Colt Bankers Special

Colt Bankers Special revolver in .38 Special: specs, history, ammo and Colorado legal notes from the CO Boots gun library. Want hands-on time with a firearm like the Colt Bankers Special? Our certified instructors cover safe handling, operation and marksmanship in every firearms training class.

Library IDGT-081
ManufacturerColt's Manufacturing Company
TypeRevolver
Caliber.38 Special
ActionRevolver
Barrel Length2 inches
Country of OriginUnited States
Year of Production1927
Production StatusDiscontinued
Typical UsersCivilians, Law Enforcement
Rating4.2

Colt Bankers Special: Technical Specifications

The Colt Bankers Special is a compact revolver produced by Colt's Manufacturing Company from 1926 to 1995, primarily designed for personal protection and concealed carry.

Caliber: It is chambered in .38 Special, providing a balance of manageable recoil and effective stopping power.

Barrel Length: The Bankers Special typically features a 2-inch barrel, ideal for concealment while maintaining accuracy for defensive use.

Weight: The revolver weighs approximately 20 ounces, making it lightweight and easy to carry.

Material: The frame is made of steel, often with blued finish options, providing durability and a classic aesthetic. Some models feature an alloy frame for reduced weight.

Unique Engineering Aspects: The Bankers Special is known for its smooth double-action trigger and a solid, reliable design. It includes a five-round cylinder and is often equipped with a fixed front sight and a rear notch for quick targeting. Its compact size and robust construction make it a favored choice for those seeking a reliable backup firearm.

Colt Bankers Special: Performance Characteristics

The Colt Bankers Special is a compact revolver designed primarily for concealed carry and personal protection. Chambered in .38 Special, it features a 2-inch barrel, enhancing its portability while maintaining reasonable accuracy for close-range engagements.

Accuracy: The short barrel limits precision at extended ranges, but it is accurate within typical self-defense distances (7-15 yards). The fixed sights are adequate for quick aim.

Reliability: Known for its robust construction, the Bankers Special is highly reliable, able to handle various .38 Special loads, including +P ammunition.

Handling: The revolver has a smooth double-action trigger pull, facilitating quick shots. Its compact size and weight (approximately 20 ounces) make it easy to carry and draw.

Rate of Fire: While the double-action mechanism allows for rapid firing, the revolver's design limits it to six shots before reloading.

Overall, the Colt Bankers Special is favored for its reliability and ease of use, making it a solid choice for personal defense.

Colt Bankers Special: Design Features

The Colt Bankers Special is a compact revolver designed primarily for concealed carry and personal defense. Its ergonomic features include a lightweight frame, typically made of aluminum or steel, and a smooth, rounded grip that allows for easy handling and a comfortable fit in the hand. The revolver has a 2-inch barrel, enhancing concealability.

Safety mechanisms include a transfer bar that prevents accidental discharge if the trigger is not pulled fully, and a hammer design that can be safely carried with all chambers loaded. Aesthetic design elements include classic Colt lines, a polished finish, and often checkered grips, which add both grip and visual appeal.

Innovative features of the Bankers Special include its double-action/single-action operation, allowing for both a smooth trigger pull and rapid firing. Its compact size and lightweight construction make it an appealing choice for those seeking a reliable, easily concealable firearm. Overall, the Bankers Special combines functionality with a timeless design.

Colt Bankers Special: Historical Context

The Colt Bankers Special, introduced in 1926, emerged from the demand for a compact, reliable revolver suitable for personal protection, particularly among bank tellers and other professionals. This double-action revolver was part of Colt's "Special" series, designed for concealed carry and chambered primarily in .38 Special.

The Bankers Special featured a 2-inch barrel and a distinctive round butt, enhancing its concealability. Its development marked a shift towards smaller, more manageable sidearms, reflecting societal needs during the Prohibition era when crime rates surged.

Though not as widely used in military conflicts, the Bankers Special found favor among law enforcement and civilians, embodying the shift towards personal defense firearms. Its design influenced later compact revolvers, setting a precedent for similar models that prioritized ease of carry and accessibility. The Colt Bankers Special remains a notable example of early 20th-century firearm innovation, merging practicality with Colt's craftsmanship.

Colt Bankers Special: User Experience

The Colt Bankers Special, a compact revolver designed for concealed carry, is often praised for its comfortable grip and lightweight design, making it easy to handle and carry. Users appreciate its smooth trigger pull, which contributes to accuracy, particularly for a small-frame revolver. The gun's reliability is frequently highlighted, as it is built to withstand regular use, showcasing Colt's reputation for durability.

However, some users report that the small grip can be uncomfortable for those with larger hands, leading to issues with control during rapid firing. Additionally, the limited capacity (typically five rounds) can be a concern for those seeking higher firepower. Some feedback mentions that the fixed sights can be less than ideal for precise aiming at longer distances. Overall, while the Colt Bankers Special is well-regarded for its intended purpose, it may not suit everyone’s ergonomic preferences.

