From the Vault: Colt Police Positive Revolver

Published on August 21, 2020
Duration: 2:57

This 'From The Vault' episode from Brownells, presented by Steve Ostrem, offers an expert review of the Colt Police Positive revolver. Ostrem highlights its history, starting production in 1907, and its practical design as a handy, lightweight D-frame carry gun. He details its original chamberings in .38 Smith & Wesson or .38 Colt New Police, noting their mild recoil, and contrasts it with the later Police Positive Special, which accommodates the longer .38 Special cartridge. The review emphasizes the revolver's typical Colt quality, hand-fitted construction, tight lock-up, and surprising accuracy, while also pointing out its current market undervaluation. A key feature discussed is the 'positive lock' safety mechanism, a transfer bar system designed to prevent accidental discharge if dropped. Ostrem concludes by recommending the Police Positive as an excellent, often overlooked, carry option.

Quick Summary

The Colt Police Positive is a D-frame revolver produced from 1907, known for its compact size and mild-recoiling .38 Smith & Wesson or .38 Colt New Police calibers. It features a 'positive lock' safety (transfer bar) and is often undervalued, making it a great carry option.

Chapters

  1. 00:09Introduction to Colt Police Positive
  2. 00:20History and Initial Caliber
  3. 00:34Handling and Recoil
  4. 00:51Accuracy and Quality
  5. 01:05Market Value
  6. 01:13Shooting Performance and Variants
  7. 01:29Caliber Comparison: .38 S&W vs. .38 Special
  8. 01:46Police Positive Special Evolution
  9. 01:52The 'Positive' Safety Lock
  10. 02:12Safety Systems and Pop Culture
  11. 02:30Conclusion and Recommendation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Colt Police Positive revolver?

The Colt Police Positive is a D-frame revolver produced by Colt starting in 1907. It's known for its compact size, mild-recoiling cartridges like .38 Smith & Wesson, and a 'positive lock' safety mechanism.

What calibers was the Colt Police Positive originally chambered in?

The Colt Police Positive was initially chambered in .38 Smith & Wesson and .38 Colt New Police (which is essentially the same cartridge). It could also be found in .32 New Police.

Can a Colt Police Positive fire .38 Special ammunition?

No, a Colt Police Positive revolver cannot safely or properly fire .38 Special ammunition. The .38 Special cartridge is too long for the cylinder of the original Police Positive.

What is the 'positive lock' safety on a Colt Police Positive?

The 'positive lock' safety refers to a transfer bar system. This mechanism ensures the firing pin cannot move forward to strike the primer unless the trigger is intentionally pulled.

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