Colt Army Special .38 Special DA/SA Revolver, 5-inch Barrel, Blued, 6-Shot, 1920 Production
This 1920 Colt Army Special stands out as a U.S.-made, E-frame revolver that later evolved into the Colt Official Police in 1927. It features a 5-inch service-length barrel with fixed sights, a blued carbon-steel construction, and checkered black hard-rubber stocks with molded "COLT" oval. The six-shot fluted cylinder, classic Colt markings, and period-correct configuration make it a notable example for both shooters and collectors.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: There are scratches and marring on the frame. Minor pitting is present. The firearm is in good shape for its age.
What’s Included
- Colt Army Special .38 Special revolver (5-inch barrel, 6-round capacity)
Built on Colt’s E-frame, the Army Special is recognized as the direct predecessor to the Official Police, which adopted the new name in 1927. This example was manufactured in 1920 and retains its service-focused 5-inch barrel and fixed sight layout.
The revolver is constructed from carbon steel with a blued finish on the frame, cylinder, and barrel. It uses a six-shot fluted cylinder with a left-swing star extractor and an ejector rod with a knurled tip and no shroud, consistent with period production.
Operation is double-action/single-action, supported by Colt’s Positive Lock internal safety. The controls retain classic Colt ergonomics, including a smooth, curved trigger and a checkered spur hammer.
Sighting is straightforward and durable: a fixed half-moon front blade paired with a fixed rear groove in the topstrap. Correct period details include the Colt address/patent legend on the barrel and the Rampant Colt rollmark on the frame, along with checkered black hard-rubber stocks with molded "COLT" oval.