A Colt 38 Police Special revolver currently costs between $315 and $1,250 depending on the exact model, condition, and collector demand. Standard used models with typical holster wear generally sell for $315 to $500 on the secondary market. If you are looking for a pristine or new in box vintage model, prices quickly jump to between $900 and $1,250. The specific price varies heavily depending on whether it is an Official Police or Police Positive Special, the barrel length, the factory finish, and its historical significance. Because these firearms are no longer manufactured, you will only find them priced according to current collector and used market valuations.
Colt 38 Police Special Price
| Colt Model | Caliber | Barrel Length | Finish | MSRP | Current Retail Price |
| Police Positive Special | .38 Special | 4″ | Blued | Discontinued | $315 to $480 |
| Official Police | .38 Special | 5″ | Blued | Discontinued | $330 to $500 |
| Official Police | .38 Special | 6″ | Blued | Discontinued | $325 to $595 |
| Police Positive Special | .38 Special | 4″ | Nickel | Discontinued | $925 to $1,250 |
| Official Police (Pristine) | .38 Special | 6″ | Blued | Discontinued | $900 to $1,150 |
Explaining The Table
Based on live dealer and auction listings, the lowest current price found for a Colt 38 Police Special is around $315 for a well worn Police Positive Special.The highest current retail price observed in standard configurations is $1,250 for a pristine, new in box Police Positive Special featuring a factory nickel finish.
The typical retail price for an average, functional model with standard holster wear sits comfortably between $350 and $450. When comparing MSRP to the current retail price, it is important to note that these revolvers are long out of production, meaning there is no active factory MSRP. Buyers are entirely at the mercy of the collector market.
Different models cost vastly different amounts mostly due to condition and rarity. Standard blued models with visible wear are cheap because hundreds of thousands were produced for law enforcement. Configurations featuring rare nickel plating, original factory boxes, or documentation proving they belonged to historical law enforcement agencies are generally the most expensive options.
How Much Does A Colt 38 Police Special Cost?
For a functional, shooter grade Colt 38 Police Special, expect to spend an absolute minimum of $315 to $350. If you want a model that retains most of its original bluing and features undamaged factory grips, the entry point jumps to around $500 to $700. For collectors seeking “safe queen” firearms that appear untouched since leaving the factory, retail costs run in the $900 to $1,250 range.
Colt 38 Police Special Price By Model
The term “Colt 38 Police Special” generally refers to two distinct but closely related double action revolvers, each carrying slightly different market values:
- Colt Police Positive Special: Designed on a slightly smaller frame, this was a favorite for plainclothes officers and detectives. Standard shooter grade models typically retail from $315 to $480.
- Colt Official Police: Built on a larger, heavier frame designed for uniformed duty carry. These are incredibly robust and generally retail between $325 and $595 depending on wear.
Colt 38 Police Special Price By Barrel Length
Barrel length has a noticeable impact on the price, primarily driven by rarity and collector demand:
- 4 Inch Barrels: The most common length for law enforcement issue. Because they are plentiful, they represent the most affordable price bracket, usually ranging from $315 to $450 in standard condition.
- 5 Inch Barrels: Slightly less common than the 4 inch variants. They sometimes carry a minor premium, typically selling for $330 to $500.
- 6 Inch Barrels: Popular for target shooting and rural law enforcement. These can command higher prices from target shooters, often ranging from $325 to $595.
Colt 38 Police Special MSRP vs Retail Price
Because the original Police Positive Special and Official Police revolvers were discontinued decades ago, they do not have a modern MSRP. Their original retail prices from the mid twentieth century (often under $50) have no bearing on today’s market. Today, the “retail price” is entirely dictated by the used and collector markets, meaning prices fluctuate based on condition, rarity, and buyer demand rather than a manufacturer’s price sheet. If you want a modern equivalent with an active MSRP, the newly manufactured Colt Cobra .38 Special carries an MSRP of $799.
Why Is The Colt 38 Police Special Highly Valued?
These revolvers are valued for their incredible hand fitted craftsmanship. Unlike modern revolvers that rely on CNC machining and drop in parts, classic Colt revolvers were hand polished and timed by master gunsmiths using the famous “V spring” action. This action provides a uniquely smooth trigger pull that modern mass produced revolvers struggle to replicate. Additionally, they carry immense historical value, having served as the primary sidearm for countless American police departments from the 1920s through the 1960s.
Model Comparison
Comparing the two main models showcases the stark difference that frame size makes:
- Police Positive Special: Smaller “D” frame, lighter weight, favored for concealed or detective carry. Current Price: ~$315 to $480. Main difference: Easier to carry, slightly snappier recoil.
- Official Police: Medium “E” or “I” frame, heavier, built for standard uniformed duty belts. Current Price: ~$325 to $595. Main difference: Heavier frame absorbs recoil better, more durable over high round counts.
