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Colt Police Positive
Colt Police Positive
Colt Police Positive
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The Colt Police Positive is a small-frame, double-action revolver featuring a six-round cylinder, chambered for either .32 or .38 caliber. A .22 caliber model was also offered. Designed primarily for sale to federal, state, or local law enforcement agencies, the Police Positive was introduced into the firearms market by Colt's Manufacturing Company in 1905.[1][2][3]

Key Information

Development and history

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The Colt Police Positive was an improvement of Colt's earlier "New Police" revolver, upgraded with an internal hammer block safety. Colt named this new security device the "Positive Lock", and its nomenclature ended up being incorporated as a partial namesake for the new revolver.[2] The cylinder of the Police Positive rotated in the clockwise direction, the opposite of firearms maker Smith & Wesson's competing models. Ever a canny competitor in the firearms industry, Colt missed no opportunity to score points over its arch rival, and began a marketing campaign which accentuated this detail. In its advertising Colt proclaimed that "All Colt cylinders TURN TO THE RIGHT", and suggested that the Colt design forced the cylinder crane up against the frame, resulting in tighter lockup with less play and better chamber to barrel alignment, thus markedly increasing accuracy.[2] The Police Positive was very successful; along with the Colt Official Police it dominated the law enforcement firearms market in the early 1900s.[4] The Positive was itself incrementally modified in 1908, forming the basis for Colt's Police Positive Special model.[2]

John Schrank used a Police Positive in his attempted assassination of former president Theodore Roosevelt, who was campaigning on a third-party ticket.

In the book "Casino Royale", James Bond keeps a .38-caliber Police Positive with a sawn off barrel under his pillow.

A nickel Police Positive with pearl grips and .32 calibre was used by Charles Bronson as Paul Kersey in Death Wish. American gangster Al Capone also used a Police Positive, a nickel .38 Police Positive with walnut grips and a 4-inch barrel, manufactured in 1929; in June 2011 a private collector sold it at Christie's for the sum of £67,250/$109,080/€75,656.[5]

Colt Police Positive in .38 S&W. Made in 1925

Features

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The Police Positive was made of carbon steel, and was finished with either a polished blued finish or nickel-plated.[2]

The First issue of the Police Positive ran from the revolver's introduction in 1907 until 1927. Sporting Colt's standard hard rubber grips, it was offered with barrel lengths of 2.5 (available only in .32 caliber), 4, 5, and 6 inches, and was chambered for the .32 Long Colt (it would also accept the .32 Short Colt), .32 Colt New Police, and .38 Colt New Police cartridges.[1][2][3][6] Checkered Walnut grips became standard after 1923.

The Second issue began in 1928 and ran until 1947, adding a somewhat heavier frame as well as a serrated topstrap to reduce sight glare, while retaining the wooden grips.[6] Both of Colt's “New Police” rounds were actually slight redesigns of existing S&W cartridges, the .32 S&W Long and .38 S&W with the bullet noses flattened, as Colt resisted providing its main competitor with any free advertising.[2]

Colt's Positive Lock safety, the innovation responsible for the gun's introduction, functioned by preventing the firing pin from striking the primer of the cartridge unless the trigger was deliberately pulled. Intended to address deficiencies of earlier models such as the Single Action Army, the Positive Lock prevented an accidental discharge even if the hammer was struck or the pistol was dropped, allowing the revolver to be safely carried with all six chambers loaded.[7] The revolver's sights consisted of a half-moon blade front with a fixed iron open rear sight, which was a simple V-notch shaped groove milled into the revolver's topstrap.[2]

Colt Police Positive caliber .32 S&W Long/.32 Colt New Police made in 1938.

Colt Police Positive revolvers marked with Colt D.A..32 on the barrel are chambered for .32 Long Colt. Revolvers marked with .32 Colt New Police on the barrel are chambered for .32 Smith & Wesson Long.

Variants

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Police Positive Target

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Weighing 22 ounces and available with a blued finish and black hard rubber grips in .22 Long Rifle, .22 WRF, .32 Long (and Short) Colt, and .32 Colt New Police (.32 S&W Long) chamberings, the First issue of this model featured an adjustable open iron sighted 6 inch barrel and was marketed from 1910 to 1925, with checked Walnut grips replacing the rubber ones after 1923. A Second issue was sold from 1926 to 1941 and differed from the First in that it had a slightly heftier frame which upped the weight to 26 ounces; also Colt's nickel finish was offered as an option.[6] In today's collectable market, the .32 New Police version appears to be the most sought after and valuable.[2]

1905 advertisement for Colt's new Police Positive.

Police Positive Special

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The Colt Police Positive Special was an iterative improvement of Colt's earlier Police Positive model, the only differences being a slightly lengthened cylinder and elongated and strengthened frame to allow the chambering of the longer, more powerful .32-20 Winchester and .38 Special cartridges.

