New Purchase - Colt Police Positive

[Frosty_]

I found this gem in a pawn shop here if S. Florida. I walked in just on a whim, for the first time in years. When I saw this I had to have it. It's a Colt Police Positive. I called Colt and they said manufactured in late 1957. It's 90% on the finish with some minor pitting above the trigger guard on the right side of the gun. The barrel grooves are super sharp and super clean. The timing and lockup are tighter than on my bull barrel Model 10 which i bought new last year. I love my smith, but it tells you something about Colt's.

The gun looks like it was never fired, or very little. It was brought in by a guy in his 30's, said the owner. He also said that the guy really didn't want to part with it, and made the regular interest payments for several months, then just couldn't make it one month. "One man's loss is another man's gain."

It's chambered for .38 Special, and I can't wait to get this baby to the range. I've always wanted a Classic detective gun a la 'film noir' era, hence my model 10. But this gun just fits the bill so much better.

Oh price was $399 on the tag. I talked guy down to $300 cash out the door, including background check. So, $270-ish plus tax plus $5 background fee.

What do you guys think?

 

[owlhoot]

First of all, in my opinion, the gun was a steal at the price you paid.

I have one of those babies that I bought around 1953. The finish is a little worn now, but it is still a favorite revolver. Everytime I close the cylinder, I am amazed at the precision of the lock-up. They are beautifully made revolvers.

Enjoy yours and hang on to it. They don't make 'em like that anymore.

P.S. I would not run hot loads through the gun if I were you. Yes, if your carry it for defense or use it as a house gun, load it with +P. But for plinking at the range, keep the loads mild. I'm not saying the gun won't take it. I am saying that parts are extremely difficult to come by and the mechanism is not nearly as robust as the Smith's.

 

[Ala Dan]

Congrats On The Find

I don't own a Colt Police Positive; but I do collect 2nd series (1947-1972)
Colt Detective Specials. Its the smaller, scaled down version of the Police
Positive with a 2" barrel. Like you say, they definitely are some finely tuned
precision instrutments~! Enjoy~

 

[bigjohnson]

I have a Police Positive Special, which is actually a different gun from a Police Positive. The difference is that the PP Special has a longer frame and cylinder to accomodate the .38 special cartridge, while the regular PP has a shorter frame and cylinder, since it was chambered only for the .38 S&W (also called the .38 Colt New Police), .32 S&W (also called the .32 Colt New Police), .38 Colt, and .32 Colt. The PP Special was also chambered for the .32 WCF (AKA 32-20).
The Police Positive Special is exactly the same gun as the Detective Special, only with a longer barrel (sometimes). I have seen a 3-inch Detective Special and also a 3-inch Police Positive Special. The guns were absolutely identical except for the marking on the barrel.
At any rate, they are really super guns, and you got a helluva deal.

I just looked at your pictures. WOW! If you ever decide to let that thing go, please send me an email. I'd love to have it.

 

[bannockburn]

Frosty

I think you have a Police Positive Special, and not just a Police Positive. First, production of the Police Positive ended in 1943; you posted that Colt told you your gun was made in 1957. Secondly, as bigjohnson posted, the Police Positive was chambered for the shorter .38 Colt cartridge, its cylinder being 1 1/4" long. The Police Positive Special had a longer frame and a cylinder that was 1 5/8" long, so as to accomodate the .38 Special cartridge. After looking at your pix, I think you may have a Police Positive Special.

 

[Cosmoline]

VERY good price on that. All the ones I've seen in nickle have been badly scraped up. Yours appears to be in excellent condition.

 

[Frosty_]

Yes it is.

I think you have a Police Positive Special

Yes bannockburn, you are correct. I see I left 'Special' out. That's what I get for posting at midnight.

 

[LKB3rd]

I love old Colt Revolvers, and have found myself gravitating toward the case that holds two .38's lately at a local shop before I realize what is happening lol.

 

[bannockburn]

Frosty

It matters little; a Police Positive or Police Positive Special; that's one beautiful looking Colt you've got there.