Colt Detective Special or New Model Blackhawk

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HoeMuffin

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Hey all,

I was looking around for a range/plinking gun, and my local range recently got a couple of Colt Detective Specials, of varying quality. They're going for $500. My original plan was to pick up a Ruger New Model Blackhawk because I really enjoy my Ruger Single Ten, and cowboy guns are cool.

I'll be using the gun primarily as a range/plinking gun - I live in NYC, and only have a premise license, so concealed carry concerns don't really factor in it. Is that a good deal, and are Colt Detective Specials rare enough to make it worthwhile? Is there anything I should look for in particular?

Thanks!
 
Looks like you answered your own question, If you like the single actions( big fan myself) then get what you want. The colt is a great gun but life's to short to worry about the value of something versus the joy of having what you love.
 
If it was me, I'd grab the Detective Special, because I think they're great. But it's you, and you're looking for a plinker and like single actions, so perhaps the Ruger would be the better choice?

Good luck with whichever you choose. You can't really go wrong with either.
 
Range gun you say?
You are comparing Apples & Kumquats.

You are comparing a rare sports car they no longer make parts for. (Detective Special)
(For hauling the trash to the dump.)

With a heavy duty pick-up truck you can beat all day and it will come back begging for more. (Ruger Blackhawk.)

There is no comparison between what the two guns were made for, and which one would be a better range gun for the rest of your life!!!

In fact, just about any medium or large frame revolver of any brand would be a better range gun then a Colt Detective Special!!!!

rc
 
The Colt DS is perhaps one of the best in the world for what it was designed to be. CCW fits that purpose driven profile as well as any other description. As a high quality Colt DA, they won't be getting any cheaper, but value speculation isn't what most buy for.

The Ruger again, is among the best values for a radically different profile, and for most far easier to shoot well. If yours is to be used for range/possible field work, then the Ruger is far more suited. For a compact "packing pistol", "belly gun" or CCW the Colt.
 
A large part of it comes from my ignorance - I've lived overseas most of my life, and the first handgun I've fired was my Ruger Single Ten (I have shot long guns a bit previously though). Just grew up watching Westerns with dad & grandad, hence my affinity for the single action. NYC being NYC, if the range doesn't have it, you're basically out of luck as from my understanding you can't fire a handgun that isn't on your permit if it isn't a rental.

I don't really have any experience shooting a snubby and dealing with the recoil, so I have no idea if shooting a detective special is going to be a chore. Thanks all for the advice!
 
HoeMuffin,
I feel your pain. I lived in NYC the first 50 years of my life and I'm extremely happy to be living in PA now.

If I were in your situation I would buy the Ruger without a thought. You will enjoy that gun much more at the range than the Colt. I own and shoot both and the Ruger is more fun. Like already said, the Ruger is current and the Colt if it breaks might not get fixed because there are no part available.
 
I'd split the difference and get a double action revolver. Say a Ruger Security Six, if you can find one. Great range gun and great fighting gun.

Get it in stainless steel. Or for some more $$, the Ruger 3 inch Willey Capp GP-100.

It will last and last.. lifetimes!

Deaf
 
For a range gun: Ruger Blackhawk

For a quality CCW: Colt detective Special.

Since CCW isn't a factor (and your not into collecting Colt revolvers), I would go with the Blackhawk as a very decent range/plinking gun.
 
I've got both guns in question. The Colt isn't a range toy. Get the Ruger.
 
"Colt Detective Special or New Model Blackhawk... My original plan was to pick up a Ruger New Model Blackhawk...Just grew up watching Westerns..." [HoeMuffin]

Me too. "Shane... Shane, come back..."

An old gent asked me to shoot his mint 1974 Colt Detective Special. His shots were going way-y-y left, up and down. The little gun has the thick wooden grips which allow good purchase. I fired 2 shots which both went dead center into the bulls-eye.

Always wanted a SA Western revolver but don't care for the very un-Western heavy top frame geometry, or the adjustable rear sight, or the ski jump ramped front sight of the New Model Blackhawk so instead got a birds-head Ruger New Vaquero, which is a good shooter, but not as good as that old gent's Colt DS, pity they don't make'm anymore.

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=200078&d=1403808628
 
I am kind of like Deaf Smith, I would get a gun MADE FOR square range shooting.
I would haunt the ads for a K38 or Officer's Model Match, but a Security Six or GP100 will work, too.
 
Which one feels best in your hand? The grip geometries are very different.

With factory loaded ammo, the Colt's trigger guard is going to rap your middle finger a bit more than the Ruger. It could be unpleasant by the time a box of 50 is finished.

I own a Colt Cobra, the Detective Special's first cousin. I shoot my Rugers a lot more than the Cobra.
 
I own a 7.5" Blackhawk and a 38 snub. The BH is great on the range. The snub is great in my pocket.
 
I also have a Det Special and I don't plink with it at the range. But in terms of value, I would choose the Det Special as in the long run, you'll do better. Nothing wrong with a Black Hawk. If I were plinking 38spls at the range, I would tend to want something heavier than a Detective Special. But that is me.
 
It isn't recoil or inherent inaccuracy that makes the DS harder to shoot well. It is a slightly different required grip/technique with a shorter sight radius.

In a nutshell it requires a slightly more refined technique and will amplify any errors in that techniques execution. I CCW a Colt DS fourth issue and had to work extensively to get to where I needed to be with it. I can attest that when I do my job, it is as accurate as any high quality revolver. The short barrel produces less muzzle velocity and it is a picky task master for proper grip and technique. It is unforgiving in this regard. With its steel frame, I have no problem at all with recoil.

You will find these observations common among any shooter taking up a 2" concealable revolver for the first time. I will re-iterate it may be the finest .38 spl 2" concealable ever produced. They are robust and have a reputation for being long lasting with this platforms tendency to be shot somewhat less, but the maintenance issue and lack of parts/smith availability is very real.
 
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I have a Detective Special and love shooting it. I would much rather have a "cowboy gun" for plinking. Pick your poison on the type YOU prefer but the DS isn't going to have the same cool factor that a cowboy gun has. You will look silly with a DS strapped down on your thigh. :)
 
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