Bankers' Special

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This is the Police Positive with a 2-inch barrel chambered in .22 Long Rifle or .38 Colt New Police (.38 S&W). Produced from 1926 to 1940.

Detective Special Series

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The Colt Detective Special and its variants are shortened, somewhat streamlined variants of the Police Positive Special, introduced in 1927.

Users

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Colt Police Positive

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from Grokipedia
The Colt Police Positive is a compact, double-action introduced by Colt's Patent Fire-Arms Manufacturing Company in 1905 as an evolution of the earlier New Police model, incorporating a patented positive-lock mechanism that blocked the hammer from striking the unless the trigger was fully pulled, thereby enabling safe carry with all six chambers loaded. Built on the small D-frame with a swing-out , it weighed approximately 28 ounces and was typically fitted with a 4- to 6-inch barrel, checkered hard rubber or walnut grips, and fixed sights, offering a balance of concealability and reliability suited for plainclothes officers. Primarily chambered in or cartridges, with later variants accommodating , the design emphasized durability and smooth operation, including a that rotated for improved lockup during . The Police Positive gained prominence as a tool in the early , competing effectively against counterparts due to its lighter weight and innovative safety features that addressed concerns over accidental discharge in dropped revolvers. Production spanned multiple issues from 1905 to 1941, with finishes in blued steel or , and it influenced subsequent Colt models such as the Detective Special, a snub-nosed variant introduced in for undercover work. Limited revivals occurred in the 1970s and 1990s, but the original iterations remain valued by collectors for their precise fit, mechanical refinement, and historical role in advancing safety standards without compromising defensive utility.

Development and Design

Origins and Improvements over Predecessors

The revolver was developed by Colt's Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Company as a direct successor to the New Police double-action revolver, which had been introduced in 1896 and adopted by the that year under Commissioner as its first standardized sidearm. The New Police featured a small-frame design with a swing-out , drawing from William Mason's 1865 patent for the mechanism, but lacked advanced internal safeties, making it prone to accidental discharge if dropped with a loaded chamber under the . Introduced in , the Police Positive addressed these limitations through the addition of the "Positive Lock," an internal block that interposed a between the and , preventing striker contact unless the trigger was deliberately pulled—a critical enhancement for officers carrying the daily in potentially hazardous conditions. This mechanism, which inspired the model's name, represented a causal advancement in drop-safety without altering the external profile or double-action trigger pull, thereby maintaining concealability and operational familiarity over the predecessor. Retaining the New Police's chamberings in .32 Colt New Police and .38 Colt New Police cartridges, along with barrel lengths from 2.5 to 6 inches, the Police Positive also benefited from incremental refinements in frame rigidity and cylinder lockup for improved reliability under repeated use, positioning it as a competitive alternative to Smith & Wesson's 1898 Hand Ejector models in the police market. Production of the first issue commenced immediately upon its debut, spanning from 1907 to 1927 and encompassing over 750,000 units across its variants by the model's eventual discontinuation in 1995.

Key Innovations and Engineering Principles

The Colt Police Positive, introduced in 1907, featured the innovative Positive Lock safety mechanism—a -block system patented by Colt in 1905—that prevented the from contacting the unless the trigger was fully pulled in or the thumb cocked the in single action. This design interposed a spring-loaded steel bar between the face and the bushing in the frame; trigger pull retracted the bar downward, allowing the to strike only on intentional actuation, thereby reducing risks of inertial or accidental discharges common in earlier drop-prone revolvers. As an evolution of the , the Positive Lock addressed safety shortcomings in prior small-frame designs by prioritizing mechanical isolation of the until firing sequence initiation, grounded in principles of controlled energy transfer to avoid premature primer ignition. This enhancement maintained the revolver's double-action functionality for rapid follow-up shots while ensuring cylinder rotation and bolt lock-up occurred precisely before hammer fall, minimizing misalignment-induced failures under stress. Engineering focused on lightweight yet durable construction using forged frames and precise machining tolerances for the swing-out and hand (star wheel actuator), enabling reliable six-shot capacity in .32 New Police or .38 New Police calibers without excessive frame bulk—typically weighing around 19 ounces unloaded. In , Colt refined the grip frame by extending it 1/16 inch forward to improve trigger reach for larger hands, balancing with the inherent stability of the top-break-free loading system inherited from Colt's foundational patents. These principles emphasized causal reliability: safety through redundant mechanical barriers, efficiency via streamlined double/single-action sequencing, and durability against police-duty wear, as evidenced by its adoption by over 75% of U.S. urban departments by the 1920s.

