I inherited at 1952 Colt Official Police. It originally belonged to my Granddaddy. He was a local Police Chief. Upon his death it went my dad who was also a local Police Chief. Now Dad has passed and I have the gun. I am not a police officer, but I am very proud to own this gun that served to protect the public and two of the most important people in the world to me for over 50 years. I have shot this gun several time in my life. It is in great shape and is really nice to handle.
That's very awesome man. May your folks rest in peace. My buddy has a Colt Double Action 32-20 that he inherited from his Grandpa that served in the Marine corps during WWII.
My grandfather (not a cop) had somehow acquired a 1964 Official Police in .38 that had only been fired maybe twice. I inherited it a few years back, put maybe 500 rounds through it, and then gave it to my daughter for her 21st birthday. Still a great revolver.
Did you like it? More recently got to fire one. It was a .32 police positive. In my opinion very fine weapon and very accurate, have alot of admiration and respect for this particular model. By the way, thank you for serving the community.
Great, great video on a Legend, the Official Police. A a working cop from 1971 to 2017, my PD-issued .38 Smith & Wesson Model 10-5 was supported by my privately owned Colt Official Police, in .38 Special chambering. I qualified yearly with each mentioned sixgun per State of Georgia. mandate. As time marched on the PD-issued shooting hardware changed also. From the S&W Model 10-5 our agency transferred to the .357 S&W Model 66. The duty ammo was the .38+P 125gr. LHP, no .357's allowed. So, with permission from higher-ups, I managed to hang on to my Colt. Things were different in 1976, and the rules of "what" you carried on duty was not as strict as today. Just as long as I qualified with the range officer, my Colt would continue to follow me to work. As a policeman's service revolver, my Colt was "the" duty gun I carried the most. My Colt had already had a previous law enforcement job with the Port City PD in New Jersey before being sold off in early 1971 as surplus. A local gun store made purchases of second-hand cop six-guns, and my Official Police .38 arrived in a 10-gun batch of cop trade-ins. My Dad purchased one of those well worn Colt OP's and gave it to me as a Christmas present. Best Christmas ever for me! All of my family was still alive, I was young and way too prideful, yet to be humbled by the reality of life, cop life! That 1971 Christmas present had these stats and dimensions; Blue steel finish, excellent fixed sights that allowed for a "quick" target acquisition, a four-inch barrel, and chambered in .38 Special, a very smooth trigger that "stacked" at the end of a slow double-action pull. I would find out later this stacking was common to the I-frame Colt. The compact walnut service grip panels were too small for me to get a "solid" non-slip grip, so I added some beautiful walnut Herrett's Shooting Star Target Grips to this Colt and the slipped-grip issue was history. My shooting scores improved with this grip change. I would slowly develop an affection for this old Cop .38 and would ultimately carry it until retirement in 2017. In 1992 all local agencies converted to the semi-automatic pistol. I thought my world was gone upon hearing this nightmare, but lo and behold, I was grandfathered in with my Official Police. The OP is a finely made, precision built, shooting instrument. The trigger-action was "hand-honed" and "hand-fitted" by a very well trained craftsman. The OP would undergo numerous inspections at the Colt Factory before being released for sale. Made from 1908 to 1969, it would be the source of many large service revolver contracts with large and small agencies. Anyway did not mean to write a book here, but my passion for my old duty six-shooter, the Official Police, still burns brightly. Thanks again for this informative video on a classic Colt Firearm.
My latest addition to my collection, is a 1922 Colt Police Positive 38 Special. It's in amazing condition. Especially for being a gun over a 100 years old! Had a different gun in mind to get before that, originally. But when going into the gunshop to get the other gun. But then seen someone had sold that to the shop. Had to get it.
Not true. 38 special came out in 1898....well before the US Army had problems with the Moros in the Philippines. The Moro rebellion was 1902-1913, with the majority of the battles from 1906 onward. The US Army adopted the M1902 Colt in .45 Colt in response and later the M1909 Colt in .45 Colt, which didn't see field service until it was too late in the conflict.
I originally came from the state of Connecticut and have brought Colt Official police from one of the retired chief of police in 1988 for $225.00. The guns was in original mint condition and never been fired. There was no body want to pay $299.00 the book value of the gun so I offered him $225.00 and I owned it. It is a beautiful gun in 5" barrel made in 1930 and I can hit anything in 20 yards with original 158 grains lead round nose copper plate that came with the guns.
