Colt Detective Special questions

[greenhorng]

I bought this at a local pawn shop and have some questions. 1st, the serial # is 889xxx, which would put it at 1965 (a 2nd generation). But the barrel has the ejector shroud, which makes it a 3rd generation. So what do I have. I didn't know much about them but really liked the gun.
Secondly, the nickel finish has dulled but no flaking. Should I polish or leave as is? I don't mind the dull finish and think perhaps normal aging should be left alone. Although I'm not totally against a more polished look.
Any info and opinions appreciated. BTW, I payed $450. Thanks

 

[royal barnes]

The grip appears to be full length which would make it an earlier generation with the unshrouded ejector rod. You may have some sort of anomaly gun but more likely a 1965 DS that has been rebarelled and refinished in a satin nickel. If you like it you didn't pay too much but I wouldn't have paid more than $300 for it.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

What he said^

 

[dfariswheel]

Don't try to polish it, it's not bright nickel and can't be polished.
If you attempt to do so, you'll damage the finish.

As above, you have a re-barreled and re-finished Colt.

 

[rcmodel]

What he said^ +2.

That is a re-finish, or perhaps a factory electroless nickel finish.

It never was shiny like the old nickel finish Colts and can't be made so..

rc

 

[Jim K]

I am not sure about the finish, but the gun has been polished as shown by the screw heads and the sideplate.

Jim