Technical Features

Mechanical Components and Operation

The Colt Police Positive is a double-action revolver with an exposed and swing-out assembly, utilizing a frame-mounted struck by the upon release. Principal mechanical components include the trigger and sear linkage, which interfaces with the and ; the hand (a pivoting pawl) that engages the 's internal ratchet to advance it; the bolt (stop), which drops into notches on the 's exterior to lock it against rotation during firing; the crane and crane lock for retention and extraction; and the rebound lever, which retracts the bolt post-firing to permit rotation. These elements are hand-fitted within the compact "" frame, contributing to the revolver's reliability under repeated use. In double-action operation, depression of the trigger rotates the clockwise (as viewed from the rear) by driving the hand against the ratchet, simultaneously compressing the to cock the ; near the end of the trigger stroke, the bolt engages a notch for positive alignment, and the sear releases, allowing the to fall and strike the . Single-action firing requires manual cocking of the via thumb, which advances and locks the independently of the trigger, followed by a lighter trigger pull to release the sear. The hand's dual role in rotation and supplemental forward locking of the enhances stability during discharge, distinguishing Colt's design from competitors with dedicated locking lugs. A defining feature is the Positive Lock safety system, introduced in 1905 and standard on the Police Positive, comprising an internal -block mechanism linked to the trigger that physically obstructs the from contacting the unless the trigger is pulled sufficiently to disengage the block. This innovation, predating modern transfer bars, permitted safe carry with all six chambers loaded by mitigating risks of accidental discharge from impact or drops, unlike earlier Colt designs requiring an empty chamber under the . The system's reliance on precise linkage demands careful handling during manual lowering to avoid partial trigger engagement that could bypass the block.

Calibers, Capacities, and Ballistics

The Colt Police Positive was chambered primarily in the and cartridges, with limited production in . These small-frame revolvers maintained a consistent six-round capacity across calibers, suitable for and police duty. Ballistic performance varied by cartridge and load, but standard factory ammunition emphasized manageable recoil over high velocity, reflecting the era's priorities for rapid, accurate follow-up shots in law enforcement scenarios. For the .38 New Police, typical loads featured 145- to 158-grain lead bullets achieving muzzle velocities of 600 to 700 feet per second from 4-inch barrels, generating 150 to 200 foot-pounds of muzzle energy. The .32 New Police propelled 85- to 98-grain bullets at 700 to 800 feet per second, yielding 100 to 140 foot-pounds of energy, prioritizing low recoil for smaller frames.
CaliberBullet Weight (gr)Muzzle Velocity (fps, approx. from 4" barrel)Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs, approx.)
.32 New Police85-98700-800100-140
.38 New Police145-158600-700150-200
.32-20 WCF80-100800-900140-170

Production History

Manufacturing Timeline and Output

The Colt Police Positive was introduced into production in 1907 by , initially for .32 Colt New Police caliber models, which continued until 1943. The chambering followed in 1908, with manufacturing extending to 1973. A limited revival of production occurred from 1994 to 1995, primarily for collector and legacy markets. Serial numbering for variants began at 1 in 1908 and advanced sequentially, reflecting steady output through the interwar and postwar periods; by 1941, ranges reached 474,000–476,999, and final .38 production concluded with prefixes up to F08800 in 1973. For .32 models, numbering commenced around 49,500 in 1907, with later examples in the 217,000–223,999 range by 1926 and concluding at 238,623 in 1943. These ranges, derived from Colt factory shipment records compiled by collectors, indicate consistent manufacturing without major documented interruptions, though output varied by caliber demand and economic factors.
Year.38 Special Serial Range Example.32 Serial Range Example
19081–12,999N/A
1907N/A49,500–61,499
1926(Progressive from prior)217,000–223,999
1941474,000–476,999N/A
1943N/A238,623 (final)
1973C26,001–F08,800 (final)N/A
Exact total production quantities remain undocumented in public Colt records, though the model's multi-decade span across calibers suggests output in the hundreds of thousands, informed by serial progression and historical shipment data.

Model Iterations and Discontinuation

The Colt Police Positive was produced in two primary issues during its run. The first issue, manufactured from to , introduced the model's signature positive lock safety mechanism to prevent accidental discharge, along with chamberings in .32 Colt New Police and .38 New Police cartridges, barrel lengths of 2.5, 4, 5, or 6 inches, and finishes in bright blue or nickel; grips were initially checkered hard rubber, transitioning to checkered walnut with medallions by 1923–1924. In 1908, the frame was lengthened to better accommodate cartridges. The second issue, produced from 1928 to 1947, featured refinements including a heavier D-frame for improved durability, a grooved top strap to reduce glare, and an increased distance between the trigger guard and grip for enhanced handling. These changes addressed user feedback on frame strength and sighting while maintaining the core double-action mechanism. Production was curtailed during due to wartime priorities. Colt discontinued the Police Positive in 1947, shifting focus to the elongated-frame Police Positive Special variant capable of handling the more powerful cartridge, amid postwar manufacturing adjustments and evolving preferences. The base model's end marked the transition away from its original shorter cartridge designs, though the overall small-frame lineage persisted until 1995.