What calibur is yours? I was left one years ago that is chambered in 32. 5 inch barrel and made in 1920 Very amazing and well manufactured weapon. It's so well balanced that I can also hit anything within that distance. Heck first time shooting it I hit the bullseye dead in the middle. I think it has an amazing history and makes me proud to have a piece of history. Seriously I don't think I've ever fired a revolver that I feel so comfortable and accurate with. Only complaint is I wish the handle was slightly bigger. Honestly I don't think you could pay me enough to let it go. Also though it was passed down from my great uncle who was a naval officer and served in Vietnam in the navy. He served on the Roosevelt. So it's also a family heirloom. It wasent his service pistol, something he got shortly after retiring in the 90's from a retired fbi agent
I was trying to figure out why my barrel didnt match the serial number lookup and it turns out I have that camp perry officer heavy barrel version. Cool history. Thanks grandpa!
I recently purchased a 1937 Colt Official Police 6" barrel in 22lr and in very nice condition considering it's age and being 22lr which most likely was shot quite a bit because of the price of the ammo and a good training aid for police and the general public!!! It's DEFINITELY A SHOOTER but unfortunately the non adjustable rear sight isn't much help in getting the BEST ACCURACY but does shoot quite well with most ammo!!!😁👍😎
I've got one I bought it from a friend who's husband was on the San Francisco police dept airport duty, when he died she sold it to me for 50 dollars perfect condition in 1969.
I love my OP. It's light, tough And accurate. As a gunsmith, I find it ironic that so many people think the action on the Colt is complicated, when it really is simpler than a S&W. As for the failure of the Colt ..38 in the Philippines, I think it is important to point out, that not only did the Colt fail, so did the 30-40 Krag. As the narrator said it took a rifle but to the forehead. The army wanted a forty five long before the Philippines and sadly for a much darker reason, yet necessary. The Navy and The Marines continued to us .38 The cartridge and the revolvers that were developed from this I feel are some of the best designs ever built, and most of them still live on in many of the best revolvers being made today. And the .38 special is perhaps the best all around cartridge. I highly recommend both.
I’ve got a couple made in 1925……1serial number apart…it was a duty and a dress pair….the duty has been worked on a bit…the action and trigger pull are light as a feather………my son has one and I the other……gifts from the wife….the accuracy is on for the sight configuration ..
They also made the 32-20 in the army special and this official police before World War Two I bought a 32-20 in good condition with original blueing made in 1923
Aren't there a couple of differences between the Army Special and the Official Police? I've read that was when they switched from the black plastic grips to wood ones. Also the trigger went from smooth to serrated.
Currently there is a 1930 vintage Colt .38 Special Official Police 4"-barrel revolver inside the glass display case at a local Klamath Falls, Oregon Pawn Shop, who sells guns. The Colt Official Police was built on the I frame which is larger than the D-Frame of Colt's .38 Police Positive Special. The Colt Official Police was manufactured from 1927 to 1969, a total of 42 years. The one I allude to no doubt is a former law enforcement gun utilized or issued by an unknown police or sheriff's department, from decades past. The original holster (unlined leather NYPD JP style holster) also came with revolver. Would I purchase and shoot it today? Probably not. Reason: I would certainly choose a much more modern revolver, such as a 1980's vintage Ruger Police Service Six .38 Special, preferably in stainless steel, though blue finish would be acceptable. These older pre-World War II (1939-1945) vintage revolvers were not rated for the modern, more powerful, +P .38 Special ammo, loaded to higher pressures, and introduced in 1974. In fact, a 1960's or 1970's vintage K-Frame Smith & Wesson Model 10 Military & Police revolver, also chambered in .38 Special, would be preferable. I'm alluding here to the classic .38 Caliber (.38 Special) Police Service Revolver, 4", 5", or even 6" barrel, with fixed sights. This would still be a great house gun to keep in the bedroom inside a top dresser or bureau drawer, or nightstand. Or even an EDC: Everyday Carry gun, for self-defense/house protection/concealed carry, or for the car, pickup, SUV, camper, or whatever. Just my thoughts. ---Jim Farmer Klamath County, Oregon
My grandpa had a couple matching ones in 6 inch with the big colt lettering on grip. I was to get one as an inheritance along with some others when grandma was ready but a another family member made off with them all.
