1950's Colt Detective Special - HPD

[FPrice]

Went into my local gun store to pick up my 1920 Colt Model 1908 Hammerless .25 and spotted another interesting older Colt. It's a roughly 1951 Colt Detective Special. Kinda worn like you would expect a 53 year old gun which was used quite a bit to be. But it appears to be in good mechanical shape, locks up tightly and has a smooth trigger.

Now I am normally not interested in Colt revolvers but this one is also marked "HPD" on the butt. According to my dealer it is from the Hartford (CT) Police Department, just across the river from where I was born and raised.

I am thinking about it, just not sure how to include it in my collection of older firearms. It would make a nice companion piece to my 1949 S&W M&P.

 

[seeker_two]

Go for it. Having a firearm w/ a little history behind it has always fascinated me.

I wonder if anyone has a firearms collection just focusing on LEO handguns through the years. I'd love to start one of the "Guns of the Texas Rangers" from the Walker Colt up to today's SIG 226...

 

[Old Fuff]

The important thing is not the age, or finish wear. It appears that the revolver in in good mechanical codition, and not out of time, and that is what does matter. You didn't mention the price, but if it is reasonable and the piece checks out against Jim March's check list (with minor reservations, it was made with S&W revolvers in mind) I'd buy it - as much for the history as for the gun. Not many beople own a true "Hartford Colt."

 

[Erich]

Sounds like a neat gun, if the price is right. And, like Old Fuff said, if it mechanically checks out.

You might run a search over at the Colt Forum (easy to Google) for dfariswheel's handy thread "Colt Revolver Timing Checks." It'll give you the info that the S&W-based check-outs don't.

 

[FPrice]

Thanks a Lot Guys!

You were supposed to talk me OUT of this fine old revolver.

As far as the price goes, let's just say that this IS the People's Commonwealth and the laws have served to raise gun prices, not lower them.

But, I might be able to make a deal.

Thanks for all the good advice. If (most likely when) I get it I'll post a pic.

 

[ducktapehero]

I hope you do get it. I could have bought a Winchester 1897 riot gun that had KCPD on the side but I dicked around too long. I live in Missouri so that would have been a cool shotgun to have. Go buy it man!!!

 

[FPrice]

Well...

I put it on layaway today. Couldn't resist. I'll post pics once I get it.

 

[ruger357]

Good move. You will not regret it.