Put money into this old Colt Police Positive?

Jim PHL

New member
I have been in a mode of getting rid of everything in my collection (not a lot) that isn't a J- or K-frame S+W or some type of 1911 .45. I know and understand a lot of you say don't ever sell anything but I have no problem downsizing and am still well served with a pocket snubby, a couple of .357's and a couple of .45's. I am definitely getting rid of my .40 and .380. The only gun I own that doesn't fit the category that I have decided to keep is an old Colt Police Positive .38spl. I NEVER carry it and rarely shoot it at the range but I just like it. My original intention was the money I got from selling those couple of others would either go into a couple of upgrades to one of my current 1911's or sell my 1911 and put the money on top for a higher-end custom.
Anyway, I've since decided to keep the Colt revo so some of the money will probably go into some work on it. I recall having it dated before around 1912-1913 if I'm not mistaken. I am not looking to try and create a collectible. I am trying to create a dependable, decent looking shooter. All I really want is to have it tuned/re-timed to make it 100% reliable (occasional cylinder hang-up on DA shooting) and maybe re-blued. Now here's where you guys come in:
1) Recommend a 'smith who does Colts.(preferably southeastern PA based to eliminate shipping and transfer fees) I know not everybody wants to work on them.
2) Any rough guesses as to what that might cost? I understand nobody can quote but the shop but a rough idea would help.
3) IN YOUR OPINION, is it worth it? I know this will never be a +P megablaster but I like the .38 and if it can be made 100% reliable and reasonably accurate it would certainly qualify as something a little different and a good one to keep.
Keep in mind I'm not really interested in just "having it". I am no collector and it is not a collectible anyway. I only want "shooters" in my safe. If it doesn't make sense to do the work, I may still sell it to someone who IS interested in having it just for the sake of having it.

My apologies to members of multiple boards who have seen this identical thread elsewhere.
 
I am at sea. Is this a 38 NP/S&W or a 38 Special Police Positive Special? My guess is that $100.00 for cleaning and labour would be about right. This would depend on what arises during inspection.
 
Pittsburg Handgun Headquarters
1330 Center Ave.
Pittsburg, Pa. 15229
(412) 766-6100

They are a Colt service center that does excellent work. If it is from the 1912 time frame then it is collectable. They started making them in 1907 so yours is a 1st Issue. Since you just want a shooter I wouldn't have it refinished just repaired and that would preserve it's collector status.
 
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