Colt Detective Special question

N

NRA MOM

Inactive
I'm new here. I have in my possession a Colt lightweight revolver with a Detective Special barrel that looks original. The serial # is 201LW, indicating a first-year (1950) production alloy frame. I was under the impression that all the Detective Specials had steel frames, and I can't find info to the contrary. Does anyone have any thoughts on this revolver?
 
The Detective Specials did indeed all have steel frames, the alumimum frame
models were the Cobra and the Agent, unless you are lucky enough to have
one of the very rare Colt Aircrewman revolvers. Check the barrel, that is where you will find the model name.
 
This is why I'm confused. The barrel, which looks original to the gun, says Detective Special. But it's definitely an alloy frame with a LW serial #.
 
Definitely a possibility. I'd like to know if I should put a Cobra or an Agent barrel on it, assuming I have one. I own a large gun parts business in South Dakota.
 
The Cobra has the same length grip as the Detective Special, the Agent
has a noticeably shorter grip.
 
Whether you replace the barrel with a correct barrel largely depends on the condition of the revolver.

A gun in like new condition MIGHT have the value enhanced if the correct barrel were installed.

However, in most cases, this would be an expense that wouldn't pay off.

So, the question is, is this an otherwise collectible condition gun, and would the expense of fitting a new barrel be worth it?

Your first step is to determine if this is an Agent or Cobra.

An early Agent will have a "stubby" grip, and a Cobra will have a long, full-profile grip frame.

The correct barrel will be the early, "skinny" barrel which leaves the ejector rod fully exposed.
 
Thank you for the info - it helped me tremendously. I have in my hot little hand the correct vintage Cobra barrel - it's free, so it will be worth the cost to me! I own a large gun parts business and I just found a good used one in stock. Gun parts and the Second Amendment are this girl's life, LOL!
 
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