Dating a Colt Police Positive .32-20

[Zundfolge]

I've got a Colt Police Positive that belonged to my Great-Grandfather being delivered to me soon (long story, I'll post the story and pics in the revolver forum when it comes in).


Anyway, the information I have is that its got a 6" barrel, is chambered in .32-20 WCF, and the serial number is 350148.

I know its older than 1932 (because thats when my Great Grandfather died).

 

[Cosmoline]

If it's a .32-20 it should be a Police Positive Special. My book says mid 1928.

Remember, like Robert Johnson sung, a .32-20 will cut you half in two.

 

[gtodan]

I would refrain from kissing on the first date..............

 

[Sunray]

"...older than 1932..." My rusted to uselessness 4" Colt .32-20 PP is older than that. S/N 728. It lived in a poorly oiled cloth for 50 plus years. It was given to me by an aunt got it from her da who got it long before either of us was born or even a gleam in anybody's eye. I believe he got it before W.W. I, but I'd be guessing. It and the junker H&A .32 S&W I got with it, got me 'on paper', up here, for free.
Rumour had it that the Colt .32-20's were 'banker's guns' when bank managers still got them from their bosses. Couldn't prove that either. On the up side, if your's is still in shootable condition, factory ammo can be had. Give it a really good going over, inside and out, first though.

 

[Cosmoline]

Yes a gunsmith check IS in order. Timing needs to be checked along with function.

Remember though if it's just a PP not a PPS, it won't be .32-20 but more likely .32 Colt New Police, which is the Colt name for the .32 S&W Long. Some early ones were in .32 Colt Police/ .32 S&W. These cartridges are different from the much more potent .32-20, so make sure you really know what the chambering is.