colt 32 new police??

Status
Not open for further replies.

murdoc rose

Member
Joined
Jan 25, 2009
Messages
582
picked up a small collection today, this being one of the highlights imo

serial is 1907 #465xx colt new police with colt new police 32 on one side of the barrel and police positive on the other side 6 in barrel

how do I tell if its a target model or not?



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

sorry about the huge pic, i think this one is a much better option
 
Last edited:
Oh man ... you wouldnt want to share the price u paid?!

That is one beautyful open carry gun!!
 
A target model would have a flat topstrap, with a rear sight dovetailed into it that could be moved for windage adjustments, and a front sight with the blade fitted into a base that could be changed or moved to make elevation adjustments. I believe you have the regular service model. I didn't wait for your picture to fully download because I'm on dial-up. :(

Cock the hammer on your revolver and look down into the frame in front of it. You may (or may not) see a positive hammer block. Between 1905 and 1908 Colt made some New Police models with Police Positive barrels to use up older New Police frames that were still on hand. It seems that some had the hammer block, while others didn't. Not much is known beyond the above because no one has taken the time to do any research. In any case the gun you just obtained is more interesting then the usual run of New Police revolvers.
 
it doesn't seem to have the positive hammer safety, thanks for the info. I was kind of hopeing it was a target model still a good older colt. It locks up real tight and over all is in great functioning shape blues not great but not bad.

as far as what I paid I bought it in a collection for 1200$ got this, the nagant pistol I posted about, winchester 120, m1903,savage enfield, fn 1922 32acp, a large box of different ammo and the safe it was all in.
 
It is either chambered in .32 Long Colt, or .32 Colt New Police (same as .32 S&W Long). If it's chambered for the former the chambers will be bored straight through. If it is chambered for the .32 CNP there will be a shoulder or "step" in the chamber which is easily seen. Be sure if you are going to shoot it that you get the right cartridges.

The only thing the target model offered was better sights and a little extra fitting of the lockwork. Both shot and grouped about the same, and I'm pretty sure that it will shoot as close as you can hold.

Colt introduced the Police Positive in 1908, but I have seen drawings that showed the positive hammer block that were dated 1904. In any case they apparently used up an overstock of New Police frames and parts by assembling them using Police Positive barrels. So you have an interesting but uncommon variant.
 
i have one with a 4 inch barrel

it is mechanically like new but has little bluing left.

it shoots very well but has a stiff double action trigger.

the single action is light and crisp.

i traded a baikal ij-70 mak for it.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top