British Contract Official Police (38/200). I've found one. Now to purchase it.

[Checkman]

I have a line on a British contract Official Police. The serial number gives it a date of birth in 1941. It has the laynard ring, 5" barrel and is in pretty good condition both cosmetically and mechanically. Looks like I'm the only person interested in it. So now it's a waiting game. Hopefully it will be within my budget limitations. Obviously as things change I'll post updates here. For those who are interested. It's exciting just looking for the old Colt revolvers isn't it?

[mag318]

These are interesting revolvers and a piece of WWII history, hope you get it.

[1873Bob]

I also own one of those, 1941 vintage in excellent condition, serial number 677655 also carries the Woolwich Arsenal number 12510 on the butt. They are superbly accurate revolvers, I shoot mine frequently.
IMG_5465.jpg

[Checkman]

I also own one of those, 1941 vintage in excellent condition, serial number 677655 also carries the Woolwich Arsenal number 12510 on the butt. They are superbly accurate revolvers, I shoot mine frequently.
Attachment 19705

Yeah I couldn't believe it when I figured out what it was. Talk about dumb luck. So do you load your own or do you shoot the lighter factory load through yours?

[1873Bob]

Gday Checkman, I load my own using 357 sized 158g RNFP lead projectiles backed by either 2.8g of HP38 or 3.1g Universal. Both loads are equal in accuracy and my particular revolver shoots to the sights over 15 yards. Off a rest the 5 shots will go into an inch if I do my part correctly. I load them up in Starline brass. Believe the sights are regulated for the heavier projectiles up to 170g or so by what I have experienced. After the 200g British lead projectile was deemed against the Geneva convention I think the Brits changed to a jacketed projectile a bit over 170g in weight and longish round nose configuration. Would be interested to know what the arsenal number on the butt is when you get a chance.
Mine is Australian martially marked but I dont think it was ever issued as its in fine condition.

[Checkman]

Gday Checkman, I load my own using 357 sized 158g RNFP lead projectiles backed by either 2.8g of HP38 or 3.1g Universal. Both loads are equal in accuracy and my particular revolver shoots to the sights over 15 yards. Off a rest the 5 shots will go into an inch if I do my part correctly. I load them up in Starline brass. Believe the sights are regulated for the heavier projectiles up to 170g or so by what I have experienced. After the 200g British lead projectile was deemed against the Geneva convention I think the Brits changed to a jacketed projectile a bit over 170g in weight and longish round nose configuration. Would be interested to know what the arsenal number on the butt is when you get a chance.
Mine is Australian martially marked but I dont think it was ever issued as its in fine condition.

I hope to be able to look it over again in a few days. I'll let you know if possible.

[Walter Rego]

Here is one that shipped to the British Purchasing Commission in 1941 and was sent to Australia and issued in the 3rd Military District (Victoria). I have measured the cylinder throats with a pin gauge and they measure .359". Interestingly enough, my 1943 Official Police in .38 Special has throats that measure .360". You would think they would be the other way around.