The Colt Police Positive: Death Wish’s Deadly .32 Caliber Icon

Few firearms in cinema history are as iconic as the Colt Police Positive revolver wielded by Charles Bronson in Death Wish (1974). This cult classic thriller, based on Brian Garfield’s novel, follows Paul Kersey, a mild-mannered architect turned vigilante after his wife is murdered and his daughter is brutally assaulted. His weapon—a nickel-plated Colt Police Positive in .32 caliber—becomes an extension of his rage, dispensing brutal justice to New York City’s criminal underworld.

For gun enthusiasts and fans of classic action cinema, the Colt Police Positive represents an interesting piece of firearms history. Let’s examine its role in the film, its real-world significance, and why it remains a topic of discussion among collectors and shooters.

The Colt Police Positive: A Classic Revolver

Introduced in 1907, the Colt Police Positive was a compact, double-action revolver designed for law enforcement and civilian carry. It was an evolution of Colt’s earlier “Police Positive Special,” but with a shorter frame and chambered for smaller cartridges. The Police Positive was available in several calibers, including:

• .32 Colt New Police (identical to .32 S&W Long, but named differently to avoid stamping a competitor’s name)

• .32-20 Winchester (a rifle cartridge adapted for revolvers)

• .32 Long Colt (an older, less powerful round)

The revolver featured a 4-inch barrel in most configurations, making it well-balanced for both concealment and accuracy. Its sleek design, smooth trigger pull, and reliability made it a favorite among police officers, detectives, and civilians in the early 20th century.

The Death Wish Connection: Kersey’s Vigilante Sidearm

In Death Wish, Paul Kersey receives his Colt Police Positive as a gift from Ames Jainchill (played by Stuart Margolin), a client impressed by Kersey’s wartime marksmanship. The revolver becomes Kersey’s tool of vengeance, used to dispatch ten criminals throughout the film—each shot with lethal precision.

Chambering Debate: .32 Long Colt or .32-20?

The film repeatedly refers to the revolver as a .32 caliber, but the exact cartridge is never specified. This has led to debate among firearms enthusiasts:

1. .32 Long Colt Argument

   • The cylinder appears too short to be a .32-20, which requires a longer cylinder (comparable to a .38 Special).

   • The .32 Long Colt was once widely used, even by the NYPD under Commissioner Theodore Roosevelt.

   • Despite being underpowered by modern standards, it was still lethal at close range—consistent with Kersey’s point-blank shootings.

1. .32-20 Winchester Argument

   • Some argue that the revolver’s depicted stopping power suggests the more potent .32-20.

   • However, the film’s revolver clearly has a smaller frame, making this unlikely.

Given the visual evidence, the .32 Long Colt is the most plausible chambering for Kersey’s revolver.

The Colt Police Positive’s Legacy

While the .32 Long Colt faded into obscurity, the Colt Police Positive remains a collector’s piece. Its sleek design and historical significance—especially its ties to early law enforcement—make it a fascinating firearm for enthusiasts.

For those interested in owning a classic revolver or any firearm, proper training and legal compliance are essential. If you’re in the market for a handgun or want to experience shooting one firsthand, visit Keystone Shooting Center for expert guidance and a premium selection of firearms.

Whether you’re a fan of Death Wish, a Colt collector, or simply a firearms enthusiast, the Police Positive stands as a testament to an era when revolvers ruled the streets—both in reality and on the silver screen.