Ugly Gun Sunday

A Colt Experimental Revolver

Serial no. X005. .38 Special caliber, 6-shot quick removable non-fluted cylinder, 4-inch barrel, marked on right side "Colt's Pt. F.A. Mfg. Co., Hartford, Conn. U.S.A." Serial marking on left side of frame. Rampant colt logo engraved on left side of frame. Bright stainless steel, with matte finish to top and rear angle of frame. Varnished hardwood grip secured to frame by screw through flat butt. Overall length, 8 7/8-inches.

Retained by factory as experimental and prototype of a low cost revolver, in which the cylinder could be removed for loading and ejector, by hand, without tools. Cylinder was keyed into position by a blued steel spring. When gripped by the user's fingers, and pinched together, the cylinder can be withdrawn from the revolver's left side. The concept of this radically different double action model of revolver was by then Colt President, C.E. Warner, c. 1972-82, who was not only a mechanical engineer, but a keen enthusiast and collector of firearms, particularly those made by Colt.

This thing makes a Harrington & Richardson 923 look purty! More pictures here.