lookin at widow's collection, a colt det. spec. with no serial number, I did not open the cylinder, could the number be there? from what I have researched the colt det. was introduced 1927, the ones that I have seen had serial numbers.

Yes, the serial number on the frame inside where the crane locks up.

Neat six shooter.

Bottom of grip frame?

http://www.coltfever.com/Detective_Special.html


http://www.proofhouse.com/colt/index.html

great info, thanks to all,Ken

I've heard that Colt is now making the Detective Special again?

Anyone have a link they could post?

Thanks! Virgil B.

They aren't making the Detective Special again (to my knowledge), but they are basically making a stainless clone of the Detective Special they're calling the Cobra. It's the same size as the old Detective Special, but the grip frame is slightly different. I have one and like it, but the old Detective Special grips I have won't fit it.


Colt Cobra

jds44;

Thanks!

That's what I was looking for!

GREAT information!

Virgil B.

they made the cobra a long time ago, and then followed by the Agent.
very similar to the detective with different metals used.

Ain't the same. New mfg. methods, looks like MIM parts, not sure but wouldn't be surprised.

Get an older one. You'll know what you have.

DF

Local shop just took in a really nice Colt Detective Special

It looks to be in about 98% condition. No blue wear, and locks up tight, no wear on the wood grips.

$695. I'm thinking I might go back and put some money on it.

I just sold my Sig P 226 and will have money burning a hole in my pocket soon.. (GRIN!)

Virgil B.

Went back yesterday, and checked out the Colt Detective Special again.

It was manufactured in 1971, and locks up tight, no end play. Blue looks to be near 100%

Must have set in a drawer for the last 47 years.

Anyway, I put money down on it, and it's soon to be MINE!

Ended up getting it for $650

Besides, I NEEDED a revolver! Haven't had one in my collection for several years.

One happy old goat here!

Virgil B.

Question;

Will this Colt Detective Special (1971 manufacture) be safe-strong enough for shooting 38 Special plus P ammo?

99% of it's diet will be 148 grain Target Wadcutters.

Thanks!

Virgil B.

Yep, as long as its limited you should be fine.

I've shot plenty of plus p's in them. I wouldn't in a Cobra from that era.

Thanks Hawk1

The plus P ammo will be used very little, if at all.

Just wanted to make sure, in case I ever need to fire some.

Virgil B.

About 35 years ago I got my first detective badge and along with it came an old skinny-barrel Dick Special. I qualified with it next day and while it shot OK, I kept packing my 4" Speed Six and used the DS as a backup. A couple of months later, myself and a friend were checking deer stands. I had the DS along and we rolled a few walnuts out on a pond that had a skiff of ice on it. We were amazed to discover we could bust a walnut at 30-40 feet if we held carefully and finessed the trigger like any other revolver you were trying to shoot really well.

I've had a soft spot for old-school Detective Specials/Agents ever since.

I had one. Excellent gun. I miss it

I feel very lucky to find a Colt Detective Special that is this nice, that's 48 years old.

It looks almost new!

Was going to buy a new Colt Cobra, but found this "old" one just in time! (GRIN!)

I'll see if I can get my Daughter to help me with pictures when I get it payed for, and bring it home.

Might be a few LOOOONG weeks! (GRIN!)

Virgil B.

I'm a huge fan of the Detective Special. Used to have five. I think I'm down to two now, but they are of the classic configuration (one from the 1940s and one from the 1960s), and both look about new. I also like the Police Positive, and have one that looks about as new. Cool guns. I carried a Detective Special as my EDC for a few years.

There's no safety issue with an old Detective Special and +P ammo. The only issue relates to service life. You cut it a little short the more you make it digest the +P stuff. Carrying +P for defense, while practicing with non +P, is an excellent policy, and will be no problem at all. Keep in mind that the whole question (can my .38 handle +P?) only originated with the introduction of aluminum frames (and, believe it or not, cylinders) for lightweight .38 revolvers. With all-steel .38 Special revolvers, the question is not risk of detonation of your gun and injury (although, that is the risk with old aluminum lightweight revolvers, especially those with aluminum cylinders). It's merely how much you are shortening its service life.

PS The old Colt Aircrewman Special was almost entirely made of aluminum, i.e., both frame and cylinder. These would pose a very high risk of detonation with +P ammo.

The Real Hawkeye;

Thanks for the information!

I have no desire to shorten the life span of this little jewel by shooting + P's through it.

Virgil B.

Great gun and congrats on yours Virgil. I've got my grandfather's that he bought new in 1937. Not the best pic with the glare, but it's in great shape.

RyanTX;

That looks just like the one I just put on lay-away, 'cept yours has a T grip.

That one looks really good for being made in 1937!

Great to have something with family history like your Grandfather's revolver!

Virgil B.

Thank you sir. I know the T-grip is chipped, and I actually have a couple of "new" ones that I bought several years ago, but I prefer to leave this one as my grandfather had it. He was a special agent with the FBI from the late 30's through the mid-60's and he always had this gun on him. And, I've got quite a few stories of how this pistol got him out of some very sticky situations. So, needless to say, this pistol holds a special place in my heart.

I've also got his grandfather's Colt SAA and double barrel shotgun that he carried as a sheriff here in TX. They'll all be passed down to my boys some day.

That's pretty cool.

You boys are going to cost me money...

Enjoy that gun but treat that little Colt gently. Parts and service on all the older Colt revolvers is becoming more and more of a challenge. Factory support is VERY limited (or even non-existent) and just about all of the "old heads" that did competent work on them are either dead or retired. I predict a lot of old Colt revolvers are going to become expensive paperweights as time passes.

I had an old fella tell me he could fix a colt new service I had. It came with a bag of parts, when a friend gave it to me.

The old guy spent all summer on it, and finally bought it from me for 100 bucks, He said he was close

I can believe it.

I had an interesting conversation with Fred Sadowski many years ago about an issue I had with a DS. It became pretty apparent to me that keeping these old guns running was going to become a big deal as there were few (if any) gunsmiths taking up the mantel. The only guy I know of currently that might still be a source is Frank Glenn.

Yep; if they don't work, I won't give much for em.

I ran into one the other day....
Looks to be a fourth gen 3" in probably 95+% condition.
Blueing is all intact, grips unmarred and the cylinder shows no signs of ever being cycled.
$850......
I'm tempted... what do you think?

You don’t see too many of those so if it’s pretty nice, that’s tempting.

The detective special was the all steel snub.
The cobra was the alloy framed version of
the det spec, like what Jack Ruby carried.
The agent was the short grip frame version
of the cobra

I've had all 3, and kept the agent, as it has
the factory hammer shroud and looked
brand new when I bought it way back when
I like having the 6th shot

Not to stir things up but I have a very nice 1974 Colt Detective Special for sale. Have only advertised locally so not sure about making a big deal on it here. It's got excellent bluing and good condition. No box. As most people know it works with +P's as well. To my mind they point very well. This has a Pachmayer grip which fits most peoples hand very well. PM me if you just have to have one, or if you want pictures. Send me your email or phone number. I decided I don't need 3 of them.

Ahem

Dick special comments only . Start an agent thread.

Nice. You'd pay more than that for one in that kind of shape around here.

Nice of you to offer it here first, Jack. GLWS

LD, where else am I going to find some for real handgun loonies!!