The .32 Colt New Police cartridge, also known as the .32 NP or .32 Colt NP, is essentially Colt's version of the .32 Smith & Wesson Long cartridge. It was introduced in the late 19th century for use in revolvers, particularly those manufactured by Colt. Like the .32 S&W Long, it typically features a rimmed, straight-walled casing and is loaded with a .312-inch (7.92mm) diameter bullet, usually weighing around 85-90 grains.
The .32 Colt New Police was marketed for law enforcement use, with the intention of providing more stopping power than smaller calibers like the .32 Short or .22 Long Rifle. It offers moderate recoil, making it suitable for personal defense and small game hunting scenarios, although its stopping power is generally considered limited by modern standards.
The cartridge is largely obsolete today, with ammunition being produced in limited quantities by specialty manufacturers for collectors and shooters of vintage firearms. Modern alternatives in similar calibers include the.32 H&R Magnum and the .327 Federal Magnum, which offer enhanced performance for self-defense applications.