Variants

Police Positive Target

The Colt Police Positive Target was a specialized variant of the Colt Police Positive , designed primarily for precision target shooting rather than general duty. Introduced as part of the Police Positive lineup, it featured enhancements for accuracy, including a 6-inch barrel and adjustable target sights, distinguishing it from the standard model's shorter barrels and fixed sights. This configuration catered to civilian shooters and competitive marksmen seeking improved sight picture and ballistic stability in rimfire and small centerfire calibers. Key mechanical features included a flat-top frame to accommodate the adjustable rear sight, a matted topstrap to reduce glare, and checkered elements on the trigger and backstrap for enhanced control during aimed fire. The retained the double-action mechanism of the Police Positive series, with a swing-out holding six rounds, but emphasized refinements like recessed chambers introduced after 1934 for smoother ejection. Grips evolved from hard rubber to checkered with silver Colt medallions starting in , providing better handling for prolonged range sessions. Finishes were typically bright blue, with limited production in bright nickel. Available in calibers such as .22 Long Rifle, , .32 Colt, and .32 New Police, the Target model prioritized low- options suitable for indoor and outdoor practice. The Second Issue, produced from 1926 onward, incorporated a slightly heavier frame—increasing weight by approximately 4 ounces—for reduced felt and improved stability compared to the First Issue (–). Overall production totaled around 28,000 units across both issues, with ranges for the First Issue (Model "G" frame) beginning in the low thousands by 1910 and the Second Issue (Model "C" frame) spanning 1926–1941 under ranges like 30,750–32,199 for 1926. These numbers reflect Colt's targeted output for a niche market, as the variant was not mass-produced like duty models. In practical use, the Police Positive Target appealed to outdoorsmen and recreational shooters for its affordability and reliability in non-combat scenarios, though examples often show holster wear indicating versatile carry. Unlike the standard Police Positive, optimized for compact concealment or patrol with barrels as short as 4–5 inches, the Target's extended barrel and sights prioritized velocity and precision, making it less ideal for rapid defensive draws but effective for bullseye . Some units bore British proofs, hinting at limited export during wartime needs, though primary adoption remained domestic civilian. .32 caliber examples command a premium over rimfire due to rarity.

Police Positive Special

The Colt Police Positive Special, introduced in , represented an enhancement to the standard Police Positive revolver by incorporating a lengthened cylinder to reliably chamber the longer cartridge, which measured 1.55 inches in overall length compared to the 1.16-inch .38 New Police (). This modification addressed limitations in the original model's shorter cylinder, which was unsuitable for the more powerful round favored by law enforcement for its improved , including higher muzzle velocities around 800-900 fps with standard loads from a 4-inch barrel. The design retained the small-frame, double-action mechanism and the signature Positive Safety lock—a hammer-block system that prevented accidental discharge by blocking the hammer from striking the unless fully cocked—while adding versatility for cartridges like and as secondary options. Standard configurations featured barrel lengths of 4, 5, or 6 inches, with the 4-inch variant being the most common; overall length ranged from approximately 8.5 to 10.5 inches, and unloaded weight was about 25 ounces for the 6-inch model, balancing concealability with controllability during rapid fire. The six-round and fixed sights (a ramp front blade and frame-notch rear) emphasized practical police use, with blued or nickel finishes and checkered hard-rubber or wood grips for secure handling. Production initially focused on these medium-barrel lengths for uniformed duty, distinguishing it from later short-barrel derivatives like the 2-inch Detective Special introduced in 1927, which shared the same frame but prioritized concealment. Manufacturing of the Police Positive Special continued intermittently from 1907 through curtailments, resuming postwar with minor updates such as improved metallurgy for durability under repeated pressures up to 17,000 psi. By the 1970s, Colt simplified nomenclature to "Police Positive" for later runs, incorporating synthetic Coltwood grips and ceasing production in 1995 after approximately 750,000 units across all iterations, marking it as one of the company's most prolific small-frame revolvers. Its extended production reflected sustained demand from departments valuing the model's reliability in double-action mode, where trigger pulls averaged 10-12 pounds, though some collectors note frame stretching in high-round-count examples chambered for .32-20 due to its higher recoil energy.

