Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this vintage double-action revovler for a penny-start auction; this is the Colt Army Special.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Army Special
Serial: 469286
Date of Manufacture: 1922
Caliber: .32-20 WCF
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 6"
Optics/Sights: Integral Round Blade Front with Frame 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 Army Special, introduced in 1908, marked a decisive turning point in Colt’s medium-frame double-action revolver development, replacing the earlier New Army & Navy models with a far more refined and durable design. Built around the improved lockwork pioneered in the New Pocket and New Service revolvers, the Army Special featured a smoother, stronger action that proved adaptable to more powerful cartridges such as the .38 Special and .41 Colt. This revolver became the foundational platform for nearly every medium-frame Colt double-action revolver that followed, culminating in the legendary Colt Python introduced in 1955. The fundamental soundness of the design is underscored by the remarkable interchangeability of many internal parts between early Army Specials and late-production Pythons made nearly a century later.
Model: Army Special
Serial: 469286
Date of Manufacture: 1922
Caliber: .32-20 WCF
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 6"
Optics/Sights: Integral Round Blade Front with Frame 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 Army Special, introduced in 1908, marked a decisive turning point in Colt’s medium-frame double-action revolver development, replacing the earlier New Army & Navy models with a far more refined and durable design. Built around the improved lockwork pioneered in the New Pocket and New Service revolvers, the Army Special featured a smoother, stronger action that proved adaptable to more powerful cartridges such as the .38 Special and .41 Colt. This revolver became the foundational platform for nearly every medium-frame Colt double-action revolver that followed, culminating in the legendary Colt Python introduced in 1955. The fundamental soundness of the design is underscored by the remarkable interchangeability of many internal parts between early Army Specials and late-production Pythons made nearly a century later.
Offered between 1908 and 1927, the Army Special was available in blue or nickel finishes, with barrel lengths of 4, 4½, 5, and 6 inches, and chamberings that included .32-20, various .38 Colt cartridges, .38 Special, and .41 Colt. Early examples were fitted with black hard-rubber grips bearing molded Colt logos, while checkered walnut stocks with silver Colt medallions became standard after 1923. Although never formally adopted by the U.S. Army, the revolver quickly gained favor with law-enforcement agencies, a success that ultimately defined its legacy. In 1927, Colt renamed the model the Official Police to reflect its true market, continuing production with minimal changes until 1969. As such, the Army Special stands as one of the most influential revolver designs in American firearms history, bridging early 20th-century service revolvers and Colt’s later iconic offerings.
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.
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.




