Colt Army Special .32-20 Revolver | 1922 Production | 6-Inch Barrel
Built in 1922, this Colt Army Special represents a transitional moment in Colt’s medium-frame lineage before the model was renamed the Official Police. Chambered for the less common .32-20 Winchester cartridge and retaining its original hard-rubber “COLT” grips, this six-shot revolver offers collectors a scarce caliber variant produced for only a short window. A solid carbon-steel construction, factory blued finish, and smooth double-action/single-action trigger round out its period-correct features.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Fair – Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Bore Fouling: Moderate Fouling – Lead or copper fouling with noticeable buildup.
Bore Rifling: Fair Rifling – Worn rifling, slight loss of definition.
The revolver remains mechanically solid, with scattered scratches and blemishes visible on the blued surfaces. Despite normal wear, the bore presents a bright appearance that aids in visual inspection of the rifling.
What’s Included
- Colt Army Special .32-20 revolver
Colt produced far fewer Army Specials in .32-20 WCF than in .38 Special, making this example a desirable find for caliber-focused collectors. The six-inch carbon-steel barrel balances sight radius with holster compatibility and wears the factory half-moon blade front sight paired to the top-strap U-notch rear.
This revolver sits on Colt’s E-frame, the foundation for later models such as the Official Police and the first generation of double-action Colts to see widespread law-enforcement use. The exposed hammer and smooth trigger face deliver familiar Colt double-action/single-action operation.
Original checkered hard-rubber grips, used only until 1923, remain intact and display the “COLT” banner medallion, adding period authenticity. The blued finish on the frame, cylinder, and barrel reflects standard factory treatment for the era, while the carbon-steel construction underscores the revolver’s durability.
Manufactured in Hartford, Connecticut, during the early 1920s, this Army Special bridges the gap between Colt’s pre-war service revolvers and its later police-issue variants, offering both historical significance and a seldom-seen caliber combination.