Colt Detective Special

cavman 69

I have two Colt Detective specials that I have acquired over the last two years. My main problem is how do i know what issue it is? I have one nickel and one blue. both have the full lug so that rules out the first issue. Is there any tell tale signs I should look for. Thanks in advance for any help.

cavman 69

I'm considering making a purchase on a Colt Detective Special and was curious if the price was decent. The firearm was made in the mid-seventies according to the owner, but I do not have the serial number. It is a 2" chrome plated model at about 95% finish and has wood Colt grips. The only finish wear is on the tip of the muzzle and the trigger guard. The gentleman who owns it is a retired officer and claims this was carried for a short period. I assume as a back-up piece. Included in the sale is the original box as well as all documentation from the Colt factory, as well as the shipping container it was delivered in. The asking price is $400.00.

cavman 69

I'd appreciate some info on the Colt Detective Special, .38 cal.

When was it discontinued?

When was the latest wooden grip style adopted?

What would an unfired gun be worth in mint condition, with paperwork, but no box.

I understand a photo would be helpful, but don't have the ability to supply one.

Thanks for any help.

cavman 69

I recently purchased a second issue Detective Special with a factory hammer shroud.

How much does the shroud add to the value?

cavman 69

I have a pair of first run detective specials and wonder wwhere I might check the seria #'s to see what year they were made any suggestions? Also, I was told they were in 85-90% new condition but all I have are the guns. What does anybody have an idea what they are worth? (2"bbl blued finish, wood grips)
Thanks for any help. I look forward to using/contributing to the forum.
ZSD

cavman 69

any info about this gun would be very helpful. most looking for year manuf. ser # 386xxx. also where to buy replacement parts ie grips.

cavman 69

My earlier posting about a Detective Special hammer shroud was in error. It is not a second issue according to another price guide.

It was made between 1966 and 1972.

Doees a factory hammer shroud add to the value of this gun?

cavman 69

A special thank you to AntiqueDr for dating my detective special around 1969. I paid approx. $300 for this gun a few days ago. It is in excellent condition. Personally I think I paid a fair price. I shot it today and the only problem is the revolver shoots quite a bit to the left from about 15 yards. The front site "appears" to be straight. Can anyone give me any advice on how to correct this problem on a fixed site gun? Maybe sending it to colt is the answer. Also, I may have this gun engraved (just for fun). Would this hurt the value of the gun?Thanks

cavman 69

Got a older DS, I would like to know what its worth and year made sn is A20005. Condition is around 90%

cavman 69

I am thinking about one of these and wondering what the trigger is like compared to the S&W model 60. thanks for your input.

cavman 69

What is the term used, when the
grip frame straps front, back and
bottom are exposed with two piece wood grips?
Is it "round butt standard"?

Mark G

I can't compare to the 60 because I have never fired one, but I do own a DS 3rd gen and a Cobra 2nd gen and the triggers are smooth and not particularity heavy. In fact my wife has used both as carry guns at different times and spent alot of time at the range with them. They are a great choice if that's what you are thinking about.

rufe-snow

I believe it would be best, if you were able to do a actual hands on. Like at a shooting range that rents guns. Or a well equipped gun store, with a large inventory.

In both venues though. It would be much more likely, that they would have the S & W on hand, rather than the Colt.

The short barreled Colts, have gone in and out of production over the last 40 years. Many changes have been made in them. Although they they still sold as Detective Specials. There were grate differences between the originals, and the later ones. Do to costs. Because Colt couldn't compete with the low cost snubbies. Like the Charter Arms, Taurus/Rossi's etc.

nmyers

Plus, Wolff makes a spring kit for the J-frame Smiths.

Neal

asop

I have both and not much difference. Colt maybe somewhat "smoother". Not much difference to get too concerned about in my estimation!

charliemeyer007

Have a 60, shot some Colts snub's - they were fine- I think the cylinder rotates the wrong way [:)]

Plus 1 for look it over first if you can. Lot of bent cranes from being Dick Tracyed. Not a fan of aluminum frames, much prefer stainless steel

dfletcher

quote:Originally posted by cavman 69
I am thinking about one of these and wondering what the trigger is like compared to the S&W model 60. thanks for your input.


I have both - a late 60's Smith and a 1958 made DS, a 1966 made Cobra too. Very different actions, in my opinion.

The 60 is very crisp and short. In DA mode the pull weight doesn't slowly "stack" but rather builds very quickly and drops. SA pull is very clean and creep free. Depending on manufacture and use the action can be a tad rough - or very smooth. Trigger return on the 60 is very strong.

The Colt DA pull is very smooth, but longer and it stacks until the hammer drops. SA pull is smooth, but generally heavier and with just a tad of creep before release. I would say the Colt DS pull is more refined, better finished than the Smith 60. But it's definitely longer and slower in use. Trigger return is markedly softer than the 60.