Colt Police Positive 2"

[chriskat]

So I have this revolver and I'd like to buy an inside the waist band holster. Any idea a current production revolver that would be about the same size? I don't know why but I think this may be smaller than a Detective Special. It's .38 S&W by the way.

Thanks,
Jeff

[Nick Riviezzo]

I tried to do a little research in "The Book of Colt Firearms,"[R.Q. Sutherland] but it doesn't specifically say the frame is the same size as.... What it does say is the revolver is a "small frame" whatever that means. A check of holster makers might be the way to go unless some of the forum experts may have knowledge in that area. I know that Johnny P has lots of info on revolvers. Scott Gahimer or oldcanuck may be able to help.Sorry I couldn't be of more help but I have never studied smaller framed Colts. Nick

[gwp]

From: http://archives.gunsandammo.com/content/colt-police-positive-special

Part of the charm of the Police Positive is its relatively small frame (like the Detective Special, it's built on Colt's "D" frame).

[Johnny P]

So I have this revolver and I'd like to buy an inside the waist band holster. Any idea a current production revolver that would be about the same size? I don't know why but I think this may be smaller than a Detective Special. It's .38 S&W by the way.

Thanks,
Jeff

Your best bet is to check out the Uncle Mike's for your holster. They are inexpensive, and probably the most comfortable you can buy. They have a variety of sizes that should work for you.

[da gimp]

I suspect that it'll use the same size as the Colt Cobra or Agent uses, have never owned or handled the Police Positive, so I cannot tell you for sure..........

[JBinIll]

About the only difference in the Police Positive and Detective Special is in the length of the barrel and shape of the butt,they're both D frame guns.

[Cosine26]

I believe that the revolver in question is identified as the "Bankers' Special" and was available in 38 S&W and 22 RF. It is the two inch version of the "Police Positive". It is smaller than the Detective Special. The Detective special is built on the "Police Positive Special "Frame. The difference between the two revolvers is the size of the "picture frame" ie, the cut out for the cylinder is smaller than for the Detective Special or the " Police Positive Special." The smaller revolver was originally designed for the 38 Colt New Police round which is the same as the 38 S&W except for the bullet. When the 38 Special cartridge was introduced and the revolver was chambered for this cartridge, the frame had to be enlarged to accomadate the longer cartridge, ergo the longer cylinder. .

[JBinIll]

I believe that the revolver in question is identified as the "Bankers' Special" and was available in 38 S&W and 22 RF. It is the two inch version of the "Police Positive". It is smaller than the Detective Special. The Detective special is built on the "Police Positive Special "Frame. The difference between the two revolvers is the size of the "picture frame" ie, the cut out for the cylinder is smaller than for the Detective Special or the " Police Positive Special." The smaller revolver was originally designed for the 38 Colt New Police round which is the same as the 38 S&W except for the bullet. When the 38 Special cartridge was introduced and the revolver was chambered for this cartridge, the frame had to be enlarged to accomadate the longer cartridge, ergo the longer cylinder. .

If it is a "Banker's Special" it's a very collectible Colt model.The OP should realize it's value as a collectible outways that of a used gun.

[chriskat]

Thanks for all of the replies. Below is the revolver in question:

http://home.comcast.net/~chriskat/Pictures/Colt%201.JPG

http://home.comcast.net/~chriskat/Pictures/Colt%202.JPG

http://home.comcast.net/~chriskat/Pictures/Colt%203.JPG

http://home.comcast.net/~chriskat/Pictures/Colt%204.JPG

http://home.comcast.net/~chriskat/Pictures/Colt%205.JPG

The only markings I can see anywhere on the pistol, aside from the logo and serial number, are on the barrel. "Police Positive" and ".38". I don't know if that means it's a Bankers Special or not. I've requested an archive letter from Colt but that will be up to 120 days. I've read on another Colt forum that Police Positives were not available in .38 S&W AND a 2" barrel; their presumption is that it has been rebarreled. If so I think it was done a long time ago and was refinished in the process as the finish wear matches very nicely.

Hopefully I have something really special but I'll still shoot it.

Jeff

[Cosine26]

Judging by the apparent length of the cylinder, I would think that this is an early Detective Special that was built as a 38 S&W on some special order. The early Detective specials did not have the "rounded" butt. The front sight looksd like a late model. The early sights were rounded. I think that I remember reading that Colt built some for some British Territorial police force. The standard British revolver was the 38 $&W thought I think they called it the "38-200". i am not an expert in this matter.
Hope that helps.

[JBinIll]

Looking at your pictures,given that the front sight is not factory standard and has what appears to be a - in front of the .38,which indicates production 1929 or earlier and lacks the "COLT" in front of Police Positive I'd hazard a guess it's a cut down barrel.Police Positive revolvers were offered in 2,4,5,and 6 inch barrel lengths.What markings are on top of the barrel?

If the serial number is 177000 or under it's definetly a Police Positive.A Banker's Special will be marked as such on the barrel.Detective Special serials start aprox. 331000.

[chriskat]

Could very well be, thanks for the input. There is no other marking on the barrel which I find strange if it was a factory 2". The serial number is 46499 which, if I understand Proofhouse correctly, makes it 1911 production.

I have notice that the front sight is very thin, you can't see that in the pictures I posted but it's noticable; especially compared to two other police positives I have.

Jeff

[Cosine26]

FINAL COMMENT: After reviewing the pictures and reading the serial number I believe that the revolver is an early Police Positive in 38 S&W Caliber with a 2 inch barrel. Colt historically "roll marked" the barrel with the caliber and Model Identification half way between the front sight and the frame. On the 2 inch barrel there is probably not room to put the "COLT". The roll mark on the pictured barrel appears to be original to me. If the barrel were shortened part of the roll mark would probably be lost or obliterated. The extractor rod appears to be compatible with the 2" barrel. The front sight does appear to be different from that usually found on the older Colts, it is more like that found on my late model Official Police (if a 1950's OP can be considerd a late model.) The cylinder appears to be longer than of a Police Positive but with out actual measurements and deminsions who can tell? The Colt letter should provide the full information.
As to collectability or value, I have no idea. With that roll mark it is not a Bankers Special.
FWIW

[da gimp]

I'm with my lil bro JB, I believe that it has been cut down & the front sight added. The barrel has been cut flat by someone with no radius on the outter edge. another tipoff is the missing model marking, you still have a good user & in that condition, that is all this old gun would be for me.

You can still spend a chunk of cash with Colt's historical dept, but I believe that it will comeback as JB & I opined. Sorry.

[chriskat]

Nothing to be sorry for. As I've said, it's entirely possible that this is a cut down barrel. If not why is it not marked with the Colt patent dates, name, etc. I didn't buy it for any collector value, just thought it would be cool to have a snubby. Paid under $300 for it, which may be way too much money some places but here I wouldn't know where to start looking for a $300 revolver.

I requested the letter just because I'm interested to know the answer. I'll be sure to post the outcome.