Colt Official Police .22 Long Rifle DA/SA Double Action Revolver, 1952 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1025

LSB#: 210726BG01

Make: Colt

Model: Official Police

Serial Number: 37847

Year of Manufacture: 1952 (COLT Serial Number Lookup)

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

Action Type: Single Action/Double Action with Swing Out Cylinder

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “OFFICIAL POLICE / .22 LONG RIFLE CTG.” and the right side is marked “COLT’S MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.”. The side plate on the left side of the frame features a rampant colt. The crane and crane arm are marked with the serial number, “37847”. The forward left side trigger guard bow is marked “VP” in an inverted circle and the right is marked “L”.

Barrel Length: 6”

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a serrated blade fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a square-notch integral to the topstrap, which has a channel with serrated edges for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut panels with silver colored rampant Colt medallions at their tops. The lower edges of both panels have a few more notable nicks. The checkering is sharp, and there are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-to-Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 91% of its metal finish. The muzzle, outside the crown, has light nicks throughout. The left side of the barrel has light-to-moderate holster wear/thinning. The barrel has scattered light nicks most notable on the top near to the frame. The cylinder has light thinning on most edges and has an intermittent turn line through the finish. The heel of the grip frame a few light nicks. Screws have strong slots with only minor tool marks. All markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup on this revolver is solid on all six chambers with the trigger depressed. The double action trigger pull is smooth, and the single action crisp. We did not fire this revolver. As with all firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This Official Police includes the following:

—the original box

—a test-fire target

—the manual

—a cleaning rod with brush head

—Colt branded screwdriver

Our Assessment: The Colt Army Special was introduced with the Army in mind, and quickly came to be noted for its accuracy, winning the National Revolver Match in 1911 and establishing a new range record at Camp Perry the same year. Unfortunately, Colt was never able to interest the Army in a medium framed revolver, and changed its name to the “Official Police” in 1928 after they found that the New York Police Department, among others, were willing to adopt the revolver.

The Colt Official Police is a medium frame, six-shot, double-action revolver with a six round cylinder, primarily chambered for the .38 Special cartridge, and manufactured by the Colt’s Manufacturing Company. This example, however, is chambered for .22 Long Rifle. While the intended specific target market for the Official Police was law enforcement, smaller calibers such as this were certainly for the commercial market.

This Official Police was produced in 1952 and has a 6″ barrel. It shows signs of only light use over the last 69 years, but retains a bright, clean bore and strong mechanics with much of its original blue finish remaining.

Whether you’re looking for a plinker or to add to a growing Colt collection, this is a thoroughbred that would be great to add to your stable.

Please see our photos and good luck!

Colt Official Police .22 Long Rifle DA/SA Double Action Revolver, 1952 C&R
Colt Official Police .22 Long Rifle DA/SA Double Action Revolver, 1952 C&R