The Colt Detective Special is a six-shot .38 Special revolver introduced in 1927, featuring either a 2-inch or 3-inch barrel length. You’ll find it weighs between 21.5 to 23.5 ounces, with a carbon steel frame and checkered grips adorned with Colt Ramparts medallions. The model evolved from a square butt design in 1930 to a round butt in 1972. While prized for its reliability and smooth double-action trigger, its true significance extends far beyond these basic specifications.
Key Takeaways
- The Colt Detective Special is a six-shot compact revolver chambered in .38 Special, introduced in 1927 for concealed carry purposes.
- Available with 2-inch or 3-inch barrel options, the revolver weighs between 21.5 and 23.5 ounces with a carbon steel frame.
- Known for its reliability and smooth double-action trigger, making it popular among law enforcement and civilian users for decades.
- Pre-1969 models in excellent condition command $1,500-2,000, while post-1969 models range from $800-1,200 in similar conditions.
- Features include checkered grips with Colt Ramparts medallions and transitioned from square butt design to round butt in 1972.
Description
The Colt Detective Special emerged as a compact, six-shot revolver introduced in 1927, featuring a carbon steel frame and chambered in .38 Special. You’ll find this double-action revolver available with either a 2-inch or 3-inch barrel length, complemented by checkered grips adorned with Colt Ramparts medallions.
The design evolved through multiple production series, transitioning from a square butt in 1930 to a round butt in 1972.
Price Range
Pricing for original Colt Detective Special revolvers varies significantly based on production year, condition, and historical significance. You’ll find Detective Special Pistols ranging from affordable shooters to premium collectibles. Royal Blue models with original box command higher prices.
| Condition | Pre-1969 Price | Post-1969 Price |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent | $1,500-2,000 | $800-1,200 |
| Very Good | $1,000-1,500 | $600-900 |
| Good | $700-1,000 | $400-700 |
| Fair | $400-700 | $300-500 |
| Poor | $200-400 | $150-300 |
Specifications
The Colt Detective Special’s compact frame and double-action mechanism make it an ideal concealed-carry revolver. You’ll find this six-shot revolver chambered primarily in .38 Special, constructed with a durable carbon steel frame. The revolver’s specifications showcase its purpose-built design for personal protection and law enforcement use.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight | 21.5 oz (unloaded) |
| Barrel Length | 2″ or 3″ options |
| Frame Material | Carbon Steel |
| Capacity | 6 rounds |
Weight
Built for compactness, the Colt Detective Special weighs 21.5 ounces (609 grams) when equipped with its standard 2-inch barrel, increasing to 23.5 ounces (666 grams) with the 3-inch barrel option.
The weight distribution remains well-balanced across both barrel lengths, ensuring consistent handling characteristics. The weight difference between configurations directly correlates to the respective overall lengths of 6.5 and 7.5 inches.
Barrel Length
Standard production models of the Colt Detective Special featured a 2-inch barrel configuration, which became synonymous with this compact revolver’s identity as a concealed carry weapon.
While the 2-inch barrel length dominated production, you’ll find that Colt also manufactured a less common 3-inch variant during the Second and Third Series runs, offering shooters an alternative that balanced concealability with a slightly extended sight radius.
Material Made Out Of
Moving from its compact dimensions, Colt crafted the Detective Special primarily from carbon steel, offering both blued and nickel-plated finishes for corrosion resistance.
You’ll find the Colt Detective Special revolver’s grips made from various materials, including checkered walnut wood grips, Coltwood plastic, or Pachmayr rubber. The optional hammer shroud, also crafted from steel, provided smooth draw capabilities.
Chambered In
The Colt Detective Special’s primary chambering was the versatile .38 Special cartridge, though early variants also came in .32 Colt New Police and .38 Colt New Police calibers.
Later models focused exclusively on .38 Special, with the Fourth Series being rated for +P ammunition up to 3000 rounds. A related variant, the Colt Bankers Special, offered options in .38 Colt New Police and .22 Long Rifle.
Capacity
Built around a six-round cylinder design, the Detective Special carried a full complement of .38 Special cartridges while maintaining its compact frame dimensions.
Like other revolvers in Colt’s New Police lineage, the Detective Special utilized a swing-out cylinder mechanism that allowed quick reloading. You’ll find this six-shot capacity was standard across all Detective Special variants throughout its production run.
Trigger Pull
Along with its six-shot capacity, a standout feature of the Detective Special lies in its well-engineered trigger mechanism. You’ll find a smooth double-action trigger pull weighing 10-12 pounds, while the single-action pull, activated by manually cocking the hammer spur, delivers a crisp 3-5 pounds of resistance.
Inside the trigger guard, Colt’s design ensures consistent, quality performance in both firing modes.
Safety?
Safety features on the Detective Special derive from its classic double-action revolver design, incorporating both passive and active protection mechanisms.
You’ll find inherent safety in the revolver’s swing-out cylinder system, which prevents accidental discharge during loading and unloading. The double-action mechanism provides additional security, requiring deliberate trigger pressure to both cock and fire the weapon.
Action
The Colt Detective Special stands out as a double-action revolver that puts versatility first with its dual-firing capabilities. You’ll find its swing-out cylinder design provides quick reloading, while the smooth trigger action delivers consistent performance in both double and single-action modes.
This revolver’s refined mechanism established the benchmark for future snub-nosed revolvers, combining reliability with precision handling.
Optic Ready?
