Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this exceptional post-War double-action revolver for a penny-start auction; this is the Colt Police Positive Special - Third Issue!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Police Positive Special - Third Issue
Serial: 887012
Date of Manufacture: 1964
Caliber: .38 Special
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 4"
Optics/Sights: Integral Ramped Blade Front with Frame Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Checkered Walnut with Silver Colt Medallions
Action: Double/Single-Action Revolver
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt Police Positive Special “D” Frame is one of the most iconic small-frame revolvers in Colt’s history, serving as a bridge between early 20th-century service revolvers and the modern small-frame .38 Special carry guns. Originally developed as an evolution of the Police Positive, the Police Positive Special featured a lengthened frame and cylinder to accommodate the more powerful .38 Special cartridge while retaining the compact dimensions and manageable weight that made it ideal for police and civilian use. Introduced in 1907, it was produced in a variety of calibers, including .32-20, .32 New Police, .38 New Police (.38 S&W), and ultimately .38 Special, and with barrel lengths ranging from 4" to 6". Its construction, reliability, and ease of handling made it extremely popular with law enforcement agencies looking for a lightweight, concealable revolver capable of delivering a powerful cartridge. Over the decades, the revolver underwent several refinements, resulting in the First, Second, and Third Issues, each reflecting the changing needs of police departments and shooters, from aesthetic updates like checkered walnut grips and grooved top straps to functional improvements like increased trigger reach and enhanced cylinder retention systems. The Third Issue, produced from 1947 to 1976, exemplifies the Colt Police Positive Special “D” Frame at its most refined. Built on Colt’s “D” frame designation for small-frame revolvers, this post-war iteration featured a ramped front sight, a grooved service trigger, and a cylinder retention system designed to improve durability and reliability under repeated use. Design modifications included the transition from a square butt to a rounded butt in the 1950s, followed by a shortened “stubby” grip frame in 1966 that accommodated overlapping grips to maintain a full-hand hold, ensuring comfort without sacrificing concealability. With its 4", 5", and 6" barrel options, the revolver balanced accuracy with portability, while its double-action/single-action mechanism allowed for rapid deployment in defensive or law-enforcement scenarios. The Police Positive Special remained in production in various forms until 1995, making it the most widely produced and versatile small-frame Colt revolver. Today, the “D” Frame Police Positive Special is highly valued by collectors and historical firearm enthusiasts for its combination of classic Colt craftsmanship, practical engineering, and its enduring legacy as a mainstay of 20th-century American policing.
Contents:
Model: Police Positive Special - Third Issue
Serial: 887012
Date of Manufacture: 1964
Caliber: .38 Special
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 4"
Optics/Sights: Integral Ramped Blade Front with Frame Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Checkered Walnut with Silver Colt Medallions
Action: Double/Single-Action Revolver
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt Police Positive Special “D” Frame is one of the most iconic small-frame revolvers in Colt’s history, serving as a bridge between early 20th-century service revolvers and the modern small-frame .38 Special carry guns. Originally developed as an evolution of the Police Positive, the Police Positive Special featured a lengthened frame and cylinder to accommodate the more powerful .38 Special cartridge while retaining the compact dimensions and manageable weight that made it ideal for police and civilian use. Introduced in 1907, it was produced in a variety of calibers, including .32-20, .32 New Police, .38 New Police (.38 S&W), and ultimately .38 Special, and with barrel lengths ranging from 4" to 6". Its construction, reliability, and ease of handling made it extremely popular with law enforcement agencies looking for a lightweight, concealable revolver capable of delivering a powerful cartridge. Over the decades, the revolver underwent several refinements, resulting in the First, Second, and Third Issues, each reflecting the changing needs of police departments and shooters, from aesthetic updates like checkered walnut grips and grooved top straps to functional improvements like increased trigger reach and enhanced cylinder retention systems. The Third Issue, produced from 1947 to 1976, exemplifies the Colt Police Positive Special “D” Frame at its most refined. Built on Colt’s “D” frame designation for small-frame revolvers, this post-war iteration featured a ramped front sight, a grooved service trigger, and a cylinder retention system designed to improve durability and reliability under repeated use. Design modifications included the transition from a square butt to a rounded butt in the 1950s, followed by a shortened “stubby” grip frame in 1966 that accommodated overlapping grips to maintain a full-hand hold, ensuring comfort without sacrificing concealability. With its 4", 5", and 6" barrel options, the revolver balanced accuracy with portability, while its double-action/single-action mechanism allowed for rapid deployment in defensive or law-enforcement scenarios. The Police Positive Special remained in production in various forms until 1995, making it the most widely produced and versatile small-frame Colt revolver. Today, the “D” Frame Police Positive Special is highly valued by collectors and historical firearm enthusiasts for its combination of classic Colt craftsmanship, practical engineering, and its enduring legacy as a mainstay of 20th-century American policing.
Contents:
This example will ship with the original Colt box with matching serial number on the bottom 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.
