Make: Colt
Model: Army Special
Serial Number: 305885
Year of Manufacture: 1909
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: Double Action Revolver with Swing Out Cylinder
Barrel Length: 6"
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a "U"-notch integral to the top strap.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black hard rubber with "COLT" in oval at their tops, stylized "C" around the screw escutcheons, and fleur de lis accents. The inside of each panel has the serial number hand-scribed. The grips have only a few scattered minor marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is a little bit of minor erosion at the muzzle-end and a little stubborn fouling. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 8-9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 85% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. Most of the balance is handling wear in the grip areas. There is a little other more minor finish wear. There are evenly scattered light nicks, scuffs, scratches, and spots of light surface oxidation. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly 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 used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Colt Army Special .38 Special is a versatile and robust revolver introduced by Colt in 1908, originally designed to serve military, law enforcement, and civilian markets. Chambered in the .38 Special cartridge, this revolver was well-suited for both self-defense and target shooting, a round long renowned for a balance between power and precision. The .38 Special cartridge was a common duty round for law enforcement in America for decades and is still a popular revolver chambering today.
The Army Special was built on Colt's medium-sized E-frame, which provided a strong and durable platform while still being manageable for everyday carry. Typically featuring a 4 to 6-inch barrel, the revolver was praised for its balance, ease of handling, and precise shooting capabilities. The double-action trigger allowed for rapid firing, while the single-action mode offered accuracy and control.
The Colt Army Special was later rebranded as the Colt Official Police, becoming one of the most widely used law enforcement revolvers in the United States. Its solid construction, reliability, and adaptability across different calibers, including the .38 Special, have made it a favorite among collectors and firearms enthusiasts. This example is from quite early in production, just the second year of production. Given its age, it is in nice shape, retaining 85% of its original blue finish, a nice bore and strong mechanics. This will make a nice addition to a Colt revolver collection and should still prove to be a fun shooter. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid!
