Old Colt .38Spl. Info
- Thread starter Bullrock
- Start date
Dfariswheel
New member
If it's a Columbian issue, it's likely a Colt Police Positive Special.
Columbia bought many of these over the years to arm their Police, and large quantities of these have been brought back into the US over the past 10-20 years.
If you want to do some maintenance and restoration on Colt's, the absolute best thing to do is buy a copy of Jerry Kuhnhausen's book, "The Colt Double Action Revolvers: A Shop Manual, Vol One".
This covers about everything known about the Colt's, including full disassembly, parts check out, refitting or replacing parts, and restoration.
This is the best money you could spend if you're going to work with Colt's.
Price is less than $30.00 from Brownell's, MidwayUSA, and most online or local book sellers can order it for you.
Columbia bought many of these over the years to arm their Police, and large quantities of these have been brought back into the US over the past 10-20 years.
If you want to do some maintenance and restoration on Colt's, the absolute best thing to do is buy a copy of Jerry Kuhnhausen's book, "The Colt Double Action Revolvers: A Shop Manual, Vol One".
This covers about everything known about the Colt's, including full disassembly, parts check out, refitting or replacing parts, and restoration.
This is the best money you could spend if you're going to work with Colt's.
Price is less than $30.00 from Brownell's, MidwayUSA, and most online or local book sellers can order it for you.
Person of Interest
New member
Are you sure it's a .38 SPECIAL? Colt made the Police Positive in .32 and .38 S&W and the slightly larger Police Positive Special for the .38 Special. Some dealers are less than honest and offer a ".38 Police Positive" and don't specifiy it's the less popular .38 S&W caliber. The correct model ID should be stamped on the barrel. If it clearly says SPECIAL then it's what the seller says it is.
Sir William
New member
I dare say that it is a Colt Official Police or maybe a DA38. If it is an OP, all is well. If it is a DA38, DO NOT SHOOT IT! DA38s were chambered for 38 Long Colt and these will chamber 38 Special and even 357 Magnum. The actual 38 Long Colt was a black powder cartridge and smokeless powder cartridges are UNSAFE to fire in them. There were also Colt factory "seconds" sold to Central and South American markets. My first thought is that it is a older revolver. I was reminded though by a friend that the US has loaned or given military aid to Columbia. It could well be a Colt Police Positive Special in 38 Special. I will wait until you have it. Pics would help.
Johnny Guest
Moderator in Memoriam
As long as everyone's guessing, I'll venture mine.
I've seen a couple of interesting Colts with South American military crests - - Really don't rfecall if Columbian or what. Interesting thing - - These were Cobra models, with four inch barrels and square butts - - Looked similar to the pre-WWII Police Positive Special, except for the rather worn alloy frames. I believe these were the only alloy frame Colt .38s I've ever seen with the square butt configuration.
Now, the absolutely MOST typical Cobra were the 2" round butt models. The John Jovino company, back in the late 1980s, had some three-inch round butt Cobras. I ordered one, and it was an absolutely wonderful little carry revolver. Wish I hadn't let it get away from me . . . .
Anyhow, that's my guess: Colt Cobra, 4" square butt.
Best,
Johnny
I've seen a couple of interesting Colts with South American military crests - - Really don't rfecall if Columbian or what. Interesting thing - - These were Cobra models, with four inch barrels and square butts - - Looked similar to the pre-WWII Police Positive Special, except for the rather worn alloy frames. I believe these were the only alloy frame Colt .38s I've ever seen with the square butt configuration.
Now, the absolutely MOST typical Cobra were the 2" round butt models. The John Jovino company, back in the late 1980s, had some three-inch round butt Cobras. I ordered one, and it was an absolutely wonderful little carry revolver. Wish I hadn't let it get away from me . . . .
Anyhow, that's my guess: Colt Cobra, 4" square butt.
Best,
Johnny
Johnny Guest
Moderator in Memoriam
What ho, Bullrock?
Did you pick up the Colt? What model? Can you post images of it?
Share the news, sir! Inquiring minds want to know.
Best,
Johnny
Did you pick up the Colt? What model? Can you post images of it?
Share the news, sir! Inquiring minds want to know.
Best,
Johnny