Colt Detective Special and Cobra Question

[ZBill]

If possible, can someone provide the date of manufacture for a blued Colt DS SN# 38XXXM. I assume it is 2nd or 3rd generation due to protective lug under the barrel. It has the wood checkered walnut(?) grips which I think are original. Also has LG (?) lightly stamped under the SN.

Also request date of manufacture for an identical (except alloy frame of course) blued Colt Cobra SN# 79XXXM. Has same under barrel lug and same wooden grips (neither have Colt medalions). Thank you, Bill

 

[smaller_puppet]

your det spl might be a 1930...........your cobra is a 1958

 

[22-rimfire]

Bill, I may just be dumb but what do you mean with the "M" at the end of the serial number? 000's? The barrel shroud was introduced by Colt in about 1972 (on revolvers other than the Python and Diamondback). I assume that is what you mean by "the protective lug under the barrel".

 

[ZBill]

Yes, the lug I refer to ...

also call a shroud which protects the case extraction or ejector rod. The M is found stamped after the final numerical digit of the SN number. Bill

 

[Ala Dan]

FWIW, I have a 1971 model Colt Dick's Special (2nd issue 1947-1972) that
does not have the barrel shroud; so I'm thinking ones with the shroud
began the 3rd issue series, that started in 'bout 1973

 

[dfariswheel]

Colt Detective Special #38XXXM was made in 1977.

The year started off at 19201M and the "M" suffix series ended that year at 59999M.

Cobra #79XXXM was made in 1977 also.
The Cobra "M" suffix numbers for that year started at 71401M and again, the "M" suffix ended that year with 99999M

 

[ZBill]

Thanks for the replies..

...it is interesting that both were produced in 1977. Side by side they are nearly identical as seen in the photo. I appreciate the information. Bill

 

[smaller_puppet]

oh wow..........i have some bad sources sry.....thought so when it said det special was a 1930