Colt D frame Detective Special

[usnavymasterchief]

Today I found a Colt .38 spc, nickle plated. Detective Special with a 2" bbl in a small gunshop in SW Florida.
The gun has a clean bore and excellant plating. I followed Jim March's check out procedure exactly, every step checked out perfectly, I even had feeler gauges in my tool box and I used them to check the cylinder/ barrel gap. Had my Mini Mag light and carefully checked the timing. To say I made the dealer nervous would be an understatement, he said "nobody ever checked one like that before." Thank you very much Mr. March, your post made shopping for a used gun actually fun.
The gun is all original, numbers match and it has the stock walnut checkered grips. The shop owner had a $325 price tag on the piece, after I completed Mr March's procedure, I frowned a little, took a deep breath and offered him $250 which he promptly accepted. It has no box or papers but I think I got a good deal, that is unless you Wheel Gun guys disagree. Please let me know, I'm not thin skinned, I can take it if you think I've been had.
One other thing, can anyone tell the year of manufacture? The serial no is F270XX, it has a small no.6 on the frame just below the left side plate just above the trigger guard. Also there is a very small triangle just above the front of the trigger guard with the letter P in the triangle.
Thank you all for any information you can share with me. J.W.

 

[ACP230]

Sounds like a deal to me.
I paid just a bit less for a blue Cobra several years ago.

 

[Majic]

You have a fine little handgun.. It was made in 1974. Being that they are out of production and a Colt most are commanding higher prices. You got a good deal in my area. Dick Specials were favored over J-framed Smith's because of the extra shot capacity and the ability to use +P ammo with very littel extra bulk. I had a 3" model that I sold to a friend that needed it for his job. He quit the job soon after and sold the gun for a tidy profit (I gave him a really good friendly deal as his funds were short). I have been kicking myself every since because he was to sell it back to me when he no longer needed it. I really wish I had that one back.

 

[Erich]

Sounds like a real nice deal to me!

I'm amazed at how the D-frame feels more like a J-frame than a K-frame, but still manages to hold 6 rounds of .38 spl. Neat guns! Here's hoping you enjoy yours and use it in good health!

 

[Jim March]

It helps the haggling process, don't it? The dude *knows* you know what the hell you're doing. So long as you don't blow it with muzzle direction issues or other safety violations .

As a bonus, you end up with more confidence in the gun. That in turn shows in your demeanor if you have to draw for "business", and makes it that less likely you'll have to shoot.

The difference is fractional but, given the repercussions, you want every edge you can get .

 

[Standing Wolf]

I'd say you got a sweet deal on a fine revolver.

 

[Gordon]

I think Colt Revolvers are the best current investment a person can make. It looks like the more modern ones sell quicker also.

 

[Alan Fud]

With Colt "sort of" coming back, has anyone heard if the Magnum carry is going to be re-introduced any time soon?

 

[usnavymasterchief]

Thanks everyone for your encouraging comments. I have numerous handguns but never could find a Colt revolver I could afford. I always wanted a 3" or 4" Python but the budget won't allow it. I'm really pleased with this "Dick Special" and very grateful to Mr March for his post. You are correct Jim, your tips definitely put the customer in a much better barganing position.
Again, thanks everyone for your help and comments. J.W.

 

[dinosaur]

I have a blue F I bought new in 1975. A fine handgun and well worth what you paid for it. I`ve been offered at least $250 for mine so you could make some money if you were selling it.