Colt DA Revolvers
- Thread starter volgunner
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The internal lockwork on these older Colt's are a bit complicated, so I recommend that you don't try fixing it yourself.
To answer your question: The mainspring is in the form of a "V", and the lower leg pushes against a lever, which in turn pushes against a ledge on the inside of the hand and tensioned it.
Rather then take a chance of messing up what is a fine revolver I suggest that you return it to the Colt factory. Somewhat expensive, but when it’s returned everything that needs to be fixed will be, and they won’t do any work until they’ve submitted a quote and you agree. The wrong person (gunsmith or otherwise) can quickly reduce a Detective Special (or any other older Colt) with a minor problem to absolute junk.
To answer your question: The mainspring is in the form of a "V", and the lower leg pushes against a lever, which in turn pushes against a ledge on the inside of the hand and tensioned it.
Rather then take a chance of messing up what is a fine revolver I suggest that you return it to the Colt factory. Somewhat expensive, but when it’s returned everything that needs to be fixed will be, and they won’t do any work until they’ve submitted a quote and you agree. The wrong person (gunsmith or otherwise) can quickly reduce a Detective Special (or any other older Colt) with a minor problem to absolute junk.
22-rimfire
Member
I don't have a dick. But I want one now. Seems strange since I am a big Colt fan and have been for years. The reason I don't have one is simple, before CC became more mainstream, I really didn't consider carrying and I always chose 4 and 6" Colt revolvers and really had a love for their 22LR revolvers. So with limited resources, I always passed on the detective specials even when I found them for a very good price. My favorite 357 shooter is a Trooper Mark III. Love that revolver.
Just started buying Smith revolvers in the last couple of years. I like them, especially my M57's, but still prefer Colts.
Repairs on Colts can be difficult. Not many gunsmiths are qualified and experienced enough with them. But, I'ver never had one break on me, so I don't worry about it much.
Just started buying Smith revolvers in the last couple of years. I like them, especially my M57's, but still prefer Colts.
Repairs on Colts can be difficult. Not many gunsmiths are qualified and experienced enough with them. But, I'ver never had one break on me, so I don't worry about it much.
420Stainless
Member
I like my DS because the trigger is very smooth and I shoot it much more accurately than comparable size J frames I've shot. However, since it was already well used when I bought it, I don't know if the trigger was worked on, very broken in, or just the normal way they are on Detective Specials.
I have 3 junker colts (2 well worn and 1 modified a couple ways by a previous owner) and all have very nice triggers and are still operating well. Some of my S&W's have smooth triggers and some are not so nice. All but one were purchased used, so other than physical clues left behind, I have little idea how they were used or if "improvements" were attempted on the actions.
I have 3 junker colts (2 well worn and 1 modified a couple ways by a previous owner) and all have very nice triggers and are still operating well. Some of my S&W's have smooth triggers and some are not so nice. All but one were purchased used, so other than physical clues left behind, I have little idea how they were used or if "improvements" were attempted on the actions.
I should make clear that starting in about 1972, Colt started discontinuing the double-action revolvers that dated back to the early 20th century, and replacing them with a new design (of which the Mark III series is representave) that was far different then the older ones when it came to hand-fitting parts. Unlike the previous ones they had transfer bar safeties, and for the most part, owner interchangeable lockwork. These revolvers are sometimes found at attractive prices because most buyers don't understand what they represent. Don't be one of them. 
..."they never had a good double action"...
i can't agree with that. an unmodified agent model i once owned [my bad, on trading that.] had a DA that was comparable to slicked-up/customized K frame smiths, and i own a few.
their action IS different from S&W!!! but so is dan wesson, and even the revered triple lock S&W. does that mean the others are bad? not for my use. i love the short stroke dan wessons. i love the century old triple lock i have. they just take some fam-fire to get accustomed to.
gunnie
i can't agree with that. an unmodified agent model i once owned [my bad, on trading that.] had a DA that was comparable to slicked-up/customized K frame smiths, and i own a few.
their action IS different from S&W!!! but so is dan wesson, and even the revered triple lock S&W. does that mean the others are bad? not for my use. i love the short stroke dan wessons. i love the century old triple lock i have. they just take some fam-fire to get accustomed to.
gunnie
rklessdriver
Member
I think if you are really into revolvers, you would be doing yourself a disservice by not having at least one Colt DA revolver. A Detective Special or Cobra is an exellant way to get into a first Colt DA revolver for a good price. The price hasn't taken off on them like the bigger Colt's, yet and they still have the hand fitted lock work so many people love/hate. Here are my 2 Cobra's.
1959
1972
There are still people who know what they are doing with repairing Colt revolvers out there - you just have to look a bit harder. I found one in my state, right here on this board.
Will
1959
1972
There are still people who know what they are doing with repairing Colt revolvers out there - you just have to look a bit harder. I found one in my state, right here on this board.
Will
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