Rookie Red?

by
posted on November 6, 2013
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
wiley-clapp.jpg

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.

Latest

target with holes
target with holes

Resisting the Temptation of "Good Enough" for Firearm Performance

No matter what firearm you're using for whatever purpose, even if it's simply a trip to the range, always resist the temptation to accept “good enough” if there is the possibility of better performance.

Armed Citizens Stop a Lot More Criminals Than Most in the Media Will Admit

Since January 2025, the Crime Prevention Research Center has documented 16 defensive gun uses in which police say armed citizens stopped mass public killings.

Federal & Mossberg Collaborate on Autonomous Airborne Drone Defense

Federal and Mossberg are working with Palladyne AI in the creation of SwarmShot, a kinetic defense system that employs swarms of armed drones to shield troops from unmanned aircraft system threats.

Cold Performance: How to Prepare for the Uncertainty of Self-Defense

Defensive gun use is defined by uncertainty. You don’t know when it will happen, how far away the threat will be, how many threats you will face or what position you will be in when it begins.

Derya Goes Silent: The OBone Suppressor

In 2025, Turkish manufacturer Derya Arms opened a new facility in Florida, enabling the company to produce a number of new products domestically, such as its new OBone suppressor.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 26, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.