colt police positive 38 special serial number location

The serial numbers for the PPS that year started at 400000. These serial numbers look like: S12345 or 12345S.Īssuming that, 404097 could be a Colt Police Positive Special, made in 1931. With all that said, Colt only started stamping letters WITH the serial number in the 1960's and stopped using long number number-only serial numbers. Last, we need to know if the 'S is PART of the serial number, or if it's around or below the serial number.Ĭolt stamped inspectors letter stamps usually under the serial number. 38 since Colt assigned separate serial numbers to the two calibers. If it's a Police Positive, we need to know if it's a. 38 Special, and has a longer frame and cylinder. The Police Positive Special was chambered in longer cartridges like the. The Police Positive was chambered in obsolete short cartridges like the. I would keep it original but, clean and replace the grips.įirst we need to know if it's a Police Positive, or a Police Positive Special. Doug Turnbull would be a good Colt restorer. Gary Reeder has worked on a few old Colts. It was worth MUCH more than a stock Colt. I had a guy ask me to look at his inherited old Colt recently. It could be worth more based on markings, barrel length or special order options. I would generically suggest a insurance value of $300.00. Fitz made grips and Dixie sells modern replica grips. I have bought parts and grips for old Colts on line. Remington or other oil for lube and a spray or wipe of Birchwood Casey Sheath will protect what finish is left. A good application of Hoppes and a generic clening kit are about all you need. Check into brake parts cleaner in aerosol cans for cleaning. My own 38 S&W Police Positive is loaded with 147 gr Remington ammo. The revolver has a pretty faithful following.

38 Special lead 'cowboy' ammo could be used in it if it is a 38 Special. Now, having said that, you own it and if you really want to clean it and replace the grips for it to be your sometimes house revolver, do so. If it has a 'history', I would leave it as is. If it is a heirloom for the family, I would leave it in the original condition.

Is it a 38 S&W (short) or a 38 Special? I appreciate fine old firearms as they are.

Colt police positive 38 special serial number location