Welcome to the Forum,shotandabeer.Now there is "handle" that brings up memories,not too many good,from my drinkin'days,that ended nearly 2 decades ago.Always liked the "depth charge",that is dropping the shot glass right into the mug of brew! Anyway,your gun was made in 1933,no doubt carefully assembled in the depths of the depression. Look inside,when the cylinder is open,under the barrel,where the Serial number is. If you see a "T" letter,the gun was factory targeted,by turning the barrel,a little "extra" that was done in that period. Yes,the prewar barrels only say .38,where as the post World War Two barrels have .38 Special,which is what the gun was chambered for.(During World War Two,some were made for the British in the shorter and fatter,but NOT interchangable .38 S&W or 38/200 cartridge.) While the Official Police is a strong gun(vs. the S&W M&Ps),the steel is old,so regular velocity .38 Specials,or target wadcutters,for regular use,and +P on a limited basis. Unless "messed with",the front sight will be the correct height for 158 gr. bullets in .38 Special. Speaking of front sights, I have 6" O.Police a couple of years older than yours,that has a special order(I think?) wider than normal front sight,it has no step in it from the barrel to the top,wonder if yours does too? This gun has the "T",and is the best fixed sighted shooter I have(and I got a few). Was using it Friday,with 900fps. handloads. With my hands,a grip adapter is a great help,but recoil is mild. Anyway,enjoy the Colt,it is a piece of history,an icon of a sadly lost era of U.S.industrial craftsmanship,and still a very effective,user friendly defense gun. Sorry for the lengthy post. Again,welcome,and feel free to ask questions. Bud
