Make: Colt

Model: Police Positive Target, C-Model

Serial Number: 38976

Year of Manufacture: 1931

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

Action Type: Single/Double Action Swing-Out Cylinder Revolver

Barrel Length: 6"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned to a slotted base fixed to the front of the barrel, adjustable for elevation. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed to the topstrap, adjustable for windage.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with Colt medallions at their tops. The interior of each panel has the serial number stamped. The grips have even minor handling wear. There are a few little nicks and scratches, mostly on the bottom faces. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bore, mostly at the muzzle-end. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 90% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There is handling wear in the grip areas. There is minor wear at the muzzle on each side. There are some scattered minor nicks, scuffs and scratches with a few spots of minor oxidation. There is an odd spot of discoloration on the sideplate just behind the front mounting screw. The action shows operational wear including a thin turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear. The rampant colt on the sideplate is shallow and incomplete. Given the fit and matching finish of the sideplate, this appears to be due to a poorly-struck marking. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good-plus condition.

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

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The Colt Police Positive was an evolution of the New Police revolvers. It was made during the same span of time as the Police Positive Special except that the Special had a longer cylinder for the .38 Special cartridges and had a slightly longer frame to hold it. This Police Positive Target revolver was made in 1931 and is chambered in .22 Long Rifle. The Target Model has adjustable rear and front sights and a matte finish on the topstrap to reduce glare. This example is in Very Good-plus condition, showing light wear consistent with responsible use over the last 95 years. While this will certainly interest the Colt collectors, it should also still make for a fine target revolver, with little on the market today which could match its quality. Please see our photos and good luck!