COLT Official Police .38 Special DA/SA Double-Action Revolver, MFD 1961 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1230
LSB#: 220112KS005
Make: Colt
Model: Official Police
Serial Number: 878695
Year of Manufacture: 1961
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: DA/SA Double Action and Single Action 6-Shot Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “OFFICIAL POLICE / .38 SPECIAL CTG.”. The side plate is marked with the “Rampant Colt” logo. The right of the barrel is marked “COLT’S MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.”. The crane cut is marked “878695” and with inspection marks. The crane is also marked “878695”. The rear left of the trigger guard is marked with “P”, the left-front with “VP” in an inverted triangle.
Barrel Length: 4”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch at the rear of the top strap.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut panels, each with inset Colt medallions at the top. There are dark handling marks and the smooth areas have a few very minor compressions. The checkering is sharp. Overall, the grips rate in Very Good-to-Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is well-defined. There is no erosion in the bore, but minor stubborn fouling can be seen on the lands.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are just a few minor nicks scattered about. The cylinder has scattered minor nicks as well. Screws have minor tool marks with strong slots, and pins are not peened. All markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in Fine-to-Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions properly. The single action is crisp, the double action is smooth. The cylinder locks up with no play when the trigger is depressed. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This Official Police will ship with its product matching box, a cleaning rod, and two pieces of paperwork.
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 Manufacturing Company. The intended target market for the Official Police was law enforcement and it became one of the best selling police firearms of all time, epitomizing typical perception of a police sidearm. This Official Police was produced in 1961 and has a 4″ barrel. It shows signs of very little use, truly a beauty. Good luck and happy bidding!