Colt Cobra versus Detective Special

[Bart Noir]

I am now the proud owner of one of each, and they are virtually identical except for one thing. Well, two things since the Cobra has an aluminum frame, but you all knew that. The Dick Special has a short butt in a squared off shape, and the Cobra has the usual longer butt with a rounded rear corner. They are both the initial version, with unshrouded ejector rods under the barrels. Is the shorter butt a rare item? Did all the DS production have the short butt at some time?

Under the left grip of the Cobra I find INS stamped on the butt. Anybody know if this means that this Cobra was a purchase by Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS)? Thanks for any info.

Bart Noir
If you are in deep **** don't use 911, use 1911.

 

[surfinUSA]

Detective specials started with the short butt around 1969 IIRC. The Agent is basically a cobra with the short butt frame.

I believe they went to the shrouded ejector rod in1972?

 

[surfinUSA]

Saxon you coulds easily be right about 1966. My 1969 DS has the short butt frame, I was told but never read that this occured in 69, so it may be eroneous. However, my buddies 1961 DS had the long butt frame.

 

[9mmepiphany]

the DS started with the long butt because it was a variation of the police positive special.
the cobra also had the long butt as it was a DS with an alloy frame.
the agent had the cobra's alloy frame, but it was shortened.

colt standized to the shorter grip frame on all 3, plus the diamondback, in the late '60s...i thought it was '66 too...but the DS and agent had longer stocks which extended below the grip frame

 

[Poohgyrr]

So now I have to go home and see what kind of butt I have. I never would've guessed ........

 

[Bart Noir]

poohgyrr, you don't have to go home to see what kind of butt you have. Your coworkers will be eager to tell you. Just ask. You might need to give them a better look first. Dang, can't find the "mooning" smilie. Thanks for the answers.

Bart Noir
"Panic early and often."

 

[Gordon]

Since my June 66 (as close as I can reckon) Cobra has a short butt and my buddies 65 (early) has a long one I think we are getting close here to the facts. I could expound on D frames for 500 words or more but few here would appreciate it , I think. The only one left I crave is a .22 WRF target version . I missed one for $220 about 10 years ago and have been kicking my self since. My Sadowski tuned Agent from 70's (shrouded barrel) is like a mini python. My 80's Police positive is just about the perfect .38spl.My .22 diamond Back is very sweet , but is a safe queen with its royal blue. My 66 Cobra carries in a Colt factory plastic holster better than the new Scandium Smiths. My old bankers special .32 is fun and I could go on, and on!

 

[dfariswheel]

I believe "INS" is a Colt plant inspection mark.

I've seen a number of post-war Colt DA revolvers with the "INS" stamp that definitely weren't Immigration and Naturalization Service guns.

 

[popeye]

My comment is not exactly "on topic", sorry: I've got 4 Colt revolvers, a 4" stainless Python, a 6" nickel Trooper III, 3rd issue Det. spsc., and a 3rd issue Commando. Both the Det spec. style guns have short frame, and shrouded barrels. I love these guns. Both give you the option of short grip for concealabiliy or using longer grip for better hold. I carry the Commando, with orig. longer grips. Its parked, so you can easily touch up holster wear with cold blue. The Det. spec. came with orig. short rubber grips w Colt insigs.. Nice from practical standpoint but ugly as hell. So I got some longer wood, checkered grips (hard to find) for it. Sorry for the boring interjection.

 

[Dr.Rob]

The DS 2, SF-VI and Magnum Carry all have the short grip frame as well.. can't i magine lighting off a heavy 158 gr load with the short grips though...

 

[Paul "Fitz" Jones]

Really old Colt Grips

I have some really old Colt grips but tis late and just send me your email address for information on what I have left and pics.

John Paul