This Old Gun: Colt Official Police Revolver

Published on June 26, 2020
Duration: 7:09

This video provides an expert-level overview of the Colt Official Police revolver, tracing its lineage from the New Army Revolver and detailing its evolution into a dominant police sidearm. Experts Mark A. Keefe, IV, Jim Supica, Phil Schreier, and Mike Parker discuss its historical context, mechanical features, variants, and comparisons to other firearms like the Smith & Wesson .38/44 Heavy Duty. The presentation highlights the revolver's robust design, production eras, and collector appeal, particularly for law enforcement models.

Quick Summary

The Colt Official Police revolver, introduced in 1908 as the New Army Revolver, became a dominant police sidearm primarily chambered in .38 Special and .22 Long Rifle. Experts highlight its robust design, capable of handling powerful loads, and its historical significance, especially models bearing law enforcement property marks.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Colt Official Police
  2. 00:15Colt Double-Action History
  3. 00:28.38 Long Colt Ineffectiveness
  4. 00:54Military Shift to .45 ACP
  5. 01:04Birth of the Official Police
  6. 01:19Official Police Popularity & Specs
  7. 01:37Smith & Wesson .38/44 Heavy Duty
  8. 01:58Colt Official Police Strength
  9. 02:30Mid-Century Police Service
  10. 02:56Mechanical Design & Discontinuation
  11. 03:17WWII Colt Commando
  12. 03:56Official Police Variants & Wear
  13. 04:29Collector's Appeal & Customization
  14. 05:18Target Models & Camp Perry
  15. 06:17Production Eras & Post-War Changes
  16. 06:38Colt's Gunmaking Pinnacle

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Colt Official Police revolver introduced and what was its original name?

The Colt Official Police revolver was introduced in 1908. It was originally known as the Colt New Army Revolver before being refined and marketed for police use.

What were the primary chamberings for the Colt Official Police revolver?

The Colt Official Police revolver was primarily chambered in .38 Special and .22 Long Rifle. Earlier versions also utilized .38 Long Colt and .41 Long Colt cartridges.

How did the Colt Official Police compare in strength to the Smith & Wesson .38/44 Heavy Duty?

The Colt Official Police was noted for its robust design, allowing it to safely handle powerful loads, including those intended for the Smith & Wesson .38/44 Heavy Duty, which required a larger N-frame.

What is the significance of property marks like 'N.Y.S.P.' on a Colt Official Police?

Property marks such as 'N.Y.S.P.' (New York State Police) on a Colt Official Police revolver indicate its historical service with that specific law enforcement agency, adding to its collector value and historical significance.

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