[doc540]

Blue, .38 snub, Detective Special, worn finish, factory rubber grips...nothing really special.

But I bought it from a forum member who'd bobbed the hammer and did a trigger/action job on it. It arrived at my local FFL today, and I headed straight to the range.

Never owned or shot a Colt before, but within a dozen rounds I was able to shoot it more accurately than my Smith M36. The Smith is a fine, beautiful, dependable, and accurate gun. I'll keep it in the nightstand forever and I'd trust my life to it.

I'd heard and read about the Colt action and accuracy. Now I've experienced it first hand.

Bad guys beware, 'cause I'll be carrying a Colt.

[GUNKWAZY]

I'd heard and read about the Colt action and accuracy. Now I've experienced it first hand.


Ohhh ohhh, better get a bigger stable. The Colts are coming home.
Congrats on your new gun.

Jeff (GUNKWAZY)

[Black Knight]

I agree with Jeff. Colts have a strange way of multiplying. I started out with one 6" Python and I have added an AR-15 SP1, Gov't Model series 70 MK IV 45 ACP, and a 4" Python.

[Standing Wolf]

Ohhh ohhh, better get a bigger stable. The Colts are coming home.

Wouldn't know anything about that problem.

[Texas Colt]

Doc, welcome to the Colt family. I trust it will be a long, happy relationship.

[doc540]

Thanks, Ed.

I just pulled the trigger on a set of Badger boots in rosewood.

How will I ever resist the urge to keep dollin' her up??;)

[Texas Colt]

It begins innocently with a set of Badger grips...

Next you will discover that your Colt needs a stablemate. Perhaps a nickel plated Detective Special? Then it will be an alloy frame Cobra, and then........

[doc540]

Common sense angel on one shoulder says, "Do NOT re-blue this vintage carry piece".

On the other shoulder the debil himsef is shouting, "CHERRY THAT MUTHA OUT!".

gnome sayin'?

[Hawk]

Far too many Colt's being used as a sorry excuse for an investment vehicle. Refurbish at your discretion; it's a shooter.

There are some nice ones out there and (less frequently) some dogs. I may be relied upon to leave any I encounter for those that will more properly appreciate them.

Got one DetSpec, one Python, one Anaconda and I'm done. I just don't get a warm fuzzy relying on an orphaned, discontinued product.

Dang nice when they got 'em right, though.

[Texas Colt]

Man, with all this talk about Colts, I just had to go get my Detective Special out of the safe so I could admire it while I'm typing :)

[Joe the Redneck]

If you do refinsihm get a nice shiney new blue job. I hate that damn "tactical" matte finish.

Personally, I don't think a good job will hurt value. There are plenty of unturned Colts out there. The rest of our "soiled doves" will never have that value.

Shoot and enjoy
Joe

[PotatoJudge]

If you have it reblued, send it to Colt for a factory finish.

Or, you could put that $200 towards another Colt. The D-frames are still a pretty good value at $400-500 in excellent condition.

[Phydeaux642]

Far too many Colt's being used as a sorry excuse for an investment vehicle.

I think I have to agree. I bought a Detective Special a while back but held off until I found one worth the money. I just can't see owning a bunch of guns that I am afraid to shoot because I'm hoping they may be worth something someday. That's why I don't think I will ever own a Python. I can buy two or three Smiths for what they are bringing now.

That being said, enjoy your new pony and if you want it purty then make it purty. There isn't anything nicer than a blued revolver with some sweet wood grips.

[Guillermo]

I have a cherry Detective Special on my hip right now.

I carry it whenever I can.

Nice revolver. You will enjoy owning it.

[cocojo]

I carry my Colts all the time. I prefer the alluminum framed Cobra's and Agents. Be carefull doc they multiply fast. Right now 66 & 67 Cobra 56 Agent and newer detective special. I much prefer the older guns, pre 72. I carry my Agent and Cobra all the time. Six shots is the way to go. Pick up a set of safariland speed loaders for the dick special. Welcome to the original snubnose 38, a Colt.

[Cosmoline]

Good choice! No reblue will ever match the original Colt blue. Even a worn and patina'd original finish is superior to what you'd get from the shop.

If you want to cherry it out (down? up?), get some Tyler T-Grips for it!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b52/Gussick/coltcorona.jpg

[SwampWolf]

I bought an "unturned" 1966 vintage Cobra a few months ago at a gun show and had some reservations about shooting, let alone carrying, it due to concerns about compromising the pristine condition (it even came with the original box, instructions and unused warranty card). I was chastized at the Colt site for even considering using it and was even instructed to sell it to a collector who would be able to better appreciate its value and then to pick up a slightly worn example for shooting/carrying purposes. While I can understand said sentiments, I decided to go ahead and use it as my daily carry piece (when I'm not toting my Smith 6906 or my SIG 220 Carry) because I'm a believer in using a firearm for its intended purpose rather than relegating it to the back of my safe so as to insure its continued collector's value.

I do take care of my firearms but still...:confused:

[doc540]

She ain't a beauty, but she SHOOTS like a champ.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/doc540/Guns/Colt%20Detective%20Special/100_3097.jpg

[Sniper X]

I have a serries commander, an 80 brand new t me commander, and a 6in Python from 1968. Ill get more as they come up for sure. I don't agree with what another poster said about the blue, you can send any Colt back to the factory for a royal blue that looks fantastic, or to a couple places where it'll look even better. But I must say, the finish on my old Diamondback was strikingly beautifulfor the 10 years I owned it. Whats left on the Python is nice, the newer Commander is pretty dang nice.

[doc540]

Might change my mind after Jim Badger gets caught up and his boot grips arrive, but I'm leaning toward just carrying it "as is" and not giving a second thought to finish flaws.

As long as it keeps shooting as well as it does, I'm going to carry it for SD.