Used Colt 38 Police Special Price
Because these firearms are out of production, every single purchase is on the used market. Their value is directly tied to how well they were preserved by previous owners.
| Condition | Typical Price Range | Notes |
| Used, Fair to Good | $315 to $450 | Noticeable holster wear, standard blued finish |
| Used, Excellent | $500 to $850 | Very little wear, tight lockup, pristine grips |
| New in Box (Vintage) | $900 to $1,250 | Original factory box, unfired or barely fired condition |
| Historically Significant | $2,000+ | Provenance tied to specific police departments or figures |
Note: Used market figures are market observations based on recently sold auction listings.
Colt 38 Police Special Price Compared With Other Classic Revolvers
How does a vintage Colt police revolver compare to its historical rivals on the modern used market?
| Firearm | Caliber | Typical Current Price | Price Difference |
| Colt Official Police | .38 Special | $330 to $500 | N/A |
| Smith & Wesson Model 10 | .38 Special | $350 to $550 | Priced almost identically |
| Colt Police Positive Special | .38 Special | $315 to $480 | Priced almost identically |
| Modern Colt Cobra | .38 Special | $730 to $800 | Modern Colt is roughly $230 to $470 more expensive |
What Affects The Price?
Several crucial factors influence how much a vintage Colt 38 Police Special will cost:
- Original Finish: Blued models with heavy wear are the cheapest. Factory nickel plated models or blued models with 95 percent or more of their original finish command massive premiums.
- Mechanical Condition: A revolver with perfect timing and a tight cylinder lockup will cost significantly more than one with mechanical play or timing issues.
- Original Accessories: The presence of the original cardboard factory box and paperwork can easily add $200 to $400 to the total price.
- Provenance: Firearms stamped with specific police department initials (such as NYPD or RHKP for Royal Hong Kong Police) attract collectors and drive up auction bids.
Colt 38 Police Special Price Pros
- Exceptional Workmanship: You are getting a hand fitted, forged steel revolver from the golden age of American gunsmithing for less than the price of a modern polymer pistol.
- Appreciating Value: Because they are no longer made, they rarely lose value. If you maintain the firearm, you can almost always sell it for what you paid, or more.
- Smooth Actions: The classic Colt V spring action provides one of the best double action trigger pulls available in the revolver world.
Colt 38 Police Special Price Cons
- Expensive Repairs: If the complex internal timing gets thrown off, finding a gunsmith qualified to work on vintage Colt actions is both difficult and highly expensive.
- Not Rated for Modern +P Ammo: Because of the older metallurgy, many of these revolvers should only be fired with standard pressure .38 Special ammunition to avoid stretching the frame.
- No Factory Warranty: Being vintage, you have zero manufacturer support if a part breaks, forcing you to hunt down expensive replacement parts on auction sites.
Colt 38 Police Special Price: How Much Does It Cost?
A Colt 38 Police Special costs between $315 and $1,250 depending entirely on the specific model, condition, and remaining factory finish.
The typical price for a reliable, shooter grade model sits firmly between $350 and $450. The lowest researched price for an entry level model exhibiting heavy wear is $315. The highest researched price for a pristine, factory new vintage model is $1,250. Because they are out of production, there is no active MSRP, meaning every purchase is a reflection of the current collector market. If you are shopping for a piece of history, buying a functionally sound but cosmetically worn model provides the best overall value.
FAQs
How much does a Colt 38 Police Special cost?
A vintage Colt 38 Police Special typically costs between $315 for well worn models and $1,250 for pristine collector examples.
How much is a Colt Official Police 38 Special?
Most standard shooter grade Colt Official Police revolvers retail for around $330 to $500.
What is the price of a Colt Police Positive Special?
Current retail prices for the Police Positive Special generally range from $315 to $480 for standard used conditions.
How much does a pristine Colt 38 Police Special cost?
If you find a model that is new in its original box or retains 99 percent of its original finish, expect to pay between $900 and $1,250.
What is the MSRP of a Colt 38 Police Special?
There is no active MSRP because these firearms have been discontinued for decades. Their value is entirely dictated by the used and collector markets.
Why is the Colt 38 Police Special highly valued?
They feature complex, hand fitted V spring actions and represent an era of high quality American manufacturing that cannot be replicated today without massive custom shop fees.
Is the Colt 38 Police Special worth the price?
It is highly worth the price for collectors and those who appreciate fine mechanical craftsmanship, but modern polymer pistols are better suited for practical daily defense.
Does barrel length affect the Colt 38 Police Special price?
Yes. While 4 inch barrels are the most common and often the most affordable, specialized 5 inch or 6 inch target models can sometimes command a slight premium.
What is the cheapest Colt 38 Police Special?
The cheapest models are heavily carried police surplus variants that exhibit significant bluing loss and holster wear, often selling near $315.
What is the most expensive Colt 38 Police Special?
Models with factory nickel finishes, unfired new in box models, or revolvers with documented historical ties to famous law enforcement agencies are the most expensive.
Can I shoot modern ammo in a Colt 38 Police Special?
It is highly recommended to stick to standard pressure .38 Special ammunition. Firing modern +P overpressure rounds can cause excessive wear or damage to the vintage frames and timing components.
How does the Colt 38 Police Special price compare with a Smith & Wesson Model 10?
They are priced almost identically on the used market, with both classic revolvers typically fetching between $350 and $550 depending on their condition.