Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this vintage double-action revolver that was popular with police departments wanting a small, lightweight revolver, for a penny-start auction; this is the Colt Police Positive First Issue!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Police Positive First Issue
Serial: 80717
Date of Manufacture: 1915
Caliber: .38 New Police (.38 S&W)
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 4"
Optics/Sights: Integral Half-Moon Blade Front with Frame “V” Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Black Checkered Synthetic with “COLT” in an Oval at the Top
Action: Double/Single-Action Revolver
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt Police Positive is a historically significant small-frame revolver, introduced by Colt’s Manufacturing Company in 1905 as a dedicated service firearm for law enforcement agencies. Designed as an evolution of the Colt “New Police” revolver, it incorporated several improvements aimed at increasing safety, reliability, and practicality in the field. One of its signature features was the internal hammer-block safety mechanism, known as the “Positive Lock,” which prevented accidental discharges if the revolver were dropped or mishandled—a noteworthy advancement for early 20th-century firearms. The revolver was chambered in multiple calibers, including .32 Colt New Police (.32 S&W Long), .38 Colt New Police (.38 S&W), .32-20 Winchester, and later .38 Special, giving departments flexibility in ammunition choices. Its six-round cylinder, combined with a balanced small-frame design, offered officers a compact yet potent sidearm that could be comfortably carried and quickly drawn. Fixed iron sights—a half-moon blade front and V-notch rear—provided reliable aiming for close-to medium-range engagements typical of police work. The Colt Police Positive’s robust construction, smooth double-action trigger, and overall ergonomics made it a practical and effective tool for law enforcement officers navigating the demanding environments of urban and rural policing. Beyond its service utility, the Colt Police Positive has long been recognized for its collectible value and influence on revolver design. The revolver’s compact dimensions and manageable weight made it particularly appealing not only to officers but also to civilian shooters seeking a reliable personal defense weapon. Over the course of its production, which lasted until 1947, Colt offered several variations and barrel lengths, as well as different finishes, including blued and nickel-plated options, further expanding its appeal. The revolver’s combination of safety, accuracy, and reliability set a standard for small-frame police revolvers and inspired subsequent models, including the Police Positive Special introduced in 1908. Today, the Colt Police Positive is highly regarded among collectors and firearm historians for its innovative safety features, its role in early modern policing, and its lasting legacy in the evolution of double-action revolvers. Its enduring presence in both law enforcement history and private collections underscores the balance it achieved between practicality, durability, and technological advancement.
Contents:
Model: Police Positive First Issue
Serial: 80717
Date of Manufacture: 1915
Caliber: .38 New Police (.38 S&W)
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 4"
Optics/Sights: Integral Half-Moon Blade Front with Frame “V” Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Black Checkered Synthetic with “COLT” in an Oval at the Top
Action: Double/Single-Action Revolver
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt Police Positive is a historically significant small-frame revolver, introduced by Colt’s Manufacturing Company in 1905 as a dedicated service firearm for law enforcement agencies. Designed as an evolution of the Colt “New Police” revolver, it incorporated several improvements aimed at increasing safety, reliability, and practicality in the field. One of its signature features was the internal hammer-block safety mechanism, known as the “Positive Lock,” which prevented accidental discharges if the revolver were dropped or mishandled—a noteworthy advancement for early 20th-century firearms. The revolver was chambered in multiple calibers, including .32 Colt New Police (.32 S&W Long), .38 Colt New Police (.38 S&W), .32-20 Winchester, and later .38 Special, giving departments flexibility in ammunition choices. Its six-round cylinder, combined with a balanced small-frame design, offered officers a compact yet potent sidearm that could be comfortably carried and quickly drawn. Fixed iron sights—a half-moon blade front and V-notch rear—provided reliable aiming for close-to medium-range engagements typical of police work. The Colt Police Positive’s robust construction, smooth double-action trigger, and overall ergonomics made it a practical and effective tool for law enforcement officers navigating the demanding environments of urban and rural policing. Beyond its service utility, the Colt Police Positive has long been recognized for its collectible value and influence on revolver design. The revolver’s compact dimensions and manageable weight made it particularly appealing not only to officers but also to civilian shooters seeking a reliable personal defense weapon. Over the course of its production, which lasted until 1947, Colt offered several variations and barrel lengths, as well as different finishes, including blued and nickel-plated options, further expanding its appeal. The revolver’s combination of safety, accuracy, and reliability set a standard for small-frame police revolvers and inspired subsequent models, including the Police Positive Special introduced in 1908. Today, the Colt Police Positive is highly regarded among collectors and firearm historians for its innovative safety features, its role in early modern policing, and its lasting legacy in the evolution of double-action revolvers. Its enduring presence in both law enforcement history and private collections underscores the balance it achieved between practicality, durability, and technological advancement.
Contents:
This example will ship with the holster as pictured above!
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