Bankers' Special

The Colt Bankers' Special was a compact variant of the Police Positive , utilizing the same small-frame design and positive safety lock mechanism for reliable double-action operation, but distinguished by its abbreviated 2-inch barrel optimized for . Introduced commercially by June 1928, with the first documented shipment occurring on June 20 of that year, it targeted users requiring a discreet defensive , such as bankers facing risks or postal clerks in the U.S. . Production spanned 1928 to 1943, with limited post-war assembly in 1947 using pre-existing parts, yielding an estimated total of 35,000 units. The primary chambering was .38 S&W (also known as .38 Colt New Police), supporting six rounds in the cylinder, while a short-lived .22 Long Rifle variant ran from mid-1933 to mid-1934, with production limited to approximately 1,000–1,500 firearms. Finishes included Colt blue or nickel, with grips transitioning from square-butt hardwood (standard through 1933) to round-butt configurations (from 1934 onward) for enhanced pocketability; smooth or checkered triggers were offered depending on the order. A notable subset comprised 18,240 .38-caliber examples supplied to the Railway Mail Service between 1929 and 1942, often featuring square butts in later RMS batches from 1940–1942. Beyond standard models, rare customizations included nickel-plated versions (fewer than 50 in ) and engraved specimens, alongside aftermarket modifications such as the "" alteration—featuring a reshaped and shortened barrel for quicker draws—which appealed to plainclothes users despite potential reliability trade-offs. The design's mechanical fidelity to the Police Positive ensured consistent trigger pull and lockup, though its short barrel limited sight radius and velocity compared to full-sized counterparts. Discontinuation aligned with shifting market demands and wartime material constraints, rendering it scarcer than sibling variants like the Detective Special.

Detective Special Series

The Colt Detective Special represents a specialized short-barreled of the Police Positive , designed for undercover personnel needing compact, concealable handguns suitable for close-range engagements. Introduced in 1927 following a custom order from the for 200 units of 2-inch barreled Police Positive Special models, it standardized features like a snub-nosed 2-inch barrel (later offered in 2.5-inch variants), a six-round swing-out cylinder, and double-action/single-action operation, chambered predominantly in but also available in .32 Colt New Police and calibers. The design retained the Police Positive's positive lock mechanism to prevent accidental discharge while permitting rapid reloading via the star extractor, prioritizing reliability in high-stress scenarios over long-range accuracy. Production of the Detective Special unfolded across four distinct issues, each reflecting incremental refinements in frame geometry, grips, and manufacturing adaptations to wartime demands and postwar . The First Issue, spanning 1927 to 1946, utilized a narrower D-frame with limited clearance between the front strap and cylinder for a slimmer profile, though this sometimes compromised grip stability; wartime output included military-contract variants, often retaining prewar rollmarks despite post-1945 assembly from stockpiled parts. The Second Issue, from 1947 to 1972, addressed handling limitations by deepening the frame by approximately 0.8 inches to enhance control and reduce felt , while introducing round-butt configurations around 1933 (carried over) and shrouded extractors circa 1958 for smoother operation; pre-1966 models employed a longer D-frame, transitioning to shorter frames thereafter to align with evolving production efficiencies. The Third Issue, produced from 1973 to 1986, incorporated Colt's Generation III updates such as improved metallurgy and optional wraparound rubber grips for better purchase, though these models faced criticism for slightly diminished aesthetic distinctiveness compared to earlier issues due to cost-saving simplifications in finish and checkering. The Fourth Issue, a limited revival from 1993 to 1995 (with some sources extending to 1996), reassembled surplus parts into or blued configurations, typically fitted with Pachmayr-style rubber grips and maintaining the 2-inch barrel, but production ceased amid declining demand for traditional revolvers against emerging semi-automatic competitors. Across all series, the Detective Special's ballistic performance emphasized +P loads for adequate at under 10 yards, with inherent design trade-offs like reduced sight radius offset by its role in backup or off-duty carry.

Adoption and Operational Use

Law Enforcement Applications

The Colt Police Positive was developed specifically for law enforcement markets, debuting in 1907 as a double-action revolver on Colt's medium D-frame with a hammer-block safety mechanism that prevented firing if the hammer fell inadvertently, enabling safe carry with all six chambers loaded. This feature addressed key concerns for police officers handling the weapon in high-stress urban environments, distinguishing it from competitors like the contemporary Smith & Wesson hand-ejector models. Chambered primarily in .32 New Police or .38 New Police cartridges, it offered a compact yet potent option weighing around 20-25 ounces depending on barrel length (typically 4 to 6 inches), balancing concealability for detectives with accessibility for patrol use. Adoption accelerated in the 1910s, with U.S. departments in , Kansas City, , Columbus, and selecting it for its reliability and controlled trigger pull, as highlighted in Colt's 1916 promotional materials. The Police Positive Special iteration, introduced later with a lengthened for the higher-pressure round, enhanced —critical for confronting armed suspects—while maintaining the original's positive lock for operational safety. These attributes made it a staple in American policing through the mid-20th century, favored for field durability and minimal malfunction rates in double-action firing modes common to rapid engagements. Beyond the U.S., the found favor with Canadian agencies, including the , which retained it in service into the 1980s due to its straightforward maintenance and proven performance in rural and urban patrols alike. Latin American forces also procured variants for similar reasons, valuing the design's robustness against environmental wear. However, by the 1970s, shifting preferences toward higher-capacity semi-automatics like the eroded its dominance, though its legacy persisted in evaluations praising superior accuracy and hammer control over early autos.

