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Approx. Value on Colt Police Positive
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rockquarry
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That has the long cylinder; it's a Police Positive Special.
OP
Listed as a Police Positive. Don't know enough about Colts to tell the difference. How do you tell? And how does that affect the value?
rockquarry
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It will be marked on the barrel. Do you have the gun at hand? The cylinder is about a 1/4" longer than the Police Positive cylinder so that it can accomodate longer cartridges like the .32-20 and .38 Special. I'm far from a Colt expert or an expert on anything else, but the revolver in the photo appears to have a long cylinder; I've been wrong many times before.
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OP
No. It's at a LGS. Says .38 Special so I'm assuming the longer cylinder. Listed at $425 and could maybe be got for less. Good deal, bad deal or why aren't you on your way?
rockquarry
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I'm not up on prices, but that may be a good deal if it locks up okay and everything checks out. A few years back when I did keep up with prices somewhat, the Police Positive & Special models (for reasons unknown to me) always lagged behind other similar modern Colt revolvers. Interest just wasn't there apparently. Things may be very different nowadays.
Think of these as Detective Specials with longer barrels. Handy frame size but not one you'd hot rod with stout loads.
Think of these as Detective Specials with longer barrels. Handy frame size but not one you'd hot rod with stout loads.
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It sounds to be a good price for the gun as pictured, if you like it. Colts lock up solidly with the hammer down and trigger pulled and if there is any play that is a bad sign. Good luck in your decision.
OP
Well, in that case, I may just try to make a deal. Let you know how it goes.
Good deal at that price and as far as the comment about not running hot loads in it, the Colt is not any more fragile than the same era S&W k frame.
Grayfox
US Veteran
That would be Colt's "D" frame. Its a tad bit smaller than S&Ws K-frame, but bigger than the J. That same size frame is used for the Detective Special and Diamondbacks. I'm quite fond of it myself.
At that price, I would definitely buy.
At that price, I would definitely buy.
KarmannGhia
Member
If the other side looks like the side pictured, I would pay that without regret. I have a PPS in 32-20 and would love to find the one you are looking at in my area for that price.
cowboy4evr
Member
I have a Police Positive Special and it's so marked on the left side of the barrel . It's in fantastic condition and I paid $400 for mine and was glad to get it . It's a fixed sight revolver but shoots very very accurately with my handloads , 3.5 grs of Bullseye using a 158 gr RN cast bullet . If you decide to buy it I would recommend having it disassembled , cleaned and oiled . I had that done to mine as I figured it hadn't been serviced since leaving the factory and it sure lightened up the action a bit and smoothed it . He charged me $50 , best money I have spend in a long time . If you buy it I wouldn't " hot rod it " , using 38-44 loads . Good luck , Regards Paul
OP
cowboy4evr
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I hope you enjoy yours as much as I do mine . It's " Colt quality " from one end to the other . When I just want to unwind and have some fun that's the one I most often grap . It's light weight , points well and is very accurate . Regards Paul
cowboy4evr
Member
A local gun shop has a Colt Police Positive , chambered in " 38 Colt New Police " . That's basically the S&W 38 just with a flat nose on the bullet instead of a RN . It's looks like , well " rough " and they want $450 . The sad part is I have the correct bullet mold that drops a 150 gr swc size .363 and Starline has 38 S&W 38 brass in stock . Haven't decided if I want to tackle it or not . Regards Paul
VaTom
Member
Every revolver collection should have at least one vintage Colt in the stable. You may want to clean the bluing lightly with Flitz and then a coat of Renwax. My one Colt is a 1956 Colt Official Police (.38 Special) that I bought at a local estate auction a number of years ago. Looked to have been a "sock drawer" revolver. It was somewhat dull but the Flitz/Renwax cleaning really brought out the bluing. Shown here with my nickel Model 10. Being a former LEO from back in the revolver days I am partial to a nice revolver.
Nice buy. Enjoy it.
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OP
Looks like I'm gonna have to expand my reference library. What are some good books on Colts?
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