colt 38 police positive

Question
I just inherited a colt 38 police positive hand gun from my wifes grandfather. The s/n is 130645 It has black plastic grips. My question is how old it is, and more important what size and make of ammunition it takes. Hope you can help me out.
Thank You.  Jeff

Answer
Jeff,

The Colt Police Positive was introduced in 1907 chambered in the .32 Colt, .32 New Police, .38 New Police and the .38 S&W. The Police Positive Special had a longer and beefed up frame to handle the .32-20 and .38 Special. These guns had the hard rubber grips and had a smooth topstrap.

The Second Issue was introduced in 1927 and the rubber grips were replaced by wood ones in both smooth and later in checkered. It had a serrated topstrap replacing the smooth version on the First Issue.

A Third Issue was introduced in 1947 and a fourth issue in 1977 that was identified by its shrouded ejector rod housing. The last Police Positive Special was produced in 1995.

So...... if yours is a "Police Positive" it should be chambered in either .32 Colt New Police (.32 S&W Long), or in the .38 Colt New Police (.38 S&W).

As stated, the Colt Police Positive Special was offered in .32-20 WCF, or .38 Special.

So...... once again..... IF you indeed have a Colt Police Positive .38, with the serial number indicated..... the revolver would have been manufactured by Colt in 1921. Without benefit of my being personally able to inspect the revolver in question, it would appear that this is the gun that you have however.... IF it is stamped (which is apparently not the case from your question) Colt Police Positive Special, with the ser. # provided it would have been made in 1916.

I know this can get a little confusing but I've tried (believe it or not) to explain this a clearly as is possible considering the different models/calibers and time line.

If you are in doubt what so ever I recommend that you deliver the gun to a qualified person who can personally inspect the gun and advise of firing condition, caliber, and year of mfg.

I hope this serves to help you determine what you have and thank you for the question Jeff.

Sid Lark

Check with Stars and Stripes Ammo Co. at www.starsandstripesammo.com