This Old Gun: Colt Official Police Revolver

Watch our American Rifleman Television “I Have This Old Gun” segment above to learn more the Official Police revolver from Colt.  Colt’s Official Police revolver was an improvement on the Army Special model and featured a medium-size frame with double-action lockwork. The gun’s swing-out cylinder was initially chambered the .38 Spl. cartridge and .41 Long Colt, but would handle heavier loads brought to market by Smith & Wesson. The cylinder featured an unshrouded ejector rod and chambered six rounds within.  The Official Police can be broken into two issues, pre- and post-war production cycles. Mechanically, the gun’s remained virtually unchanged throughout the years. First issue and second issue Colt Official Police models came from the Colt’s Hartford, Conn., factory hand-finished with rich bluing.  Myriad options left the factory throughout its production cycle; models available with barrel lengths of 2”, 4”, 5” and 6” were available and Target variants with adjustable sights made their way to Camp Perry. Round- and square-butt variants were made as well. Colt discontinued its Official Police design in 1969. For more on firearms and shooting content, please visit --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Check out the following links to learn more about your NRA:  National Rifle Association of America — NRA Publications —   NRA’s American Rifleman —   NRA’s American Hunter —   NRA’s Shooting Illustrated —   NRA Family —   NRA’s America’s 1st Freedom —   NRA’s Shooting Sports USA —   NRA’s Hunter Leadership Forum —