Civilian and Military Users

The Colt Police Positive gained popularity among civilian users for and , owing to its lightweight D-frame construction, positive lock safety mechanism, and chamberings in manageable calibers such as , , and . Its slim profile and ease of handling made it suitable for everyday personal protection, particularly during the and mid-20th century when revolvers dominated civilian handgun markets. Production records indicate over 400,000 units manufactured between 1907 and 1947, with a significant portion entering civilian hands through commercial sales rather than institutional contracts. Contemporary accounts describe it as one of the premier civilian revolvers of the and , valued for reliability in non-professional contexts despite its origins in design. Variants like the Police Positive Special extended this appeal into the 1940s, offering enhanced capacity in for users seeking a balance of power and portability without the bulk of larger frames. Military adoption was limited compared to primary service pistols like the M1911, but the revolver saw ancillary use by U.S. forces during , with .38-caliber models in 4-inch, 5-inch, and 6-inch barrel lengths receiving assigned stock numbers for . Such issuances likely served as backups or for specialized roles like or rear-echelon personnel, reflecting the era's reliance on surplus or commercial-grade handguns amid wartime demands. No evidence supports it as a standard-issue sidearm for frontline combat troops, consistent with the U.S. military's preference for semi-automatic pistols post-1911.

Performance and Evaluation

Reliability and Effectiveness in Field Use

The Colt Police Positive's Positive Lock mechanism, introduced to address shortcomings in earlier double-action revolvers, utilized a that blocked the from contacting the unless the trigger was fully pulled, thereby preventing accidental discharges from drops or hammer strikes—a common concern in holstered field carry . This safety feature, combined with the revolver's robust frame and simple mechanics, contributed to its durability under daily patrol conditions, including exposure to environmental factors like moisture and rough handling, without reports of systemic failures in contemporary service records. In operational use by police departments from the early through the mid-20th century, the Police Positive demonstrated consistent reliability as a duty weapon, with its double-action trigger allowing rapid follow-up shots and its lightweight design—typically around 19-22 ounces unloaded—facilitating extended carry without excessive fatigue for officers. Historical evaluations from firearms experts note its smooth action and chamber-to-frame fit as factors in minimizing jams or misfires during high-stress engagements, positioning it as a dependable "workhorse" for urban policing where quick, accurate fire at short ranges (under 25 yards) was paramount. Effectiveness metrics from era-specific testing highlighted the variants' ballistics, delivering approximately 200-250 foot-pounds of with standard loads, sufficient for stopping threats in defensive scenarios while maintaining in double-action mode. However, its six-round capacity and manual reloading via swing-out limited sustained firepower compared to emerging semi-automatics, though field adoption reflected confidence in its overall performance for the revolver-dominant period of . No widespread documentation of malfunctions or unreliability emerged in police service, underscoring its practical utility until semi-automatic adoption accelerated post-World War II.

Criticisms and Comparative Limitations

The Colt Police Positive , particularly in aged condition, has exhibited timing issues where the fails to fully rotate and lock during slow single-action cocking, often attributable to on the hand or weakened springs, necessitating professional retiming or spring replacement. Such mechanical sensitivities stem from the design of Colt's double-action mechanisms, which, while innovative for their era, demand precise internal tolerances that degrade with prolonged use and exposure to . These issues contrast with the more forgiving action geometry in counterparts, contributing to higher maintenance demands and repair costs for the Police Positive. Comparatively, the Police Positive's ergonomics lagged behind models, featuring a longer double-action trigger pull, less accessible release, and grips less conducive to instinctive pointing or mitigation in variants. Fixed sights, absent adjustable features in standard models, further limited precision shooting capabilities relative to target-oriented competitors or later designs with enhanced sighting systems. Additionally, the revolver's chambering in milder cartridges like or .32 New Police restricted ballistic performance against more potent contemporary loads, underscoring its transitional role before heavier-framed options like the Police Positive Special addressed some power deficits at the expense of increased felt in the compact D-frame. Long-term serviceability remains a limitation, as Colt's proprietary parts ecosystem has led to scarcity and elevated pricing for components such as mainsprings or bolts, exacerbating ownership challenges compared to the more standardized and robust production, which facilitated easier field repairs and departmental sustainment. These factors contributed to the Police Positive's gradual displacement by semi-automatic pistols in the mid-20th century, as the revolver's six-round capacity and manual reloading proved less adaptable to evolving tactical demands despite its inherent safety features like the positive internal hammer block.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Collectibility and Modern Relevance

