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Colt Police Positive Special 32-20

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merl67

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Been a long dry spell around these parts finding anything interesting to me anyway. This one was offered to me, and after a bit of haggling I got it, and two boxes of ammo for $325. This one appears to be made around 1923, or 24 timing and lock up is great. Still retains quite a bit of finish with nice grips. Pictures don't do it justice hopefully the rain will clear out in a day, or two, and I can get better ones.
 

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That's a deal! I believe those Colts in 32-20 are a little smaller frame than the S&W HE in 32-20.
 
I am an unapologetic fanboy for all things 32-20. The early models just have history dripping from them.

I started my shooting career with a Colt first generation SAA in 32-20. Perfect caliber for any young shooter to learn the ropes with that low recoil.

Nowadays, Ruger is making boomers capable of some pretty intense loads. I suggest your Colt police positive stay with medium loads as I doubt yours has the strengthened steel available a couple of years later.

By the way, the ammo is EXPENSIVE ! $2.00 plus.
Starline isn't even taking backorders for 32-20 brass.
Did you plan for that eventuality.


Prescut
If you enjoy that model of the old Colt, you should check out the 1917 Army Specials in 32-20.
 
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A few years ago I got the hankerin' for a .32-20 revolver. At a local gun show I found a very nice 95% .32-20 Colt Police Positive with 4" bbl. and rubber stocks. The seller was asking $450, which at the time I thought was too stiff. I tried to negotiate, but he held firm and I walked away. In hindsight, I probably should have grabbed it. But shortly after, I purchased a .32-20 M&P (Model of 1905 4th Change, ca. 1923) with 6" bbl. and some finish wear for about the same price. The M&P is a larger revolver than the Colt PP and more comfortable in my hand. Although well used, it's mechanically perfect, fun to shoot, and very accurate (whenever I can find ammo!). Enjoy!
 
Skeeter Skelton was a fan of the 32-20, mentioned purchasing a Colt SAA when he was discharged from the Marines in 1946. "Then, like a fool, I sold it." He cautioned against using high velocity/ rifles only ammunition, said it
kicked too much, too much muzzle blast, shot low.
 
Here are pictures of my Colt Police Positive Special in 32-20 WCF. Mine was built in 1911. I do not try to hotrod it; I have bigger guns if I want more power.

I have a set of Redding dies for it.

The gun and dies are both excellent.

(Edit to add) The barrel is 4" long.
 

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Bought one in 1975 for $15.00. As I haven't shot it in decades I've considered selling it. One person generously offered to double my money.

XkQLFyn.jpg
 
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I have a Colt PPS 4” barrel 38 Special and would love to get a PPS 4” barrel 32-20 for a matched pair.
 
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