Questions about old Colt revolvers

[Double-O-Dave]

Greetings,

Yes, I know that this is the S&W Forum, but lately, I have come across a couple of old Colt revolvers at what I thought were pretty decent prices, but I passed on as I know next to nothing about them. I'm hoping that some members of the Forum can help me...

First up, I was offered a tapered barreled Detective Special with plastic grips in .38 Special. Most of the finish was worn, and it appeared that this was a "glove box gun". The price was a firm $250.00. I found out later that Colt offered this model from 1947 - 1952, and then went back to the wooden grips. Questions: was that a good price for a "shooter grade" Colt, and could it fire modern grade ammo to include the occasional +P round?

Next up, an old, 1910 Colt Police Positive in .38 Special. Most of the original finish was gone, and it had a soft, brown patina overall. It had the original hard rubber grips without chips or cracks. The barrel was clean, but there was very little rifling. The seller said that Colt at that time used very shallow rifling. Price was $250.00. Questions: is there any truth to the "shallow rifling" story? Also, would this pistol be safe to fire with modern (non Plus P) ammo, or is this really more of an antique?

Any advice and insights would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Dave

 

[Raider]

I would buy the Detective Special at that price, particularly if FTF. An occasional +P won't hurt it but don't do a steady diet. I carry a Colt Cobra loaded with +P but only test fired a couple of rnds because it has an alloy frame.

The 1910 Police Positive is an antique and should be fired only with mild loads. Very little rifling is very much bad. I wouldn't buy it.

Charlie

 

[feralmerril]

I might ask that, but I wouldnt pay it! There has to be better examples around for the same price.

 

[Texas Star]

I think the shallow rifling story is a lie. I had one of those made before WW I, and the rifling was normal. Same for a New Service .45 Colt that I owned.

I would not buy the Police Positive SPECIAL in that condition. The regular Police Positive had a shorter frame and was not chambered in .38 Special. It used shorter .38 rounds.

T-Star

 

[n4zov]

In my opinion, the DS is worth the money unless it has mechanical problems. I would not be interested in the other Colt.

 

[tripledipper]

Colt Cobra

Recently obtained a third edition Cobra (1977 with enclosed ejector shroud ) in very good condition for a lot more $$ than the DS you looked at but they are great shooters with a smooth trigger and seem to have less recoil than airweights. Reading up on them has convinced me to use only standard pressure rounds. The extra shot makes up for not using +p.

 

[feralmerril]

Texas star, are you sure of the police positive not being available in .38 special? I have had several hundred old classic guns come and go, and I am pretty sure I once had a police positive in .38 special. I remember it being like new with colt emblem ivory grips. I could be wrong and maybe it was .32 wcf, but I dont think so. Even if it was .38 special, I would only use standard loads.

 

[GatorFarmer]

Colt officially rated the Detective Specials as being fit for 3000 rounds of +P ammunition (the alloy guns were rated for 1000), before they were supposed to be returned to the factory for service and a check up. It's in the factory manual.

Since the Colt is only 250 bucks, assuming it has no mechanical problems, just fire it with whatever you want, and if breaks, throw it out.

 

[Cocked & Locked]

...Detective Special with plastic grips in .38 Special...I found out later that Colt offered this model from 1947 - 1952...

Here's mine from 1946

 

[Double-O-Dave]

Cocked & Locked,

The DS I saw looked similar to yours, with the exception that yours is in much better condition than the one I was looking at. I kind of regret not buying it, but I needed another snubby like I needed another hole in my head, plus I know very little about Colts. I didn't think it was much of a risk at that price, but hey, I tend to be careful with my limited recreational funds.I recall seeing pictures of your DS before, and I really enjoy the classic lines of that old-school revolver.

Regards,

Dave

 

[Muley Gil]

As was stated, the Police Positive had the small frame and the Police Positive Special, with the longer frame,was chambered in .38 special and in .32-20 (.32 WCF).

Now, I have a PPS and it is marked "POLICE OSITIVE-38 SPECIAL". "Police" is over "ositive" and the "P" is larger and is used for both words.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

Thanks to all who responded. I think I'll stay away from the Police Positives unless they are in really good condition. If I run into the DS at a good price like that again, it will probably find a new home. Once more, much obliged to everyone for your help and advice.

Regards,

Dave