I know old Colt advertiding said the E frame Official Police ans even the D frame Detective Special can handle the pressures of the .38/44 Heavy Dutu Load, but: Was it true they can handle those pressures?
I have a 1906 coke 38 please positive has a4 digit serial number and it has a horse looks like a sea stamp on the left side above the handle that's rare and it has VP stamps on the trigger guard it's a rare gun
He's referring to the Moro warriors from the southern Philippines. During the Moro Rebellion, Moro tribes bounded themselves with tight bandages and used drugs before making suicidal melee charges against US soldiers with a Kris or Kampilan sword.
I inherited at 1952 Colt Official Police. It originally belonged to my Granddaddy. He was a local Police Chief. Upon his death it went my dad who was also a local Police Chief. Now Dad has passed and I have the gun. I am not a police officer, but I am very proud to own this gun that served to protect the public and two of the most important people in the world to me for over 50 years. I have shot this gun several time in my life. It is in great shape and is really nice to handle.
By honoring the gun, you're honoring them.
That’s cool man I got a 1949 model with stag grips and a 4 inch barrel. It’s got no blue on it but I keep it clean.
That's very awesome man. May your folks rest in peace. My buddy has a Colt Double Action 32-20 that he inherited from his Grandpa that served in the Marine corps during WWII.
My grandfather (not a cop) had somehow acquired a 1964 Official Police in .38 that had only been fired maybe twice. I inherited it a few years back, put maybe 500 rounds through it, and then gave it to my daughter for her 21st birthday. Still a great revolver.
I was issued this Colt when I was a DC cop in 1968.
Badass
Hope you're doing okay bud
Did you like it? More recently got to fire one. It was a .32 police positive. In my opinion very fine weapon and very accurate, have alot of admiration and respect for this particular model. By the way, thank you for serving the community.
Awesome
My favourite Colt revolver
My O.P. is 2 yrs older than I am. Carried as police and security officer for 40 yrs. It's now my edc gun with FBI loads.
Great, great video on a Legend, the Official Police. A a working cop from 1971 to 2017, my PD-issued .38 Smith & Wesson Model 10-5 was supported by my privately owned Colt Official Police, in .38 Special chambering. I qualified yearly with each mentioned sixgun per State of Georgia. mandate. As time marched on the PD-issued shooting hardware changed also. From the S&W Model 10-5 our agency transferred to the .357 S&W Model 66. The duty ammo was the .38+P 125gr. LHP, no .357's allowed. So, with permission from higher-ups, I managed to hang on to my Colt. Things were different in 1976, and the rules of "what" you carried on duty was not as strict as today. Just as long as I qualified with the range officer, my Colt would continue to follow me to work. As a policeman's service revolver, my Colt was "the" duty gun I carried the most. My Colt had already had a previous law enforcement job with the Port City PD in New Jersey before being sold off in early 1971 as surplus. A local gun store made purchases of second-hand cop six-guns, and my Official Police .38 arrived in a 10-gun batch of cop trade-ins. My Dad purchased one of those well worn Colt OP's and gave it to me as a Christmas present. Best Christmas ever for me! All of my family was still alive, I was young and way too prideful, yet to be humbled by the reality of life, cop life! That 1971 Christmas present had these stats and dimensions; Blue steel finish, excellent fixed sights that allowed for a "quick" target acquisition, a four-inch barrel, and chambered in .38 Special, a very smooth trigger that "stacked" at the end of a slow double-action pull. I would find out later this stacking was common to the I-frame Colt. The compact walnut service grip panels were too small for me to get a "solid" non-slip grip, so I added some beautiful walnut Herrett's Shooting Star Target Grips to this Colt and the slipped-grip issue was history. My shooting scores improved with this grip change. I would slowly develop an affection for this old Cop .38 and would ultimately carry it until retirement in 2017. In 1992 all local agencies converted to the semi-automatic pistol. I thought my world was gone upon hearing this nightmare, but lo and behold, I was grandfathered in with my Official Police. The OP is a finely made, precision built, shooting instrument. The trigger-action was "hand-honed" and "hand-fitted" by a very well trained craftsman. The OP would undergo numerous inspections at the Colt Factory before being released for sale. Made from 1908 to 1969, it would be the source of many large service revolver contracts with large and small agencies. Anyway did not mean to write a book here, but my passion for my old duty six-shooter, the Official Police, still burns brightly. Thanks again for this informative video on a classic Colt Firearm.
