Colt Bankers Special

The Bankers Special was created from the Police Positive frame because bank and government employees needed a small and dependable 2" revolver. These 2" revolvers are very accurate up to 20 yards.

In 1928 Colt introduced the Bankers Special in .38 New Police caliber. Production ended in 1943. Total production was approximately 35,000.

All Bankers Specials were produced in 2" barrels. All were produced with half moon front sights. None were produced with the "ramped" front sight. Triggers were checked throughout production. All stocks were checkered walnut, although ivory and pearl grips were available on special order.

The .38 started out as a square butt revolver but changed over to round butt only in 1934. The 38 cylinder length is 1 1/4" as compared to the 1 5/8" cylinder length of the Detective Special. No Bankers Specials were produced in the longer 38 S&W round with the 1 5/8" cylinder. The Bankers Special fires the .38 NP round, therefore the shorter cylinder. Blue was the common finish. Nickel was offered throughout production but seldom seen. Throughout production, only a couple specimens have turned up in the Fitz configuration. Beware of fakes as anyone can chop the trigger guard.

In 1933, the .22 caliber was introduced. Production of the .22 cal continued through 1934. None produced in 1935. Almost all .22 cal were produced in 1934, very few in 1933. All 22's were produced in round butt only. Only 6 specimens have been uncovered in the nickel finish. The end label on the purple box has "22" taped over top of the 38.

Production began in 1928 through 1943 and 35,000 were produced.

Calibers: 38 New Police (the shorter 38 round) and .22lr

Barrel Lengths: 2" only

Finishes: Blue and Nickel

Grips: Walnut (std); Ivory and Pearl for additional cost.

Butt: square butt through 1933, round butt after 1933

Sights: half moon front sight; notched from rear sight.

Serial Numbers

Photographs

Values