Colt Official Police
- Thread starter aspen1964
- Start date
All Colt's are good shootin irons. I don't care for the skinny barrel's on the Police Models. I do have experience with the Colt Lawman MK lll, and the Python...But that isn't what you asked...I'm sure someone can give you a comparison. Look for Sir William to reply...He knows revolvers.
Dfariswheel
New member
The Colt Python is really nothing more than a fancy adjustable sight version of the Official Police.
The frame and action are the same, and a good many parts will interchange.
From 1927 to the mid-1950's the Official Police was just that....THE official police revolver for most of the big and many small police departments.
The frame and action are the same, and a good many parts will interchange.
From 1927 to the mid-1950's the Official Police was just that....THE official police revolver for most of the big and many small police departments.
I have two, love them. 1944 and 1961 versions. 1944 Official Police is my favorite gun in my collection and the one I most commonly carry. Hence my screename Doug.38PR (Police Revolver). (And no, I'm not an "old timer" either, I'm 28 and think revolvers are cooler than autos)
Along with it's Smith and Wesson counterpart the Model 10 (or Victory model) the Colt Official Police was the most common police service revolver from the early 20th century (It was actually called the Army Special in the early 20th century, but it was found to have a bigger market among Police and Sheriff departments than Military so in 1927 they changed the designation to Official Police) to the 1960s and probably even a little into the 70s and 80s after it was discontinued in 1969/1979 (MkIII) It was as common as the Glock 9mm is today among police
Police Postive is essentially a smaller version of the Official Police (A Detective Special with a longer barrel)
Enjoy your OP.
Doug
Along with it's Smith and Wesson counterpart the Model 10 (or Victory model) the Colt Official Police was the most common police service revolver from the early 20th century (It was actually called the Army Special in the early 20th century, but it was found to have a bigger market among Police and Sheriff departments than Military so in 1927 they changed the designation to Official Police) to the 1960s and probably even a little into the 70s and 80s after it was discontinued in 1969/1979 (MkIII) It was as common as the Glock 9mm is today among police
Police Postive is essentially a smaller version of the Official Police (A Detective Special with a longer barrel)
Enjoy your OP.
Doug
Person of Interest
New member
Actually, the Officers Model Target and Officers Model Match were Official Police revolvers with adjustable sights (and even they weren't really quite as simple as that). The Python was a whole new pistol designed to be the ultimate in sporting revolvers.
The OP is a rugged but heavy service revolver. Maybe a little large for the caliber (built on what Colt called a .41 sized frame) they are fun to shoot. Some prefer the S&W trigger system while others don't care for the free-standing ejector rod. I would pack one without hesitation.
The OP is a rugged but heavy service revolver. Maybe a little large for the caliber (built on what Colt called a .41 sized frame) they are fun to shoot. Some prefer the S&W trigger system while others don't care for the free-standing ejector rod. I would pack one without hesitation.
grendelbane
New member
For what it is worth, I can't stand the shape of the grip either. Hogue grips for a Python were my fix. Now it fits my hand as well as any wheelgun can.
The 60s era guns had better sights. I could see them. I stupidly let one get away from me.
I replaced it later with a late 40s model. Dinky sights, but better action.
The 60s era guns had better sights. I could see them. I stupidly let one get away from me.
I replaced it later with a late 40s model. Dinky sights, but better action.
Person of Interest
New member
Unless it's one of the very late OP Mk IIIs I doubt that it's a factory satin nickel. That became available in 1970, I believe.
My most prized revolver is my first, a 1933 vintage Colt Official Police. My dad gave it to me when I was 17, it had been retired from the Isabella County Sheriffs Department, and was originally held by the Grand Rapids Police Department in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She does have some minor pitting from some obvious neglect, (before my days), but the old girl still shoots great and locks up tight. She may not be valuable to a collector, but she sure means alot to me. 
jacobtowne
New member
TomB wrote:
"I have a Colt OP vintage 1968. It"s the most accurate revolver I own. The only thing I don't like is the shape of the grip. Man talk about a plow handle!"
Agreed. I have a very nice Army Special in .38 Spec. made in 1912. It's so well polished I can see my face in it, it has the tightest lockup of any revolver I've ever owned, and is certainly one of the most accurate.
The grips are too small for my hands, but I find that with most old sidearms.
Fine sixgun.
JT
"I have a Colt OP vintage 1968. It"s the most accurate revolver I own. The only thing I don't like is the shape of the grip. Man talk about a plow handle!"
Agreed. I have a very nice Army Special in .38 Spec. made in 1912. It's so well polished I can see my face in it, it has the tightest lockup of any revolver I've ever owned, and is certainly one of the most accurate.
The grips are too small for my hands, but I find that with most old sidearms.
Fine sixgun.
JT
poortrader
New member
My dad just gave me his Colt Police Positive. I've been told that it's circa 70's. The gun is nickel plated. He told me that he hadn't shot it in about 15 years. He had it wrapped up in a box. But it's in pristine condition. I didn't have to oil the action. I just cleaned the barrel before shooting it. I trying to get use to the double action.
army special
I am new here and i want to say hello to you all and ask a question about my army special. It is serial number 429032, how would i find out what year it was made and where would i get a new ejector rod as someone before me did not love it and they apparently tried to remove the rod with pliers and gouged it. I have stoned it down some but as i am a perfectionist, i can see the gouge as others may not.
I am new here and i want to say hello to you all and ask a question about my army special. It is serial number 429032, how would i find out what year it was made and where would i get a new ejector rod as someone before me did not love it and they apparently tried to remove the rod with pliers and gouged it. I have stoned it down some but as i am a perfectionist, i can see the gouge as others may not.
Felcher01, welcome to a great forum. You'll like it here.
Go to www.proofhouse.com They have a list of Colt serial numbers. I checked it, and it said 1918 for your serial number.
Youi might try Gun Parts for any parts you need. Or, go to the classified section here and post a "Want to buy" ad. Good luck.
Go to www.proofhouse.com They have a list of Colt serial numbers. I checked it, and it said 1918 for your serial number.
Youi might try Gun Parts for any parts you need. Or, go to the classified section here and post a "Want to buy" ad. Good luck.
My Official Police was made in 1937. I lucked into this specimen, finding it new in box and freshly "released" from an estate. Mine exhibits that bank-vault lockup so characteristic of the old Colts, and it's an absolute laser with 158 grain LSWC's. I didn't like the shape of the grip initially either, but familiarity has overcome the resistance. I almost feel bad shooting it because it's showroom new, but it's just too darn nice not to shoot.
It's my favorite revolver.
vanfunk
It's my favorite revolver.
vanfunk