My latest addition to my collection, is a 1922 Colt Police Positive 38 Special. It's in amazing condition. Especially for being a gun over a 100 years old! Had a different gun in mind to get before that, originally. But when going into the gunshop to get the other gun. But then seen someone had sold that to the shop. Had to get it.
38 special was not used in the Philippine war but 38 long colt was 38 special was developed in response after the war
Thank you!!!! So many have no clue.
Not true. 38 special came out in 1898....well before the US Army had problems with the Moros in the Philippines. The Moro rebellion was 1902-1913, with the majority of the battles from 1906 onward. The US Army adopted the M1902 Colt in .45 Colt in response and later the M1909 Colt in .45 Colt, which didn't see field service until it was too late in the conflict.
@@tberkoffright , but the military adoption of the 38 special was a result of the Philippines
I didn't realize Colt Commandos were rare. Saw one at a gun shop a couple of months ago for $550.
Lots of fakes out there
The variant Colt Marshall 4" only was available with round butt, in blue or nickel in 1956-1957
I originally came from the state of Connecticut and have brought Colt Official police from one of the retired chief of police in 1988 for $225.00. The guns was in original mint condition and never been fired. There was no body want to pay $299.00 the book value of the gun so I offered him $225.00 and I owned it. It is a beautiful gun in 5" barrel made in 1930 and I can hit anything in 20 yards with original 158 grains lead round nose copper plate that came with the guns.
Bro I have one now amazing
What calibur is yours? I was left one years ago that is chambered in 32. 5 inch barrel and made in 1920 Very amazing and well manufactured weapon. It's so well balanced that I can also hit anything within that distance. Heck first time shooting it I hit the bullseye dead in the middle. I think it has an amazing history and makes me proud to have a piece of history. Seriously I don't think I've ever fired a revolver that I feel so comfortable and accurate with. Only complaint is I wish the handle was slightly bigger. Honestly I don't think you could pay me enough to let it go. Also though it was passed down from my great uncle who was a naval officer and served in Vietnam in the navy. He served on the Roosevelt. So it's also a family heirloom. It wasent his service pistol, something he got shortly after retiring in the 90's from a retired fbi agent
I have one just like it.
I inherited my Grandfather's 1938 police official 38. shoots awesome
One of my favorite revolvers
Lieutenant Sulu really liked this gun
I was trying to figure out why my barrel didnt match the serial number lookup and it turns out I have that camp perry officer heavy barrel version. Cool history. Thanks grandpa!
I recently purchased a 1937 Colt Official Police 6" barrel in 22lr and in very nice condition considering it's age and being 22lr which most likely was shot quite a bit because of the price of the ammo and a good training aid for police and the general public!!! It's DEFINITELY A SHOOTER but unfortunately the non adjustable rear sight isn't much help in getting the BEST ACCURACY but does shoot quite well with most ammo!!!😁👍😎
I've got one I bought it from a friend who's husband was on the San Francisco police dept airport duty, when he died she sold it to me for 50 dollars perfect condition in 1969.
I bet he's pissed lmao
I love my OP. It's light, tough And accurate. As a gunsmith, I find it ironic that so many people think the action on the Colt is complicated, when it really is simpler than a S&W. As for the failure of the Colt ..38 in the Philippines, I think it is important to point out, that not only did the Colt fail, so did the 30-40 Krag. As the narrator said it took a rifle but to the forehead. The army wanted a forty five long before the Philippines and sadly for a much darker reason, yet necessary. The Navy and The Marines continued to us .38 The cartridge and the revolvers that were developed from this I feel are some of the best designs ever built, and most of them still live on in many of the best revolvers being made today. And the .38 special is perhaps the best all around cartridge. I highly recommend both.
I love mine, I don't know about being light but I love it.
The Nypd in the 1980’s used the colt detective 38 revolver
I have one 👍
So if Colt claimed they could handle the stout S&W 38/44, they should be able to handle .38 + P loads. Yes or no?
