Colt New Service .45

Published on December 19, 2025
Duration: 2:15

This video details the restoration and range demonstration of a Colt New Service revolver, originally a WWII British Lend-Lease firearm converted to .45 Colt. Expert gunsmith Bill Laughridge of Cylinder & Slide re-reamed the chambers to accommodate the new caliber. The demonstration showcases the revolver's accuracy on a steel target using Black Hills cowboy loads, reflecting on the 'old world craftsmanship' of Colt revolvers.

Quick Summary

The Colt New Service revolver, a WWII British Lend-Lease firearm originally in .455, was expertly restored and converted to .45 Colt by Bill Laughridge of Cylinder & Slide. The process involved re-reaming chambers. It demonstrated good accuracy at 15 yards with Black Hills cowboy loads, highlighting classic Colt craftsmanship.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and History
  2. 00:26Restoration Story
  3. 01:14Range Demonstration
  4. 01:43Legacy and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What historical significance does the Colt New Service revolver in the video hold?

The Colt New Service featured is a WWII-era British Lend-Lease firearm originally chambered in .455. It was later imported back to the US and expertly converted to fire .45 Colt ammunition, showcasing a blend of military history and custom gunsmithing.

Who performed the restoration on the Colt New Service revolver?

The restoration and conversion of the Colt New Service revolver were carried out by Bill Laughridge of Cylinder & Slide. This involved assembling the firearm from parts and meticulously re-reaming the chambers to ensure proper function with .45 Colt rounds.

How accurate is the restored Colt New Service revolver?

During the range demonstration, the restored Colt New Service revolver showed good accuracy when shooting at a steel gong target from 15 yards, utilizing Black Hills .45 Colt cowboy loads.

What kind of ammunition was used for the range demonstration?

For the range demonstration, the restored Colt New Service revolver was fired using Black Hills .45 Colt cowboy loads. This type of ammunition is often favored for its historical relevance and potentially milder recoil in classic firearms.

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