1947-1948 Colt Official Police .38 Special Double Action Revolver
Our Assessment: A "successor" to the Army Special, the Official Police varied only in minor ways, such as the name and markings (the Official Police even retained the serial numbering of the Army revolver). Colt saw the majority of their "Army" revolvers going to police departments, and to paraphrase the Apostle Matthew, "Give not that which is holy unto the [Army],". Colt simply focused their marketing efforts on the buyer that was buying. A few other minor changes that are worth mentioning are the rear sight going from a U-notch configuration to a square-notch, and the top strap being dulled for glare reduction. In one hell of an understatement, Colt referred to the Official Police in advertisements as "Most acceptable,". Indeed. Despite being more than 60 years old, this revolver is still in nearly Fine condition with a bright bore. It should still make for a great working revolver today but would be indispensable to a serious Colt collection. Good luck in your bidding!
Make: Colt
Model: Official Police
Serial Number: 743854
Year of Manufacture: 1947-1948
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: Double Action SA/DA Revolver with Swing Out Cylinder
Markings: Standard Colt Official Police markings
Barrel Length: 6" Tapered
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade fixed to the barrel above the muzzle. The rear sight is square notch grooved into the top strap. The top strap is serrated to help reduce glare
Grip Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece black rubber panels featuring Rampant Colt medallions. There is some minor handling wear. The grips are in Fine Plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates a 9 or 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. The finish shows some handling marks, scuffs and some thinning near the muzzle. There is a fine drag line on the cylinder and some thinning on the front edge of the cylinder around the flutes. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun is in Very Good Plus to Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, the trigger is light and crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes with a black leather holster, a gun belt with ammo pouches, a pair of handcuffs and a case.
CA LEGALITY: C&R: YES, CA PPT: YES.
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