I Have This Old Gun: Colt Police Positive

Published on February 19, 2025
Duration: 6:13

This video provides an in-depth look at the Colt Police Positive Special revolver, introduced in 1907. It highlights the firearm's significance in law enforcement and civilian markets, its innovative hammer block safety mechanism allowing all six chambers to be loaded, and its various finishes and grip options. The discussion also touches upon its place in Colt's double-action revolver lineage and its value to collectors.

Quick Summary

The Colt Police Positive Special, introduced in 1907, revolutionized firearm safety with its 'positive lock' hammer block mechanism, allowing all six chambers to be loaded safely. Chambered in popular calibers like .38 Special, it was a key firearm for law enforcement and civilians, competing directly with the S&W Model 10.

Chapters

  1. 00:05Introduction to Colt Police Positive
  2. 00:09Hammer Block Safety Feature
  3. 00:17Colt Model Naming Conventions
  4. 00:41Colt Police Positive Special Introduced
  5. 01:04Chambered for .38 Special
  6. 01:10Law Enforcement Development
  7. 01:18Competition with S&W Model 10
  8. 01:32Target Audience: Police and Civilians
  9. 01:38Finishes and Grips
  10. 01:50Cylinder Rotation Direction
  11. 01:59The 'Positive Lock' Explained
  12. 02:14Safety of Loading All Chambers
  13. 02:46Colt's Positive Lock Mechanism
  14. 03:12Colt's Revolver Evolution
  15. 03:34Shrinking the Frame Size
  16. 03:58Introduction of Police Positive Special
  17. 04:07Cylinder Elongation for .38 Special
  18. 04:20Production Numbers and Calibers
  19. 04:38WWII Use in England
  20. 04:47Collector's Perspective
  21. 05:09Overlooked Models
  22. 05:17Quality of 1920s-30s Production
  23. 05:25Fit, Finish, and Blueing
  24. 05:40Advertising and Competition
  25. 05:58Collector Value and Pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

What made the Colt Police Positive Special a significant firearm for its time?

The Colt Police Positive Special, introduced in 1907, was notable for its innovative 'positive lock' mechanism, which acted as a hammer block safety. This allowed the revolver to be safely carried with all six chambers loaded, a major advancement in firearm safety for law enforcement and civilians.

What calibers were commonly chambered in the Colt Police Positive Special?

The Colt Police Positive Special was chambered in several popular revolver cartridges of its era. These included .38 Colt, .38 Special, and .22 Long Rifle, making it a versatile firearm for different applications and user preferences.

How did the Colt Police Positive Special compare to its contemporaries?

Introduced in 1907, the Colt Police Positive Special was a direct competitor to the Smith & Wesson Model 10, which debuted three years later. Both revolvers were designed for the law enforcement market and competed for purchasing power in the first half of the 20th century.

What are the typical finishes and grip materials found on a Colt Police Positive Special?

Colt Police Positive Specials were commonly offered in blue or nickel-plated finishes. Early models often featured hard rubber grips, while later versions were equipped with smooth or checkered walnut grips, offering different aesthetic and tactile experiences.

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