Unlike modern handguns designed for optical sights, a Colt Detective Special comes equipped with traditional fixed iron sights – a front blade and notched rear configuration. You won’t find any factory-made optic mounting solutions for this classic revolver.
Adding an optical sight would require extensive custom gunsmithing work, as the Detective Special wasn’t designed to accommodate modern optics.
Review
You’ll find the Colt Detective Special excels in reliability and accuracy, with its well-designed double-action trigger and high-quality construction making it a consistent performer for both defensive and recreational use.
The revolver’s compact size and smooth handling characteristics contribute to its effectiveness for concealed carry, though you’ll need to contend with the limited six-round capacity and relatively slow reloading compared to semi-automatic pistols.
The Detective Special’s durability and proven track record across its 60-year production span demonstrate why it became a preferred choice for law enforcement and civilian users, with properly maintained examples still functioning reliably today.
Pros
Throughout its impressive 60-year production run, Colt’s Detective Special earned widespread acclaim for combining exceptional build quality with practical everyday carry features. The double-action revolver’s smooth trigger pull and reliable construction made it a top choice for law enforcement and civilian use alike.
| Feature | Benefit | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Build Quality | High durability | Long service life |
| Trigger Action | Smooth operation | Enhanced accuracy |
| Compact Size | Easy concealment | Ideal for daily carry |
Cons
Despite its celebrated status, the Detective Special suffered notable drawbacks during its later production years. The Fourth Series’ bulkier grips and shrouded hammer made the weapon less concealable. You’ll find these key disadvantages:
| Feature | Impact |
|---|---|
| Oversized Frame | Reduced concealment |
| Matte Finish | Less durable coating |
| Market Position | Lost to semi-autos |
The revolver’s declining popularity ultimately led to its discontinuation in 1996, replaced by the more modern SF-VI model.
Reliability
Consistently proving its worth over decades of service, the Colt Detective Special stands as a benchmark for revolver reliability. You’ll find its robust lockup, featuring cylinder engagement at both ends, ensures dependable operation.
The revolver’s reliable performance is evident in its ability to handle various .38 Special loads, including +P ammunition, while maintaining smooth double-action trigger pulls with minimal maintenance requirements.
Similar Models
Several modern revolvers share design elements with the Colt Detective Special, but the Ruger SP-101 stands out as a notable contemporary alternative.
While maintaining similar 5-shot functionality, the SP-101 offers enhanced capability with .357 Magnum compatibility and optional Crimson Trace laser grips. You’ll find the SP-101’s robust construction and 2.5-inch groups at 25 yards make it a worthy successor to the Detective’s legacy.
Similar Models From Other Manufacturers
Modern firearms manufacturers have produced numerous alternatives to the Colt Detective Special, with the Ruger SP-101 emerging as a prominent successor.
You’ll find the SP-101 offers similar handling but with enhanced durability. It’s chambered in both .38 Special and .357 Magnum, featuring a 5-round cylinder and slightly heavier frame. At 25 yards, it delivers 2.5-inch groups with Magnum loads.
Maintenance
Proper maintenance of the Colt Detective Special ensures its reliable operation and longevity. You’ll need to field-strip and clean the revolver after heavy use to remove fouling. Apply high-quality gun oil for proper lubrication, especially in humid environments.
Perform routine function testing of the trigger, cylinder rotation, and timing. Store your firearm in a secure safe and have a qualified gunsmith address any wear issues.
History
The Colt Detective Special emerged in 1927 as a groundbreaking compact revolver, marking a significant advancement in concealable firearms design.
You’ll find the Detective Special’s production spanned six decades, during which it underwent several iterations that enhanced its frame, ejector rod, and grip designs. The new revolver quickly became the preferred choice for law enforcement and civilian carriers, outperforming the Colt Cobra in portability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Colt Detective Special Still Made?
No, you can’t buy a new Colt Detective Special today as it’s been out of production since 1996. While the trigger guard design and holster options were popular features, this revolver couldn’t compete with modern semi-automatics and their higher magazine capacity changes.
Colt discontinued it after filing for bankruptcy in 1992, though they briefly resumed production before finally ending it in 1996. You’ll only find them now through collectors and used markets.
What Is the Difference Between a Colt Cobra and a Colt Detective Special?
Like two siblings born for different purposes, the Colt Cobra and Detective Special share DNA but serve distinct roles.
You’ll find the Cobra’s slightly larger frame and 2.5-inch barrel make it heavier than its compact cousin. While both revolvers typically hold six rounds, the Cobra offers you the option of .357 Magnum or .38 Special calibers, whereas the Detective Special is strictly .38 Special.
The Detective Special’s smaller size makes it ideal for concealed carry.
How Do I Identify My Colt Detective Special?
You can identify your Detective Special through key parts identification: first, locate the serial number on the butt of the grip frame. Next, check the barrel length – 2″ is standard for most models.
Third-series models (1973-1986) have a shrouded ejector rod, while earlier series have an exposed rod. The frame size and trigger guard shape also help date your revolver – round trigger guards indicate pre-1966 production.
Conclusion
You’ll find the Colt Detective Special’s impressive 90-year production run (1927-1995) speaks to its reliability and popularity. As a compact .38 Special double-action revolver, it’s served countless law enforcement officers and civilians. You can still locate these revolvers on the secondary market, where pristine examples command $1,000-1,500. The Detective Special’s influence is evident in modern snub-nose revolver designs from Smith & Wesson and other manufacturers.
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