The Colt Police Positive holds moderate collectibility among vintage revolver enthusiasts, primarily due to its mass production from 1907 to 1977, with over 400,000 units manufactured, rendering standard examples relatively common and affordable. In good to very good condition, typical market values range from $300 to $800, reflecting its ubiquity and lack of premium appeal compared to scarcer Colt models. Recent used sales average around $387 for base models and $448 for Police Positive Special variants, with prices declining slightly over the past year amid steady supply. Collectors often overlook it as the "" of Colts, valuing it more for historical police service than rarity, though exceptional specimens like factory-marked pieces (e.g., engravings) command premiums up to $1,795. Desirable variants enhance appeal, such as short-barrel configurations like the 2.5-inch model, which are uncommon but not rare, or the late-1930s Pequeno with its 2-inch barrel, produced in limited serial ranges (226,000–237,000) for export markets. finishes, target models, or chamberings in less common calibers like .32-20 WCF add value for specialized collectors, with mint examples rarely exceeding $400 absent unique . Auction platforms like GunBroker frequently list them starting at $125 for fair-condition shooters, underscoring accessibility for entry-level collectors. In modern contexts, the Police Positive retains relevance primarily as a shootable historical artifact for recreational target practice and , leveraging its lightweight D-frame design and manageable recoil in calibers like or .32 Colt New Police. Its internal hammer-block safety, innovative for , appeals to those studying early double-action mechanisms, though contemporary users prioritize it for nostalgia over due to dated and . Variants like the .32-20 remain viable for small game or varmint control in rural settings, with flat trajectories suiting casual field use. Production ceased decades ago, but brief revivals (1994–1995) and enduring presence in private collections and museums affirm its legacy as a reliable police sidearm, influencing perceptions of Colt's mid-20th-century lineage without direct adoption in today's .

Influence on Subsequent Firearm Designs

The Colt Police Positive's signature positive lock mechanism—a hammer-block that interposed a steel bar between the and to prevent accidental discharge unless the was fully cocked or released—represented a key adopted in later Colt revolvers, including the Police Positive Special and Official Police models. This feature addressed vulnerabilities in prior double-action designs, enhancing drop- without compromising trigger pull, and set a precedent for internal safety blocks in service revolvers produced through the mid-20th century. Direct successors like the Police Positive Special (introduced circa 1928 with a strengthened frame and elongated cylinder to handle the cartridge) retained the core lockwork, frame geometry, and six-shot capacity of the original, extending the design's viability for into the 1990s. The , launched in 1927 as a 2-inch-barreled variant of the Police Positive Special, further propagated these elements in a compact form optimized for , influencing the archetype of snub-nose backup revolvers used by detectives and plainclothes officers. The medium-frame (evolved from the 1908 Army Special and renamed in 1927) incorporated refined versions of the positive lock and cylinder retention system, scaling up the Police Positive's emphasis on rugged simplicity and rapid double-action firing for broader police and adoption, with over 400,000 units produced by 1969. These evolutions prioritized empirical reliability in field testing, such as resistance to frame stretching under repeated pressures, which informed Colt's shift toward heavier frames in post-World War II designs like the Python. Beyond Colt, the Police Positive's balance of size, positive cylinder lockup (reducing timing issues during recoil), and cartridge compatibility indirectly shaped competitor offerings, as manufacturers like responded with analogous safety enhancements in their series to match demands for verifiable drop-safety and accuracy at 25 yards. Its legacy persists in modern reproductions and custom builds, where the original's underframe-mounted cylinder release and enclosed options continue to inspire compact wheelgun for civilian self-defense.

