[mguffey]

http://thearmedcitizen.com/gunpages/colt_d_s.htm

Input solicited.

[Dr.Rob]

I'd show tips on reloading it fast. Even with speedloaders the mighty DS is slower to load, at least to me than a SW of the same size.

Have yopu considered "famous" uses of the Detective special?

[Majic]

Dr. Rob,
How do you find the DS slower to reload than a J-frame? Is it the extra bullet, or the differences in the cylinder latches? Or are you comparing it to a snub K-frame?

[Snake Eyes]

Things you might want to include:

--The DS was originally offered in .32 Colt New Police (also)
--There were FOUR generations of DS
--Consider researching and publishing serial number ranges for dating the revolvers.

If you want more pictures, I have several DS' that I can photograph for you. My photography skillls poor, but I work for free. The models I have are:

--NIB 1st Gen .32 NP, blue
--NIB 1st Gen .38 in Nickel
--NIB 2nd Gen .38 in Nickel
--3rd Gen Blue carry piece

I might have a couple more, but I can't remember right now and I don't have time to go look.

I also have a couple of Cobras. They are the lightweight version of the DS. Not sure if you consider them a "real" DS or not.

Peter

[Standing Wolf]

Thanks for the page, eh? I don't take my Detective Special to the range very often, but every time I do, its accuracy amazes me afresh. It'd be my carry gun, but my pre-agreement Smith & Wesson model 60 handles the more useful .357 magnum cartridge.

[Dr.Rob]

Seems to me its no so much the latch or the grips as the distance the clyinder comes out of the frame. It's a very tight fit to get a speedloader in there.. is there a trick? (That was what I was hoping someone could illustrate/explain)

PS the "last" of the DS models is the Colt Magnum Carry. I understand the lockwork is a little simpler than a true DS, but the frame is the same size. I have one.

[4v50 Gary]

Nice start, but 'splain the generations and show pictures to help we who don't read well. I've only one Detective Special, but it's the nicest snubbie I've got.

[Erich]

Please don't forget these great revolvers! (There's one on GunsAmerica right not if you want to see a photo.)

[Poohgyrr]

Thanks for the heads up. These are great little .38's, and team up well with a K frame.

Re: speedloading, I prefer Safariland Comp II's, they work quite a bit better for me, it's really noticable.

[Lone Star]

You might want to mention that the original gun had a square butt that was rounded in 1933, and the original short extractor was lengthened in 1958.

Lone Star

[mguffey]

Thanks one and all for the many fine suggestions.

Several will be incorporated into the page shortly after I complete a move from Atlanta to Dallas.

[MATSMOM]

I recently found a Colt Detective Special .38 in an old family wardrobe trunk! It was locked in the top drawer, I used one of my kids little lock box keys to open it. Wrapped in two purple Crown 7 bags was this cute little gun, what a surprise! I however have no knowledge of old revolvers. I am wondering if anyone can tell me the history or any information about this particular gun.

The serial number is 925947. I looked this number up but it doesn't seem to match any, only the numbers starting D9XXXXX made in 1966. I don't see a D in front of the serial number on this gun.

It has a 2" barrel that reads: COLT PT. F.A. MFG. CO., HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.
The other side of the barrel reads: DETECTIVE SPEC. .38 SPECIAL CTG.

Mother of Pearl or plastic grips without medallions.
The rod ejector housing is NOT shrouded.

Any information would be truly appreciated. Jaime

[PX15]

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a73/Laserlips/100_5058.jpg

I think my DS is 1972-74 production.


JP

[Poohgyrr]

Afraid I can't answer your question, but that is a treasure. Congratulations.

[Hobie]

Page didn't open for me....

Jaime, well we know it is pre-1966 by the grip frame. I don't have my references here at work but I'll look it up when I get home. Honest...

[MATSMOM]

I had an appraisal done to try and find out more about my little treasure and thought it was worth sharing...DETECTIVE SPECIAL POST-WAR (SECOND ISSUE), plastic grips 1947-54, wrap-under wood grips started in 1966. 70% condition, appears grips were replaced. Fair market value $175.00. Any second opinions would be truly appreciated. Jaime

[Ala Dan]

Nor did the page open for me~! :scrutiny::eek:

No one is gett'in my Colt D-frames ( 3X Dick Specials + 1 Agent) for $175@;
NO WAY JOSE~!

[PX15]

MATSMOM:

I think the price is probably close, excluding the fact of the sentimental value it would be to me if I had found it and was the owner of it. Some things simply are worth "more" than they are worth... The DS you found in a family trunk is simply a prime example of that. It would be an "heirloom" if I had found it.

You can find out the year it was manufactured if you should care to:

www.proofhouse.com/colt/index.html

Congratulations on a super find!


J.Pomeroy

[PTK]

The page isn't opening because the first post is over four years old.

[rcmodel]

ANYTHING that you can still read Colt on the barrel and is all there is worth more then $175 dollars!
I don't care what model it is, or the condition.

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j219/rcmodel/KTOG/1224.gif
rcmodel

[Thirties]

Your link doesn't work for me. Have you changed anything?

http://thearmedcitizen.com/gunpages/colt_d_s.htm

does not work

[joplinsks]

Another poster said this... and I'll say it again... you're all responding to a four year old post :what: No wonder the link doesn't still work.

I believe this is the new link for the Colt Detective Special info:

http://www.snubnose.info/docs/detective_special.htm

[BullfrogKen]

Two things I've noticed about these gun boards . . .


New guys seem to consistently reincarnate up old threads from the dead. How these new guys find 'em is a mystery to me.

Very few people ever bother to read more than 10 posts into a thread before responding.


MATSMOM, you might be better served starting an entirely new thread to ask your question.

[Bart Noir]

How these new guys find 'em is a mystery to me.

Yet we so often see somebody posting that "the search feature is your friend" or some version of that. A person has a desire to post on a subject, and searches to find a thread that might include viewers who have the same interest.

Bart Noir
"No mystery here, folks. Move along."