Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! Here we have a 1933 Colt Shooting Master in .38 Special, one of approximately 2,500 produced in that caliber out of a total of approximately 3,500 in all configurations.
The Shooting Master was Colt’s premium target revolver, introduced in 1932 and aimed at serious competitive shooters. 6-inch barrel, adjustable sights, target-grade trigger. On paper it was the right gun for that market. In practice, times were difficult. Selling expensive Target revolvers during the Great Depression to a market that was already leaning toward established Smith & Wesson alternatives proved to be a difficult proposition.
A total of 3,500 guns in one production run tells you how it turned out. Shooting Master never found the audience Colt expected. This is the reason why they are interesting to collectors now.
This example shows mixed gray and brown coating, good checking, solid mechanical condition. One or the other is stored carefully or used lightly.
Most of our POTDs use images of our friends Rock Island Auction CompanyMajor firearms auction in the United States. Take some time to browse them current auction – Who knows, maybe you’ll find a piece of history to take home!
“Scars Colt Shooting Master Double Action Revolver.” Rock Island Auction, www.rockislandauction.com/detail/5032/247/scarce-colt-shooting-master-double-action-revolver. Accessed 28 May 2026.
