38 amu // 38 special
This is a follow up on question asked earlier that is now locked . 1958 Fort Benning army marksmanship unit "AMU" request from colt conversion "KITS" for 38 semi rim cartridge they have developed. COLT ships Kit which has slide marked .38 AMU automatic barrel and rest of top half could go on 45 or super frame.Barrel has 1 locking lug 2 types of chambers as far as head space. 1958 colt built a "FEW" complete pistols in 38amu R suffix on serial.1960 colt builds 38 special mid range no locking lugs on barrel blowback operation "complete wast of time" 3 different barrel types none shoot worth a hoot.1964 GIL HEBARD gets colt to build and ship to him pistol KITS slides marked 38 kit frames marked with H prefix in 38special with rim but other that useing 38 special mags and slide and barrel opened up to take rimmed case the same as 38 amu. after this almost all the 1958 units were modified to new 38 special specs If your pistol will let the slide close your 38amu barrel has been modified and you have a great shooter enjoy it
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Perryshooter....thanks! That was me wanting know about it. I'm still not sure exactly what I have, the serial number is not suffixed with anything, and it shoots rimmed 38 wad. Being that my dad was a colonel in the Army, he could have gotten the armory to fix up any of his guns, any kind of way I suspect. You are correct about it being a great little shooter. I took it out to the range and tried the rimmed 38 wad, it was a joy. At 25 yards, I shot a box of 50 in a group the size of an apple,(thats good for me) with but two strays. I appreciate your information. Thanks again. 0 -
Perry, What do you think this gun is worth? A local smith who has seen it seems to think around $2500. However, I've noticed in the past what he makes an estimate and what I see on say, ************ for various things usually dont match up. He's a good smith, but not so good at appraisels. 0 -
Hi guys
I've got 4 of the National Match Mk3, .38 Mid Range Colts and one of the AMU versions. They all shoot the standard .38 wadcutter 'rimmed' rounds.
I think your gunsmith might be a little pessimistic on the value of your AMU. I believe there were only 100 made and they were all allocated to individual shooters. Just about all of these were kept them as private weapons. Last valuation I saw was $4,000 - $5,000...
THe gunsmith might be confusing the value of the Natl Match Mk3's in .38 wadcutter - there were roughly 8,000 made and they sell for between $2,000 and $2,500 depending on condition etc.
Hope it helps.0 -
Merlin, is there anything that would distinguish if its one of those 100? 0
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