Colt Police Positive  First Issue Target Model .22 W.R.F. 5 3/4” SA/DA Double Action Revolver, 1922 C&R

Make: Colt

Model: Police Positive 

Serial Number: 19706

Year of Manufacture: 1922(Colt Serial Lookup)

Caliber: .38 S&W, 

Action Type: Double Action SA/DA with Swing Out Cylinder

Barrel Length: 5 3/4”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is an adjustable blade fixed to the barrel above the muzzle. The rear sight is an adjustable square notch grooved into the top strap. The top strap is marked for windage. 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece Smooth Sheep Horne' The grips show only a few light nicks and minor handling and storage marks. The grips are in Excellent overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. There is minor erosion in the bore. In our opinion this bore rates a 8 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 60% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows a faint turn line and thining on the cylinder and barrel.The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition.  The right side of the frame has the Rampent Colt logo, The barrel has "POLICE POSISTIVE  CA;. .22 W.R.F.  The top of the barrel has
"COLT'S PT F A MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A. / PAT'D AUG 5 1884. JUNE. 5 1900. JULY 4 1905".  The serial number"19706" is on the frame & crain.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks in each position tightly with a little play when the trigger is pressed. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: NONE 

Our Assessment: The Police Positive was the successor to Colt’s Lightning Double Action model. It was introduced in 1905 and offered the same calabers as previous Colt modles. They quickly became popular due to their swing-out cylinder greatly reducing reloading time and smaller frame, convenient to carry while out on the town. The “Positive” refers to the positive locking system on the cylinder which ensures a solid lockup while the trigger is depressed, a feature which would continue through Colt’s Serpent series. The Colt Police Positive Special was basically the same revolver as the Police Positive, except it had a longer cylinder for the .38 Special cartridge, and a slightly longer frame to hold it. 

It is interesting that they could afford to make both versions at the same time, and that they could find a market for both, but this finally changed after WWII with everyone wanting the more potent cartridge, and the Police Positive was dropped about the same time as the 3rd Issue Police Positive Special came out. This Police Positive First Issue Target Model was made in 1922. It is blued with a 5 3/4” barrel and chambered in .22 W.R.F  This ammo is still available and is about the same price as .22 WMR The revolver will still make for a fun shooter or addition to a Colt revolver collection. Please see our photos.

Please note: this firearm is also listed for sale on other platforms.