Make: Colt

Model: Official Police

Serial Number: 39850

Year of Manufacture: 1954

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

Action Type: Single Action/Double Action with Swing Out Cylinder

Barrel Length: 6”

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a serrated, ramped blade fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a square-notch integral to the topstrap, which has a channel with serrated edges for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered wood panels with silver-colored Colt medallions at their tops. The grips have even light handling wear. There are a few light nicks and small scratches. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-plus condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 90% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. Most of the balance is handling wear in the grip areas. There are some scattered minor nicks and scratches. There are infrequent spots of minor surface oxidation. The action shows operational wear including a turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this revolver. As with all firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The Colt Army Special was introduced with the Army in mind, and quickly came to be noted for its accuracy, winning the National Revolver Match in 1911 and establishing a new range record at Camp Perry the same year. Unfortunately, Colt was never able to interest the Army in a medium framed revolver, and changed its name to the “Official Police” in 1928 after they found that the New York Police Department, among others, were willing to adopt the revolver.

The Colt Official Police is a medium frame, six-shot, double-action revolver manufactured by the Colt’s Manufacturing Company. This example is chambered for .22 Long Rifle with a 6" barrel. While the intended specific target market for the Official Police was law enforcement, smaller calibers such as this were certainly for the commercial market. This Official Police was produced in 1954 and shows signs of responsible use over the last 70 years, retaining a bright, clean bore and strong mechanics with much of its original blue finish remaining. Whether you’re looking for a plinker or to add to a growing Colt collection, this is a thoroughbred that would be great to add to your stable. Please see our photos and good luck!