The basis for this book is around the research that I acquired from several trips to the the Archive Properties where all of the Colt archive Ledgers are kept. My research assistant, Corey Huebner, and I spent numerous hours going through all 356,914 Colt New Service revolvers that were stored in nearly 60 ledger books. During these trips our main focus was on the New Service Target and Shooting Master revolver. This book is intended for the New Service Target collector and those interested in knowing detailed information on what was shipped pertaining to this model. I cover specific data such as caliber, barrel length, finish, quantities & dates shipped as well as touching on logo changes, stock changes, and various sights used.

This book shows numerous Archive letters in order to authenticate specific data as well as photos of more than 80 New Service Target & Shooting Master revolvers. Several short articles are interwoven from other collectors who have a Colt New Service Target or Shooting Master revolver with a unique story. I wish to express my thanks to them for taking the time to write about their revolver and I am sure it will add to your information base. I feel that the actual story of a gun and how it was used is the real bedrock of its history. Some show use and that is fine as these were meant to be used and most are a century old.

For those who may be new to these target revolvers I welcome you. These were Colt's best target revolver, made in a time when devotion to craftsmanship was at its peak. Many who shoot these long barrel target revolvers are simply amazed with the accuracy at 50 and 100 yards. If you are thinking of acquiring one of these, you will own a limited production item as they accounted for less than 2% of the New Service production. Colt manufactured and shipped an average of 80 New Service Target revolvers per year and that equates to less than seven per month.

The target shooter was always regarded as one who took extra care of their revolver. They looked at it like a fine precision instrument and treated it as such.

Colt's New Service Target & Shooting Master Revolver