UPDATE: I got it! Colt Police Positive.

Grayfox · Mar 5, 2022

I have always loved the Colt "D" frame revolvers. I have a 3rd Issue Detective Special and two Diamondbacks.
I was out and about this morning and ran across a like new Colt Police Positive 4th Issue for sale. This is a later model made sometime after 1977. It has a shrouded ejector rod and oversize wood grips.
The gun is like brand new. Not a mark on it. Timing and lock-up are perfect. Asking price is $899.
I'm not that good with Colt prices, but this seems a bit high to me. What do y'all think? Buy or not?

Charlie Foxtrott · Mar 5, 2022

That is high for that gun.

But if it is in .38 Special and really clean someone will likely buy it. If it is in .32 long Colt or .32 New police then that is way high.

Grayfox · Mar 5, 2022

It is in .38 Special.

mtgianni · Mar 5, 2022

I love the feel of the police positives. I cannot see the sights for the life of me so I pass them by. 67 2/3 yrs old and corrective lenses to shoot with.

Breaker · Mar 5, 2022

From what you have written, it seems like you would be completely happy with it. IMHO, the older Colts are better built and therefor the only ones that appeal to me now days, so I wouldn’t hesitate to step up a little to own what I like when one becomes available. From that lens I would say you will regret buying it less than you would letting it go.

alwslate · Mar 5, 2022

Way high in my opinion. You can buy a better S&W .38 spl for less.

NCBeagle · Mar 5, 2022

Colt Police Positive: Should I?

This is a really cool revolver. Only made from 1977-1978. It is like a Detective Special with a 4" barrel. I found my 1977 at a gun show in Charlotte, maybe 8-10 years ago. It kills me to tell this story...but mine came with the original wood grips, like the OP posted. My idiot cat jumped into the gun safe and knocked the Colt off of a shelf. The original grip split when it landed.

clang444 · Mar 5, 2022

Seems high to me - but what doesn't these days. I prefer the older models, like the 1928 Police Positive Special

I recently took it to the range with a few other pre-WWII guns:

They are fun shooters.

FYI - you can get a new Colt Cobra in .38 Special for less money, and a .357 Mag King Cobra for about the same price. This makes it an easy pass.

Babysitr · Mar 5, 2022

I have one from 1978, lowest production PPositive. I like mine,shoots as good as the Diamondback I have! Bought mine at auction pre covid, paid $425...nobody wanted it for some reason. but that was pre china flu

csurp34 · Mar 5, 2022

With inflation on the rise it might not be a bad idea to park some money in nice firearms at today's prices.

At least that is what I tell myself.

shamuscull · Mar 5, 2022

This one dates 1920. And is sideways for some reason.

moralem · Mar 5, 2022

Colt Police Positive: Should I?

I picked up two official police heavy barrels, pre-war for less than the price of yours. But if it is what you want get it…..life is too short.

.

Grayfox · Mar 5, 2022

I really like the gun, but I don't want to overpay. I checked ended auctions at GB. Very few of the 4th issue models sold and prices were all over the place. One sold for $500 and another for $1200. Found one listing on-line at $1150.

No idea what a fair price should be. That's why I'm asking.
Besides, it'll probably be like many other guns I've bought. I'll shoot it a few times and then it'll get lost in the safe for years.

But there is a pride in ownership.

I've also asked this question over on the Colt Forum. So far, no answers.

Charlie Foxtrott · Mar 5, 2022

If you want the gun and your kids are not going to go hungry if you buy it.

Then I would say go for it. They are really nice guns and we are seeing fewer and fewer clean ones around for sale as time goes by. And with inflation going the way that it is, you might be making a good deal. I have two of them and they are not going anywhere soon.

22hipower · Mar 5, 2022

I think the price is about right if it is in excellent condition. These were only made in 1977/78 and while not exactly rare, they are rarely seen where I shop. Every bit as good as the diamondback in my opinion and perhaps less finicky. I'd negotiate a bit but probably wouldn't leave without it. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

PALADIN85020 · Mar 5, 2022

I have just one Colt Police Positive Special. It's a first issue gun and turns a century old this year...

Here it is compared to a S&W M&P from the same era (1923).

John

Nacho Man · Mar 5, 2022

Oooo, may I?
1977 PSS Nickel.
She's been around the block but still looks elegant with a certain style and grace, heh.

2014 $549+ tax. I think I've put 2 boxes of light 38s through her.

sigp220.45 · Mar 5, 2022

I might try to weasel them down to 800, but I’d take it home.

harvester1 · Mar 5, 2022

I believe the gun in OP post is a Police Positive Special. A police positive has a shorter cylinder and did not come in 38 Special caliber. Oh, yes do buy it if you like it, the price may seem high but the quality is built in.

TXBryan · Mar 6, 2022

Seems like a lot of money but probably not "these days." I've been watching a bunch of S&W Model 65's on GunBroker lately and they are going for over $800 for the most part; some substantially more. That seems crazy too but it's apparently the going rate. That would make this Colt "worth" $900 I imagine. Inflation is a factor lately too.

UPDATE: I got it! Colt Police Positive.

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