Detective Specials

H

hemlock0013

New member
I’ve wanted a Colt Detective Special for a long time, partly because it is such a great snubbie, and partly because of my long-time obsession with film noir and classic hardboiled mysteries. My only concern is which series to get. I know Colt’s production quality has fluctuated, so I was wondering which DS’s are the best. My local gun store has a late ’60s model which is really nice. I don’t know if I like to exposed ejector rod, but I do sort of like the old-fashioned look. My instinct is to look for a DS of more recent vintage, probably the ’80s-early ’90s version with rubber grips and a full barrel shroud.

Any thoughts?

---hemlock0013
 
hemlock, I have a Colt DS that ws made about 1972. It has the shrouded ejection rod and came with diamond checkered Colt wood grips. Personaly I believe these were one of the better years. I bought mine used about a year and half ago, it was in very nice conditon with a very little holster wear on the front of the barrel. If I remember correctly I only paid about $190. for it. It's a great gun and fun to shoot. I personaly don't care for the years without the ejector shroud.
Just my .02 worth ;) Hope it helps :)

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Anonymous
 
Same as loknload, except I bought mine new in '73 or so. Wonderful little gun!

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Regards - AZFred
 
Hemlock 0013; I would prefer the older (60's
model) Colt Detective Special. They were made
with Colt quality in mind. Better yet, I would try an locate a LNIB old model Colt Agent; which weigh's only 14 ozs. :)

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
I have one from late 80's with the shroud and it is an excellent revolver. The action is smooth and accuracy is much better than J-frame 38. It looks and feels nice with a Eagle Grip's Secret Service grip. Great snubbie!
 
I have one of each type, and although I like the smooth look of the later model, I find I prefer the sights on the older exposed rod type.

The grips of the newer model are much better, IMHO.

Both shoot extremely well with a slight edge going to the older one, probably because of the sights. Hope this helps.
 
I own a new in the box Colt Cobra made in the early 70's and it is the Detective Special, with an alloy frame.

7th

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