Colt Official Police?

[rbernie]

Saw a Colt Official Police model revolver recently and it really caught my eye.

I know NOTHING substantive about Colt wheelguns (and was actually looking for a cosmetically-challenged S&W Model 10 to bang around with) but this one really piqued my interest... Can anyone shed some light on this model and/or offer an opinion as to how reasonable of a shooter this model might be (understanding that condition is everything)?

 

[munk]

It should be a great shooter- use the search function here.



munk

 

[tbeb]

They are nice looking guns, and they catch my eye too. I've never shot one. I think it was made from 1927-1969. A post-war commercial model in excellent condition is worth about $350. The Official Police MK III was made from 1969-1975, and in excellent condition is worth about $200.

If you're looking for a S&W Model 10, then you may also want to consider a Ruger Speed Six (round grip) or Ruger Service Six (square grip).

 

[dfariswheel]

The Official Police started out in the very early 1900's as the Colt Army Special, which was wishful naming, since no army ever bought it.

In 1927 it was renamed The Official Police, and that's just what it was up until the early 1960's: THE American police revolver.

The OP was used by a great many police departments from New York to LA, and was favored by private guard companies and civilian shooters.

The OP was made in VAST numbers, and was built in a rough, parkerized finish as the Colt Commando during WWII for use by plant guards, police departments, and some military personnel.

The gun was discontinued in 1968/69 when Colt finally couldn't continue to make it due to the heavy use of hand labor required to build it.

Essentially the same action as the Colt Python, the OP is a fine, strong gun, and due to the old style Colt action, these will often out shoot other, newer guns.

With a more tuned action and a heavy match barrel the gun was made as the Officer's Model series target pistol, which pretty well ruled target shooting in the pre-war years.

All in all, the Official Police makes a great shooter or defense gun, with the same action as a Python, yet at a budget price.