Rookie Red?

In my treasure box of gun-related stuff (actually the detritus of a hundred other guys’ boxes), I have an unusual set of revolver grips. I would like to ask my readers, particularly in the East, to help me identify them.

They are plain, checkered service grips for a Colt I Frame revolver (Python, Trooper, OMM, Official Police). Made of plastic, they are the basic service grip used on police revolvers, except for the fact that they are bright fire engine red.

The story that came with the grips was that they were issued to rookie cops who had yet to pass their probation. As they went about their business, the bright red grips served to instantly identify them as persons not completely trained in every aspect of police work. I do not know if, where, when and why this happened, but I would appreciate any reader who can fill in the blank spots in the story to do so. Let’s hear from you, guys.

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2 Responses to Rookie Red?

Left Coast Chuck wrote:
November 15, 2013

I would think that Carl's response makes sense. Turning a rookie cop out on the streets with a bright red sign that says 'I'm a rookie' sounds too dumb even for today's bureaucrats.

Carl wrote:
November 06, 2013

When attended the Indiana State Police Academy, back in the 80s they used red grips to identify training revolvers that were loaded with a small charge and a cotton ball. In differing role playing scenarios these were used for training in shoot no shoot situations with instructors and cadets both armed with these 'red handled' revolvers.