Below is the authoritative serial number chronology for the (1927–1940s, and post-war). Note: The same serial number range was shared with the .38 S&W version until the mid-1920s.
| | Serial Number Range | Notes | |----------|-------------------------|------------| | 1946 | 350000 – 354999 | Post-war ramp-up. Short production run. | | 1947 | 355000 – 359999 | | | 1948 – 1950 | 360000 – 379999 | Gradual decline in production. | | 1951 – 1956 | 380000 – 449999 | Low output; many sold to foreign police. | | 1957 – 1969 | 450000 – 599999 | Late production. Now using the “J serial” prefix in some cases? (No – avoid confusion with S&W). | colt police positive 38 special serial numbers
The Police Positive has a smaller frame and was designed for standard pressure .38 Special loads (around 17,000 PSI). Modern .38 Special +P (20,000+ PSI) can accelerate wear, cause cylinder end-shake, or in rare cases, crack the frame. Stick to standard velocity lead round nose or wadcutter ammunition. Below is the authoritative serial number chronology for
It’s likely a . Before 1927, any Police Positive marked .38 Special was actually a custom order or a later re-chamber. Original .38 Special Police Positives only started in 1927. If your serial number is below 266,000 and says “.38 Special,” have a gunsmith verify the cylinder and frame integrity. Short production run