Offical Police .38
Posted Jun 14, 2023
The Official Police .38, a recognizable silver and black revolver with a black checkered-wood grip, has been used by law enforcement officers in the United States of America for the past hundred and ten years. Carried by police officers since 1908, the Official Police .38 is still respected as a reliable, sturdy, and dependable firearm for police work. Although semi-automatic pistols are now the firearm of choice for police officers, the Official Police .38 remains a dependable backup when a situation requires the use of a revolver.
When considering a handgun for personal protection, or search and seizure law enforcement uses, the Official Police .38 is a robust and dependable choice that has stood the test of time. While handguns have come a long way since 1908, the Official Police .38 remains a reliable and safe choice for today’s law enforcement officers.
History
In 1908, Smith & Wesson introduced the .38 Smith & Wesson Military and Police (M&P) caliber revolver. The M&P was designed to fire the .38 Special bullet and was used extensively by police and military forces across the United States and abroad. To meet increased demand for a larger variety of handguns for law enforcement use, Colt introduced their Official Police firearm in 1927. Colt’s version of the M&P differed from Smith & Wesson’s M&P in a few ways, the most notable being the use of a shorter barrel and a solid top rib on the barrel instead of a ventilated rib.
Manufacturing and Materials
The Official Police .38 is made from a combination of steel, aluminum, and plastic components. The cylinder, frame, and barrel are all made from forged steel, and the trigger guard, hammer, and grip frame are made from aluminum alloy. The grip panels are made from a checkered-wood material, and the base pin is made from solid plastic.
Dimensions
The Official Police .38 has a total length of 10.38 inches and a barrel length of 4 inches. The revolver is 1.37 inches in width, and the trigger pull is 4.25 pounds. The Official Police .38 has a capacity of six rounds of .38 Special ammunition.
Design
The Official Police .38 is designed to function with minimal maintenance. Its barrel has been honed to a smooth bore, and the cylinder and frame are heavily blued for corrosion protection. At the base of the frame, there are two retractable pins which act as ejectors. The single action trigger has the standard smooth and wide curve which is designed to reduce finger fatigue when firing, and the grip panels are pre-drilled for a beavertail grip safety.
The Official Police .38 is a single action double-action revolver. This means that it can be fired with the hammer cocked, or with the hammer uncocked. When the hammer is cocked, the trigger must only be pulled halfway in order to fire the weapon. When the hammer is uncocked, the trigger must be pulled all the way in to fire the weapon. This design is meant to help keep the shooter’s finger off the trigger until they are ready to fire the weapon.
Shooting Performance
The Official Police .38 is a dependable and accurate revolver for self-defense or target shooting. The revolver is designed so that it can be fired quickly and accurately, with good muzzle velocity and a manageable recoil. The revolver is accurate up to twenty-five yards, but due to its short barrel length, it should not be used for long range shooting.
Reliability
The Official Police .38 is a reliable revolver. The revolver can reliably fire six rounds before needing to be reloaded. The Official Police .38 is designed to fire .38 Special ammunition, which is a fairly versatile round and can be used for self-defense, target shooting, and even hunting. The revolver, when maintained properly, can last for decades with frequent use.
Safety
The Official Police .38 is designed with several safety features. The trigger guard prevents accidental discharges, and the beavertail grip safety requires the user to have their hands firmly on the grip before the trigger can be pulled. The manual safety lever, located on the left side of the frame, prevents the revolver from being fired without the safety lever being disengaged.
CONCLUSION
The Official Police .38 is a dependable revolver for self-defense or police work. It is accurate, reliable, and durable, and its construction and design remain superior to other revolvers despite its age. While semi-automatic pistols are now the firearm of choice for most police officers, the Official Police .38 remains a superior firearm for law enforcement backup and for civilian self-defense.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
• The .38 is a reliable and accurate revolver that is well known and trusted by police officers.
• Easy to maintain and clean.
• The .38 is typically lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry and conceal if necessary.
• Ammo is widely available and inexpensive.
• It has more stopping power than smaller calibers, making it ideal for self-defense.
Cons:
• Some consider the .38 to be underpowered for police work, and more powerful calibers such as the .357 or the .45 are preferred.
• It has a heavy revolver trigger pull, making it difficult for some officers to shoot quickly and accurately under stress.
• It has a lower capacity than semi-automatic handguns and requires frequent reloading.
• Its accuracy and range are limited, making it more suitable for close-range combat.
• The .38 has more felt recoil than other handgun calibers, meaning that it may be more difficult for novice shooters to handle.
Who Should Buy
Anyone who is licensed to do so should buy an Official Police .38. Those without the license or necessary training should not buy such a weapon.
Comparisons
| Colt Official Police 38 | Smith & Wesson 686-4 | Smith & Wesson Model 57 | Smith & Wesson 360PD Airlite | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .38 Special | .357 Magnum | .41 Magnum | .357 Magnum |
| Weight | 29oz | 43.5oz | 45.4oz | 13.3oz |
| Barrel | 4" | 6" | 8 ⅜" | 1 7/8" |
| Sights | Fixed | Adjustable rear | Fixed | Fixed |
Features / Specs
•Caliber: .38 Special
•Action: Double Action (including hammerless)
•Barrel Length: 4, 4.5, 5, and 6-inch Barrels
•Capacity: 6 Rounds
•Weight: 33.5 Ounces (with 6-inch barrel)
•Construction: High-Polish Blue Steel Frame, Barrel, and Cylinder
•Grips: Checkered Wood Grips
Popular Accessories
Specials?
Popular accessories for the Official Police .38 Special include:
- Replacement grips
- Speed loaders
- Aftermarket barrels
- Triggers
- Flashlights and laser sights
- Scope sights
- Recoil reducers
- Holsters and slings
Accuracy
The Offical Police .38 revolver is known for its accuracy when shooting. It is a well-balanced gun with a strong single-action pull that ensures consistent shooting and accurate aim. Its accuracy is further enhanced by its grooved front and rear sights, which are designed to focus on the target quickly and precisely. With proper maintenance and firing technique, the Offical Police .38 has an excellent record of consistently accurate shot placement. Furthermore, this handgun is shooter friendly and has some of the best single-action trigger pull in the industry. It is a reliable and accurate sidearm that can be relied upon when the situation calls for it.