Colt Bankers Special: Ammunition Information

The Colt Bankers Special is a revolver chambered primarily in .38 Special, a versatile caliber renowned for its balance of power and manageable recoil, making it suitable for personal defense and law enforcement. The revolver typically features a 2-inch barrel and is designed for use with standard .38 Special cartridges, including both full metal jacket (FMJ) and hollow point (HP) projectiles.

While .38 Special is the standard, the Colt Bankers Special can also safely fire .38 Special +P ammunition, which provides higher pressure and therefore increased velocity and stopping power; however, users should ensure their specific model can handle +P loads.

Compatibility with other brands exists, as many manufacturers, including Remington, Winchester, and Federal, offer .38 Special cartridges. For optimal performance, high-quality hollow point ammunition, such as Federal HST or Speer Gold Dot, is recommended, as these rounds enhance stopping power while minimizing over-penetration risks. Always consult the manufacturer's guidelines before selecting ammunition for any firearm.

Colt Bankers Special: Usage Tips and Best Practices

The Colt Bankers Special, a compact revolver, is designed for easy concealment and reliable performance. Here are some usage tips and best practices:

Cleaning & Maintenance:
1. Disassembly: Carefully remove the cylinder. Always ensure the firearm is unloaded before cleaning.
2. Cleaning: Use a bore snake or cleaning rod with a brush and patches to clean the barrel. Apply solvent to remove fouling.
3. Lubrication: Lightly oil moving parts, focusing on the cylinder lock and crane. Avoid over-lubrication to prevent attracting dirt.
4. Storage: Store in a cool, dry place, using a gun sock or case to protect from moisture.

Shooting Tips:
1. Grip: Maintain a firm grip while ensuring your trigger finger is outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot.
2. Stance: Adopt a stable shooting stance, and practice double-action shooting to improve accuracy due to the revolver's design.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:
1. Neglecting Maintenance: Regular cleaning prevents malfunctions.
2. Overlooking Dry Fire Practice: Practice trigger control and sight alignment without live ammo.
3. Ignoring Safety: Al

Legal Considerations in Colorado

The Colt Bankers Special is a revolver produced by Colt from the 1920s to the 1940s, primarily for civilian use. It is a .38 Special revolver, classified as a handgun in the U.S. Under federal law, it is legal for civilians to own, but state and local regulations vary significantly. Some states require permits, while others have restrictions on magazine capacity or specific features.

Military use of the Bankers Special is rare, as it was designed for civilian markets. Notable legal cases involving this model are limited, but it has been referenced in discussions about concealed carry laws and self-defense cases.

Always check specific state regulations, as states like California and New York have stricter laws regarding handgun ownership. The Bankers Special is considered a collector's item today, and its legal status may be influenced by laws regarding antique firearms in certain jurisdictions.

Colt Bankers Special: Reviews and Ratings

User reviews for the Colt Bankers Special generally highlight several recurring themes.

Reliability: Many reviewers praise its dependability, noting that it functions well under various conditions. Users often mention that it has never jammed or misfired, which is critical for a defensive firearm.

Accuracy: Feedback on accuracy tends to be positive, with users appreciating its precision at close ranges. However, some mention that it may require practice to achieve optimal performance, especially for those unfamiliar with revolvers.

Customer Service: Experiences with customer service are mixed. While some praise Colt for responsive and helpful support, others express frustration over wait times and difficulty in obtaining parts or service.

Overall Satisfaction: The general sentiment is favorable, with many users feeling satisfied with their purchase. The Colt Bankers Special is often described as a classic, compact revolver that combines style and functionality, making it a favored choice for concealed carry.

Colt Bankers Special: Appearances in Media

The Colt Bankers Special, a snub-nosed revolver, has appeared in various movies, TV shows, and video games. Here’s a brief list of notable appearances:

Movies:
1. "The Departed" (2006) - Used by characters in the film.
2. "The Dark Knight" (2008) - Featured as part of the character's firearm collection.
3. "In the Line of Fire" (1993) - Used by a key character.

TV Shows:
1. "The Sopranos" - Seen in various episodes as part of the mob-related narrative.
2. "Justified" - Characters use a variety of firearms, including the Colt Bankers Special.

Video Games:
1. "Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne" - The firearm is featured and can be used by the player.
2. "L.A. Noire" - Various period-appropriate firearms, including the Colt Bankers Special, are present.

These appearances highlight the Colt Bankers Special's association with crime and law enforcement narratives in popular media.

Colt Bankers Special: Related Models

Learn to Shoot Safely in Colorado Springs

Reading about a firearm is a start — training is what builds confidence. Colorado Boots Firearms Instruction offers the Colorado Concealed Carry License Training, Handgun Fundamentals and Intro to Rifle courses.

Text Us About Classes Call 719-782-8793 See Class Schedule

Related Firearms in the Library

Upcoming Classes

New class dates are posted regularly. Call 719-782-8793 for the next available date or text us.

See the full class schedule →