Colt Detective Special Replacement!

[benewton]

Ladies and Gentleman:

My 1974 CDS has now been fired more times than I can count, has a bit of rust, but still retains a trigger which allows me to fire SA from a DA start. It's about time to consider a replacement revolver, I think, and, although I've looked, all I see is J frames.
I've got one, an almost equally old M60 SS, which comes with a sucky trigger, even after all these years.

Does anybody have a new CDS "source", hopefully in the .357 mag (I want the extra .1 for positive extraction, the strong action for long life, and am not all that interested in the mag round itself in a "belly gun") version?

In response to an earlier thread, while I've had 110 GD bullets loaded to a step below max, I practice with a nominal 168 grain cast lead semi. On reflection, I'll thinking I'll standardize on that, since I know where it shoots, ect. It actually runs closer to 176, is fired with 180 grain bullseye backing, and I thing a 24 oz weight isn't a bad thing, since while nobody shoots as much as they carry, I'll still go through a couple of hundred rounds/week, and thank your Mr. Dillon for the 650.

Suggestions?

 

[Dr.Rob]

The Magnum Carry doesn't have the same trigger as your DS... it's a far cry from the 'original.' The CM is also notoriously hard to find and pricey. I looked for 3 years to find mine.

I hate to say it, you might be better off with a SW.

 

[benewton]

Well, I guess I can run it another couple of years, and there's always the option of sending it through refurb...

To be fair, this is a weapon I've used to save my buns, so I'm a bit partial to it.
I'm also a lot better with it than the S&W, at least on my back yard range.

Once again, though, I may be overtaken by events...

Thanks for the input, though.

Still, can I hope somebody has more information than I do?

 

[dfariswheel]

True.

The Magnum Carry was only made for a little over one year, and both shooters and collectors are buying them up at STEEP prices.

About the nearest thing to the Magnum Carry is the 5 shot Ruger SP-101.

The nearest 6 shot option would be one of the "K" frame S&W models like the 3" Model 65 or the 2 1/2" Model 66.

There are rumors (Nothing BUT rumors) that when Colt gets their new production machinery installed and restart production of the Anaconda and Python, slated for early next year, they MAY be bringing something like a Magnum Carry back.

Again, this is just rumor based on no facts.

 

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's All-

Maybe a bit out-of-character, but I recently picked up a pristine (solid
98%+) 2nd series* (1947-1972) nickel Colt Detective Special with the
original "Coltwood" grips; but no box or documents, and its only been
test fired six times by the previous owner. Cost? My price of a NIB S&W
model 642, which came to $323.73~! Boy, I'm a happy camper.

*FootNote- My Colt DS was made in 1971.

BTW, tried to post a pic in the attachment but I'm not familiar with how
to decrease the size of my pic. I'm using a Nikon "Cool-Pix" 8400" digi-cam.

 

[Standing Wolf]

I'm also a lot better with it than the S&W, at least on my back yard range.

The Detective Special was a fine, truly fine shooter even with the stubby little barrel. I'd still carry mine today, except my pre-agreement model 60 shoots .357 magnum ammunition.

 

[Ky Larry]

I see Dick Specials for sale at gun shows and gun shops occasionally. Some appear to be almost new and some have been shot countless times. Cost is all over the place. Maybe you can run across one. I found mine (2nd generation) at a gun shop. It came from an estate sale. It is very tight and 98%+ original finish. I enjoyed shooting it. Then ,my wife found it in the gun safe and I haven't see it since. It's become her carry gun. Good luck.

 

[JCM298]

benewton,

Since you seem to like that Colt, why not check with Colt to see if they can refurbish it? I carried a Cobra as a BUG for 15 to 20 years. It went out of time because of the high round count. I used it as trading material for something and told the new owner about the timing problem. I wish I still had it.

About 8-10 years ago, I bought a NIB Smith 649, .357. It is the most accurate snub I've ever owned or shot. Over the years, the action has smoothed out nicely. At 15 yards, it'll put five rounds into one ragged hole.

In `98, I bought the first Magnum Carry I saw. It shot a pattern, rather than a group but it has a nice, smooth action. I put it away, intending to use it in a trade. About three years ago, I sent it to Colt. Colt fixed it and did not charge me. It is nearly as accurate as the 649.

Neither the Colt nor the 649 is my "always" gun. Although I still have them, I use the "beast", my Smith 340SC, for daily carry. I like the weight savings, although it does kick like a mule,

John

 

[mattz357]

I know where you could get a like new Colt SFVI, but that is a .38 and not a .357. If you're interested, email me and I'll get you the info.

 

[0007]

+1 on the Det. Spc. I like the 1st gens myself. I'mm currently looking for another one to fix up for the new grand daughter...

 

[benewton]

All things considered, I guess I'll referb tbe DS.

It's just to damned good to be trashed.

But I'd like to know why Colt is still around.


Thanks, all.

 

[Standing Wolf]

...I'd like to know why Colt is still around.

I think the company is still in business in spite of itself.

 

[BluesBear]

But I'd like to know why Colt is still around

Because all of the other manufactures of single action revolvers, 1911 pattern pistols and AR clones need someone to copy.

Don't forget that the original S&W L-frame revolvers were considered to be "stepchildren" of the Python.


Colt may not make many guns anymore, but they still make the best.

 

[Thirties]

I had very good results with my 1966 DS at Pittsburgh Handgun Headquarters.