Special Interests - Groups & Societies > Colt Firearms
Some Thoughts On The Police Positive
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Danny Bear Claw:
The first one I ever saw was at a flea market. The guy said it was made around 1920. Caliber was 32-20, and he said they weren't making ammo for it anymore. (In fact, I knew 32-20 ammo was back in production at that time, but I didn't tell him that). He was asking $250 for the gun. I talked him down to $200 but in the end passed on it. I've been kicking myself over that decision ever since.
The next one I saw was in the local gun shop. It was made in 1928, and this one was caliber 38 special. I bought it for $225. It has a 5 inch barrel, pearl grips, (not sure if grips are factory original). The first thing that impressed me was that it has a very small frame for a 38. There is some holster wear on the blued finish, but I'm sure it's been carried in quite a few holsters since 1928. The action is crisp and tight and it shoots well. Shoots better with lead bullets as opposed to jacketed type ammo. I thought about sending it off to Turnbull for rebuild and restoration but am not sure it is worth the $2000 price he quoted me over the phone. I'm still thinking about it. ??? :-\
My Dad had one like it years ago but his had the bigger frame like Barney Fife's. It was a 38 also. 8)
St. George:
I wouldn't...
For 'that' kind of money, you can buy an original still in its box - and in the case of the ubiquitous Police Positive - you can buy several.
All that you really have after something's been to a 'restoration specialist' is a refinished used gun.
Sure, it's pretty - but it's still a refinished piece, where the value lies in originality.
That's how any dealer sees it and how any potential buyer does, as well.
Just keep your eyes open - there are a 'lot' of older Police Positives out there and they're reasonably priced, too.
Vaya,
Scouts Out!
Danny Bear Claw:
I'm leaning toward not doing it. Mostly 'cause I know when the smoke clears away it won't be worth the $2000 I put into it. I agree with you St. George... it would be a real pretty, used gun but still just a used gun nonetheless.
I am aware Colts are worth more to collectors in their original condition regardless of what that condition is. ;)
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St. George:
Good.
There were a helluva lot of Police Positives built, and many, many of them stayed in their boxes inside drawers and guarding bureaus.
Look for one of those and you'll be happy - 'plus' you'll have a collector's piece that you can shoot.
Personally, I always liked the older square-butt style with the hard-rubber grips and the stylized 'C' on them - though if I were going to pursue an older small-framed Colt right now - I'd be looking for a Banker's Special in .22.
Good Luck!
Vaya,
Scouts Out!
Shotgun Franklin:
I never touch a gun, as in restoring, until I've checked the history as close as I can. I once stubbled across a S&W than was used by the NYDP 'Women's Unit'. I made a handy profit on that gun.
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