Yes
I’ve got a couple made in 1925……1serial number apart…it was a duty and a dress pair….the duty has been worked on a bit…the action and trigger pull are light as a feather………my son has one and I the other……gifts from the wife….the accuracy is on for the sight configuration ..
They skipped the 32 . It was originally a 32 before it was even a 38 , it was called the police positive , it would take 32 s&w long .
They also made the 32-20 in the army special and this official police before World War Two I bought a 32-20 in good condition with original blueing made in 1923
Also in .38s&w I have two.
Aren't there a couple of differences between the Army Special and the Official Police? I've read that was when they switched from the black plastic grips to wood ones. Also the trigger went from smooth to serrated.
Currently there is a 1930 vintage Colt .38 Special Official Police 4"-barrel revolver inside the glass display case at a local Klamath Falls, Oregon Pawn Shop, who sells guns. The Colt Official Police was built on the I frame which is larger than the D-Frame of Colt's .38 Police Positive Special. The Colt Official Police was manufactured from 1927 to 1969, a total of 42 years. The one I allude to no doubt is a former law enforcement gun utilized or issued by an unknown police or sheriff's department, from decades past. The original holster (unlined leather NYPD JP style holster) also came with revolver. Would I purchase and shoot it today? Probably not. Reason: I would certainly choose a much more modern revolver, such as a 1980's vintage Ruger Police Service Six .38 Special, preferably in stainless steel, though blue finish would be acceptable. These older pre-World War II (1939-1945) vintage revolvers were not rated for the modern, more
powerful, +P .38 Special ammo, loaded to higher pressures, and introduced in 1974. In fact, a 1960's or 1970's vintage K-Frame Smith & Wesson Model 10 Military & Police revolver, also chambered in .38 Special, would be preferable. I'm alluding here to the classic .38 Caliber (.38 Special) Police Service Revolver, 4", 5", or even 6" barrel, with fixed sights. This would still be a great house gun to keep in the bedroom inside a top dresser or bureau drawer, or nightstand. Or even an EDC: Everyday Carry gun, for self-defense/house protection/concealed carry, or for the car, pickup, SUV, camper, or whatever. Just my thoughts. ---Jim Farmer Klamath County, Oregon
Does anyone know where to get a holster for one of these I got one recently as I’ve always wanted to own a colt and can’t seem to find a holster
My father had that gun. I have to find it. Great video.
My cylinder doesn't want to cycle when loaded? Does anyone know why?
My grandpa had a couple matching ones in 6 inch with the big colt lettering on grip. I was to get one as an inheritance along with some others when grandma was ready but a another family member made off with them all.
Sorry man that sucks, families do strange things when there's personal property worth something
Paul Hokinson this is how you pick out the pos’s out of the family
Good review, thanks.
I know old Colt advertiding said the E frame Official Police ans even the D frame Detective Special can handle the pressures of the .38/44 Heavy Dutu Load, but: Was it true they can handle those pressures?
Yes
I grew up watching The Andy Griffith show everyday. As an adult, seeing Barney fumble around with a gun is a little bit stupid, but still funny.
Another revolver Colt needs to come back.
I have this and the "Official Trooper"
I have a 6" barrel 22 cal official police target revolver.
I have a 1906 coke 38 please positive has a4 digit serial number and it has a horse looks like a sea stamp on the left side above the handle that's rare and it has VP stamps on the trigger guard it's a rare gun
3:40
1950 Just like me. Mine looks just like the one in the video. It is a police trade in. There loss, my gain.
"Fanatical Tribesman" i think you mean freedom fighter
He's referring to the Moro warriors from the southern Philippines. During the Moro Rebellion, Moro tribes bounded themselves with tight bandages and used drugs before making suicidal melee charges against US soldiers with a Kris or Kampilan sword.
@@christianblessingbalbio5007 my heroes
I really hate seeing people shoot double handed with revolvers.
Why?
@@itsthe5-096 It is ridiculous. The technique was different back then. A revolver naturally points where an autoloader doesn't.
Depends on the person shooting it, a stronger more experienced shooter can shoot one handed much easier then a weak newbie
Yeah one handed a sw 500 and see what will get you
jerry miculek shoots a revolver with two hands. Its fun to pretend its 1920 sometimes sure, but theres a reason why people dont do it anymore