| | Serial Number Range | Production Notes | |----------|-------------------------|----------------------| | 1927 | 266000 – 269999 | First year of .38 Special chambering. Small frame, 4" or 5" barrel. | | 1928 | 270000 – 277999 | Introduction of the “Positive” safety hammer block. | | 1929 | 278000 – 283999 | | | 1930 | 284000 – 288499 | | | 1931 | 288500 – 293999 | | | 1932 | 294000 – 296999 | | | 1933 | 297000 – 300999 | Very low production due to the Great Depression. | | 1934 | 301000 – 306999 | | | 1935 | 307000 – 310999 | | | 1936 | 311000 – 317999 | | | 1937 | 318000 – 324999 | | | 1938 | 325000 – 332999 | | | 1939 | 333000 – 339999 | | | 1940 | 340000 – 349999 | End of pre-war .38 Special production. |
Chambered for the .38 Colt New Police (equivalent to .38 S&W), which is shorter and less powerful than the .38 Special. These revolvers have a shorter frame and cylinder. colt police positive 38 special serial numbers
On most Colt revolvers of this era, the serial number is located in three primary spots: The Frame Crane: | | Serial Number Range | Production Notes
It may also be mirrored on the cylinder crane that swings out. The Grip Frame: | | 1929 | 278000 – 283999 |
chambered in .38 Special requires a clear understanding of the model's lineage. While often confused, the standard "Police Positive" was primarily built for the .38 S&W (Colt New Police) cartridge, while the Police Positive Special