grips adorned with silver Colt medallions.
Model: Shooting Master
Serial: 340238
Date of Manufacture: 1936
Caliber: .38 Special
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 6" with Colt-King Super Target Rib Mounted to the Barrel
Optics/Sights: Patridge Undercut Blade Front with Adjustable Rear
Stock/Grips: Checkered Walnut with Silver Rampant Colt Medallions
Action: Double/Single-Action Revolver
Markings: Standard / This example features master scroll engraving.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt Shooting Master, introduced in 1932, was the pinnacle of Colt’s double-action revolver development during the interwar period—a refined, precision-built target version of the formidable Colt New Service. Built on Colt’s large “New Service” frame, the Shooting Master was designed to provide match-grade performance while maintaining the strength and ruggedness that made the New Service a favorite among military and law enforcement users. It featured a flat-top frame with fully adjustable target sights, a finely checkered trigger, and a checkered backstrap to ensure superior control and handling during slow-fire competition. The revolver was offered in several powerful and accurate calibers, including .38 Special, .357 Magnum, .44 Special, .45 Colt, and .45 ACP, and standard production models typically carried a 6-inch barrel and finely checkered walnut grips adorned with silver Colt medallions.
The Shooting Master represented Colt’s commitment to blending craftsmanship, performance, and aesthetic excellence. Offered in both rounded and square-butt configurations after 1933, and finished in Colt’s brilliant high-polish blue or nickel, the model stood out not only for its accuracy but also for its striking appearance. As a premium-grade revolver produced in relatively limited numbers between 1932 and 1940, it has become one of the most desirable Colt double-actions among collectors today. Its combination of competition-grade refinement and mechanical strength places it alongside the finest target revolvers of its era, often considered the peak of Colt’s pre-war revolver artistry. For shooters and collectors alike, the Colt Shooting Master remains a symbol of precision engineering and the golden age of American revolver craftsmanship.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
