In 1908 Colt introduced a new revolver to replace an earlier one that dated from 1892 and had been adopted as the U.S. military service handgun. Expecting this trend to continue they named the succeeding model the Army Special and continued the original serial number series starting at 291,000.
The revolver you have (464,258) was made in 1921.
By 1927 it became clear that the military, having adopted a .45 pistol in 1911, was no longer interested in .38 revolvers. But on the other hand they had been widely adopted by law enforcement organizations. As a consequence they renamed the gun to Official Police and continued to make it until 1977.
The Army Special was offered in .32-20 (.32WCF) as a companion to those who had similarly chambered rifles, .38 Special and .41 Long Colt. Cataloged barrel lengths were 4, 5 and 6 inches.
The standard stocks were made from a black hard-rubber compound. Unfortunately as this material aged it became brittle, and often cracked or chipped. As a result sound pairs are valuable in their own right. Also they were individually hand fitted to each frame, and serial numbered to the gun on the inside. Be careful to take care of them.
If the revolver is still in good shape and locks up tight it is safe to shoot with any standard velocity .38 Special ammunition sold today.
The revolver you have (464,258) was made in 1921.
By 1927 it became clear that the military, having adopted a .45 pistol in 1911, was no longer interested in .38 revolvers. But on the other hand they had been widely adopted by law enforcement organizations. As a consequence they renamed the gun to Official Police and continued to make it until 1977.
The Army Special was offered in .32-20 (.32WCF) as a companion to those who had similarly chambered rifles, .38 Special and .41 Long Colt. Cataloged barrel lengths were 4, 5 and 6 inches.
The standard stocks were made from a black hard-rubber compound. Unfortunately as this material aged it became brittle, and often cracked or chipped. As a result sound pairs are valuable in their own right. Also they were individually hand fitted to each frame, and serial numbered to the gun on the inside. Be careful to take care of them.
If the revolver is still in good shape and locks up tight it is safe to shoot with any standard velocity .38 Special ammunition sold today.
