1862 Police Conversion

The Colt 1862 Police cartridge conversion emerged as a sophisticated solution for those seeking a lightweight, concealable firearm that didn't sacrifice the convenience of metallic ammunition. As the era of loose powder and percussion caps waned, Colt sought to repurpose its elegantly designed Model 1862 Police and Pocket Navy frames. 

These conversions were first introduced around 1873, shortly after the expiration of the Rollin White patent, and remained in production until approximately 1880. During this period, Colt produced roughly 6,000-6,500 of these pocket-sized conversions, showcasing their immense popularity during a time of rapid urban growth.

Mechanically, the 1862 Police conversion is a single-action revolver typically chambered in .38 Rimfire or .38 Centerfire: to stay as close as possible to these nowadays obsolete cartridges, the modern Uberti replica is chambered in .380 Auto. It features a five-shot capacity cylinder, round, not fluted, exactly like many original conversions. Barrel lengths varied from 3.5 to 6.5-inch. 

The 1862 Police conversion never saw military adoption like its larger 1860 Army cousin, but as already previously happened for other Colt pocket sized models, many officers purchased them privately as backup sidearms. In civil contexts, the 1862 Police conversion was a premier choice for plainclothes detectives, gamblers, and travelers who required a "pocket pistol" with modern reloading capabilities. 

In the personal defense contexts of the Victorian-era, users deeply appreciated the revolver for its instinctive grip and balance, which allowed for natural pointing in high-stress situations.