Police Positive = small frame ('D' frame-ish)
Official Police = medium frame (E frame)

In 'modern' terms, PP is same approx frame size as a Diamondback, OP is same frame size as Python.

 

When you hold them, you will quickly tell the Police Positive is a much smaller gun. It's basically the size of a pocket pistol, and many were carried in pockets.

 

+1 to both replies. That's the "Cliff Notes" version and as short and sweet as it gets. Enjoy BOTH, if you can.

 

Whats the difference?
About 12 ounces. 3/4 pound.

Jim C

 

THANK YOU for the replies, been reading up this morning and well, dammit, now I've got the bug for both. LOTS of good examples out there at reasonable prices, now that Pythons, Lawman and Trooper revolvers are out of sight...
Have a great weekend Gents. H.

 

The Official Police at its core is essentially a Python without the finish, ventilated barrel or overall panache, but all the same tuning techniques apply to make its action as butter smooth as a Python.

The Police Positive series (several generations) all have their own level of neat revolvers. As with the OP and the Python...the Police Positives can become a Diamondback in all but appearance.

 

Keep in mind that there were three different fixed-sight revolvers that are now commonly, and often incorrectly, referred to as "Police Positives."

There was the small .32 Police Positive, on the ".32 size frame," the .38 Police Positive, on the larger ".38 frame" and the Police Positive Special, also on the .38 frame but lengthened to accept longer cartridges such as .38 Special and .32-20.

There were also two different grip frame contours, at first narrow, commonly seen with the hard rubber stocks, and later wide, with checked walnut stocks. The change occurred around 1927, give or take.

Only the Police Positive Special remained following WWII, and when it was updated in the 1970s with a shrouded barrel, Colt's dropped the "Special" from the name, calling it simply the Police Positive.

The Official Police, the successor to the Army Special, was built on the ".41 frame," meaning that it could accommodate a cylinder large enough in diameter to accept .41 caliber cartridges, as opposed to the smaller .32 and .38 size frames.

 

Ok well I couldn't decide which one to get so, of course, I got one of each. 1919 Police Positive Special off GB, looks reblued and a 1955 Official Police here off the forum classifieds from Pappy1600. Both 4", the Police Positive is marked PPD No.45 on the butt, reportedly Philly PD. I am really looking forward to having them. This might turn into something. When I first got interested in Colt 1911's before I knew it I had four of them.
Pics fortbcoming upon receipt. H

 

Sounds like you're off to a good start.

Just remember what I mentioned in my earlier post about nomenclature. You have just referred to one of your purchases as a Police Positive Special AND a Police Positive - two different models, both of which had serial number series starting at "1" and going up. It makes a difference when researching manufacture dates.

Look forward to the pictures.

 

Yep you noticed that I'm learning! The Police Positive version I'm trading for is marked Special alright. I'll do my best to not just call it a Police Positive for short.
The Official Police I'm buying is a round butt version. These revolvers are plentiful and affordable when compared to Pythons, SAA's etc.
I enjoy reading up on them and appreciate your input. H

 

MtnSpur if you find those grips I'd love an opportunity to buy a set!