As a result of the .38 Spl. cartridges’ popularity, the revolver market began to shift away from the older .32 New Police cartridge, which the Colt Detective Special was also chambered for in ...

Chamberings included .32-20 WCF and .38 Spl. These were named the Police Positive Special. Colt’s D-frame was further beefed up in 1928, and they began serrating the topstrap to reduce glare.