I own a 3rd Generation Colt DS. It was manufactured in 1975, according to the serial number list in the back of R.L. Wilson's book "Colt. An American Legend." In addition to the shrouded barrel it has larger wooden grips designed to give the shooter better purchase. Shrouded barrels were in demand by the seventies. Exposed ejector rods can get bent and that would render a wheelgun inoperative. They were in demand and Colt was answering that demand.
It was purchased brand new by my grandfather and he gave it to me in 1983. Even though it was made in the mid-seventies it is a very well made revolver. The blue job is excellent, it has that famous Colt lock-up, and even the grip frame is polished. There are no rust issues and I have found it to be very accurate.
Colt claimed that the steel framed DS was safe for limited +P usage. As in carry it with +P, but do your target shooting with standard 38 Specials. All in all it's an excellent handgun.
It was purchased brand new by my grandfather and he gave it to me in 1983. Even though it was made in the mid-seventies it is a very well made revolver. The blue job is excellent, it has that famous Colt lock-up, and even the grip frame is polished. There are no rust issues and I have found it to be very accurate.
Colt claimed that the steel framed DS was safe for limited +P usage. As in carry it with +P, but do your target shooting with standard 38 Specials. All in all it's an excellent handgun.