COP GUNS

[Triplelock]

I want to start what I hope to be a continuing thread. I will post a particular double action revolver that has been a police belt carry weapon and perhaps expound on it, such as what police agency used it
and perhaps why. I'd like to keep to double action revolvers exclusively.

It would be easy to start with the ubiquitous S&W Military & Police/ model 10/model 13. This police standard was used in so many guises such as barrel length, calibres, finishes, including stainless as well as square or round butt and double action only, that it could be a thread in itself.


Instead I will start with the Colt New Service. This famed behemouth revolver earned it's reputation with the Canadian Mounted Police, the
New York State Police, the Border Patrol and I understand the Texas Highway Patrol.

There were probably many other police departments who also chose the New Service - for there was an intimidation factor ascribed to such a large revolver.

This particular New Service was never a law enforcement weapon, it was actually a RAF pilot or aircrewman's sidearm during WW-2. It was originally in 455 Eley, but I had it chambered for 45 Colt.

If you know of a police department that issued a specific revolver or specified a calibre, or a custom built revolver for their department, how about checking in and letting the rest of us know about it. . .As always pictures appreciated, but not required.

Hank

[Hunter]

Well here are a few M&Ps from a NYC cop, he purchased them brand new in 1954 and carried them through out his career. My brother and I was supposed to get them from his son. I will not go into details here, but the were both destroyed, broke my heart.

[Geoff40]

This Model 66-1 in it's original box was the on duty sidearm of a NH State Police trooper back in it's day. It has a polished action, NHSP stamped in to the frame on the left side just below the cylinder, and it's most unusual feature is this factory lanyard loop, a special order request by this now retired trooper. I purchased 2 of his duty guns, the other being a 686 no dash 4".
Great thread subject, I hope to see plenty more guns. I would love to see one of those prewar M&Ps issued to the NY State Dept of Conservation, so marked on the back strap.

[scaatylobo258]

I came on the job 4/5/1982 and was given a slightly worn heavy barrel model 10,I shot thousands of rounds through it at the academy [ approx 2500 ] and then carried it for a few more years [ and THOUSANDS more rounds ] before buying an 'L' frame for duty use .I was allowed to buy the HB S&W 10 and still use it as a house gun,still shoots better than I can !.Sorry but still working on the pic posting.

[Triplelock]

Scaatylobo 258: Did your department have general orders on the type 38 special ammo for duty, or any restictions on same?

Early on, except reloads, if it was 38 special you could stuff it in your cylinder. Some of the informed guys carried Super Vels, department issue was standard round nose lead.

Later, when the FBI +P, 158 grain lead hollowpoints became available, this was all the general orders permitted, even if carrying a 357 magnum; I carried a 4 inch 686. - That placed the rule sometime after 1980.

Hank

[Triplelock]

The Colt I'm posting today is a true police veteran. It is a Colt Trooper in 38 Special. It has a very worn nickel finnish and rather shabby Pachmyer grips. The former owner had attached a trigger shoe.

The man who owned this Trooper was a life long lawman. He had started his policing in the most northwestern County in Pennsylvania
back when Dillinger was still on the loose.

I knew him when he was in his 80's, still very active and running his own security company. He had retired from the Broward County (Fort Lauderdale, FL) Sheriff's Office as a detective.

He was providing security for our aircraft and would usually stop in my office and regale me with some of his law enforcement escapades, which I wish I had written down, or recorded some, as he was humerous. One day he walked in and gave me his Colt, said he didn't have anybody to leave it too and wanted me to have it. . .Don't judge it by it's appearance, it is very accurate.

[carl418]

Here's a cop gun with an unusual story behind it. This Model 15-3 belonged to the GBI (Georgia Bureau of Investigation) in the early '70s. It started out as a snub but had the longer barrel put on by the GBI's armorer so it could be used in competition shooting. There were 5 of these guns made up for that purpose. In those days, the GBI had some agents who formed a competitive shooting team. I've been told they were pretty good, too.

I sure wish I could find the other four revolvers..

Bottom pic is of the GBI markings on the left side of the frame, below the cylinder. And, yes.. it's a very sweet shooter.

ps: sorry to all who already know this story. I almost didn't post since most of you have seen this before.

[f150guy]

Carl... I could never see that baby too much! A great story that you should be proud to own a piece of! I think I know someone who used to live there too, but for the life of me can't figure out who!!!

[azmick]

Carl, you get tired of talking/showing pictures of the beat up ole 38, there is a spot around here it could hang out in
My brother {Phoenix PD} still kicks himself for not buying his Model 64 for $100 when they went to Glocks

[Gizamo]

Another Colt.

Belonged to a Chief of Police in Western Mass...



giz