References

  1. https://gunsmagazine.com/discover/the-colt-police-positive-special/
  2. https://www.handgunsmag.com/editorial/colt-police-positive-still-on-target/137703
  3. https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/i-have-this-old-gun-colt-police-positive/
  4. https://www.colt.com/timeline/
  5. https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/the-colt-police-positive-a-look-back/
  6. https://coltfever.com/police-positive/
  7. https://www.shootingtimes.com/editorial/handgun_reviews_st_coltpolice_201002/99477
  8. https://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=598298
  9. https://www.gunpartscorp.com/gun-manufacturer/colt/revolvers-colt/police-positive
  10. https://coltfever.com/gunsmithing/
  11. https://www.coltforum.com/threads/police-positive-turns-cylinder-too-far-in-double-action.36637/
  12. https://www.reddit.com/r/gunsmithing/comments/1c2mw44/1924_colt_police_positive_double_action_locks_up/
  13. https://www.scribd.com/document/454361286/Colt-Revolvers-Workshop-Manual-Vol-1-Jerry-Kuhnhausen-pdf-pdf
  14. https://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=121211
  15. https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/a-little-piece-of-history-my-1924-colt-police-positive/
  16. https://www.nramuseum.org/guns/the-galleries/modern-firearms-1950-to-present/case-53-arms-of-law-enforcement/colt-police-positive-special-revolver.aspx
  17. https://americanhandgunner.com/gear/reloading-the-389-sw-38-colt-new-police/
  18. https://gundata.org/cartridge/132/.32-s
  19. https://americanhandgunner.com/discover/handloading/the-32-sw-long-32-colt-new-police/
  20. https://gatdaily.com/articles/38-smith-wesson-the-other-38-revolver-round/
  21. http://www.coltautos.com/DA/PolicePositive/policepositivepd.htm
  22. https://guncollectorsclub.com/police-positive.htm
  23. https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/colt-police-positive-vs-pp-special-internal-parts.922147/
  24. https://www.coltforum.com/threads/police-positive-special-4th-issue.410447/
  25. https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/i-have-this-old-gun-colt-police-positive-target-second-issue/
  26. http://www.coltautos.com/DA/PolicePositive_st/policepositive_stpd.htm
  27. https://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=188646
  28. https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2020/06/17/wheelgun-wednesday-colt-police-positive-special/
  29. https://www.coltforum.com/threads/police-positive-special-barrel-length-question.413057/
  30. https://www.coltforum.com/threads/the-pre-detective-special-2-police-positive-special.382144/
  31. https://www.coltforum.com/threads/history-question-on-the-1977-police-positive.71382/
  32. http://www.imfdb.org/wiki/Colt_Police_Positive
  33. https://www.coltforum.com/threads/bankers-special-historical-study-by-mark-komarek.404627/
  34. https://www.gunsinternational.com/guns-for-sale-online/revolvers/colt-revolvers---detective-special/colt-bankers-special--railway-police-w--letter-.cfm?gun_id=101115024
  35. https://www.coltforum.com/threads/updated-information-for-the-colt-bankers-special.394722/
  36. https://www.gunsinternational.com/guns-for-sale-online/revolvers/colt-revolvers---double-action-pre-war/colt-bankers-special-22-nickel-factory-finish-extremely-rare.cfm?gun_id=102018461
  37. https://www.coltforum.com/threads/how-many-colt-detective-specials-were-produced-overall.355513/
  38. https://coltfever.com/detective-special/
  39. https://www.rockislandauction.com/riac-blog/the-colt-detective-special
  40. https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/this-old-gun-colt-detective-special/
  41. https://www.rockislandauction.com/riac-blog/what-issue-colt-detective-special
  42. https://www.coltforum.com/threads/colt-detective-any-production-years-to-avoid.380438/
  43. https://snubnose.info/docs/detective_special.htm
  44. https://smith-wessonforum.com/threads/how-do-forum-members-feel-about-3rd-generation-colt-detective-special-with-wraparound.489811/
  45. https://www.smith-wessonforum.com/threads/one-of-s-ws-old-competitors-the-colt-police-positive-special.341952/
  46. https://www.nrafamily.org/content/throwback-thursday-colt-police-positive-revolver/
  47. https://www.coltforum.com/threads/police-positive-use-in-ww2.34011/
  48. https://srv-a.bcm.nl/the-colt-police-positive-38-special-a-legacy-of-reliability-and-service/
  49. https://americanshootingjournal.com/colt-police-38-special/
  50. https://www.coltforum.com/threads/no-love-for-the-police-positive.398948/
  51. https://srv-a.bcm.nl/colt-38-special-police-positive-a-historical-look-at-a-classic-revolver/
  52. https://www.coltforum.com/threads/problems-with-a-police-positive-special.37004/
  53. https://www.gunboards.com/threads/colt-police-positive-timing.1080109/
  54. https://smith-wessonforum.com/threads/s-w-model-10-vs-colt-official-police.661495/
  55. https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/colt-police-positive-vs-s-w-model-10.707844/
  56. https://gundigest.com/more/classic-guns/colt_police_positive
  57. https://smith-wessonforum.com/threads/colt-police-positive-special-vs-s-w-model-10-5.577042/
  58. https://www.coltforum.com/threads/police-positive-mainspring.244722/
  59. https://www.breachbangclear.com/head-to-head-colt-official-police-and-smith-wesson-mp/
  60. https://www.webuyguns.com/valuations/colt/police-positive
  61. https://truegunvalue.com/pistol/colt/police-positive/price-historical-value-196
  62. https://collectorsfirearms.com/119686-colt-police-positive-wells-fargo-marked-38-special-c13589.html
  63. https://www.coltforum.com/threads/received-uncommon-pearl-police-positive-2-1-2-inch.380123/
  64. https://www.facebook.com/groups/snubnoir/posts/962728808580845/
  65. https://www.coltforum.com/threads/what-is-a-colt-police-positive-38special-worth.55247/
  66. https://www.gunbroker.com/colt-police-positive/search?keywords=colt%2520police%2520positive&s=f
  67. https://srv-a.bcm.nl/the-timeless-allure-of-the-colt-police-positive-special-32-20-wcf/
  68. https://srv-a.bcm.nl/the-colt-police-positive-38-a-timeless-revolver-and-its-enduring-legacy/
  69. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGkPG6ryT_Q
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