Educate me re: Colt Detective Snubs

[doc540]

I'm thinking of selling a Smith 642 even though I have it shooting well with trigger work and a Hogue monogrip.

For some reason, I'm drawn to the Colt Det. Spl's even though they're kind of pricey. Looks like I can pick up a decent one for around $500=$550. (Been watching them on gunbroker for a couple of months.)

Tell me about them, please.

1. How are the factory actions? Have any of you had trigger work done on them?

2. Grips? Does anyone sell a checkered, compact boot grip for them?

3. What about parts? Can I buy a bobbed hammer or a stock factory hammer in case I want to bob the original?

I'm not really concerned about them as a collectible, but as a dedicated carry piece.

I might put the nickel Model 36 in the nightstand and carry a Colt.

Thanks for your info and opinions.

 

[Serpico]

Great guns...and fine looking too...but they are bigger than a j-smith (larger frame and larger cylinder)...also about 7 ounces heavier...so if you are looking to replace your 642 as a pocket gun, it's not in the same class...some guys will tell you carries okay in the pocket but it really shines in a holster...if you can swing it, keep the 642 and get the DS...and if you find it fully replaces the 642 in every role...then sell it...

 

[Cosmoline]

but they are bigger than a j-smith (larger frame and larger cylinder)...also about 7 ounces heavier

Not that much. The DS weighs in at about 21 oz, the M36 at about 19 oz. I've carried both of them many, many times. The J frames are slightly smaller and slightly lighter. Both are very good pocket revolvers with a holster.

I got mine for under three bills, and if you look around you can still find them for less than the price you posted. Check at pawn shops and be patient. It's critical to do a hand inspection for timing with all older Colts as some have been badly abused. Parts aren't that hard to find as it shares many innards with the PPS. But they ARE hard to fit and you have to know what you're doing. If you get one in good condition to start and treat it well it will outlast you.

The lockwork on them is.. weird. It reminds me of those rube goldberg devices that go through fifty steps to start the toaster. But it works extremely well and produces a unique trigger pull many of us crave. If it's in good condition a trigger job is pointless, since it already has an amazing trigger. There *is* a procedure that will make the pull more like a Smiths, but it's expensive and stupid. If you want the pull of a Smith, just get a Model 36.

T grips work very well with them if you find the standard grip frame too small. Here's mine in action with the T grip added:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipufy9Al-UI

They are exceptionally accurate, esp. with 148-158 grain lead loadings. Mine loves the LSWCHP's from Remington. If you've ever seen "LA Confidential," Bud White was carrying a DS. "One in Five" doesn't work quite as well as "one in six"

 

[doc540]

Thanks, just for clarification I'm keeping this one whether it's to carry or put on nightstand duty.


If I do get a Colt I'll get it to carry in deep cover.

When comparing size and weight, compare it to the 36 (which is a dream to carry) not the 642 which I don't carry.

thanks again

 

[Standing Wolf]

Have any of you had trigger work done on them?

Yep. Finding a competent Colt revolver gunsmith takes a bit of doing these days.

 

[doc540]

Seems we have one right here on the forum, and he's a Texan to boot!

 

[Guillermo]

Dude,

I love Colt revolvers. I own 30+ guns and my Python might be my favorite. I carry a Colt Detective Special often. Will carry it when I attend the Colt Collectors Show in Houston this October. I LOVE Colt revolvers.

Having said that, you are not going to get a considerably better firearm. The Smith 642 is a fine revolver. There is no logical reason to make the switch.

 

[Texas Colt]

Doc, that S&W 36 is a beauty! I'd hang to that one too.

 

[cmidkiff]

I have a DS... paid a little too much for it, but I'm still happy with it.

Trigger is factory, but I'd not touch it... wonderful just as it is.

The extra round is comforting, but I sincerely hope to never need it.

The bluing is beautiful, and I've always loved blue and wood guns. If S&W made a nice high polished blued snubby these days, I probably would have bought it rather than spending the money on the DS. I'm almost glad they don't.

 

[strat81]

This may help a little:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=341163

 

[doc540]

thanks for all the info

I sold the 642 today and mailed the check for a Det. Spl.

I will soon own my first Colt, and I intend for it to be my carry piece.

 

[Joe the Redneck]

I have a Colt Cobra and I am just in love with the darn thing. I pocket carry easy with that baby.

The action is wonderful.

I got the hammer shroud from Weller, fas shipping and well made. Now I just need to find a smith I trust.

You are a lucky man.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

My DS cost about $225. It will carry in a pocket, but I really prefer a holster. They're fine revolvers. Get one in good shape, and it won't go out of time in your lifetime.

 

[S&Wfan]

Hi,

I'll be contrary and say that I much prefer the Smith wheelguns to the wonderful Colts. Why? The trigger pull. I love the smooth double action pull of the Smiths vs. the progressively firmer stacking that Colt buffs love. To each his own, for both brands are excellent . . . but I'm a Smith guy.

My dad loved Colts and I inherited his 1961 "lightweight" DS (called the Agent). He carried it daily for many years. Like the DS, the Agent can use K-frame S&W speedloaders and visa versa, since the cylinders of the K-frames and the little DS Colts are about the same in diameter.

Heck, if I'm gonna carry that big a cylinder concealed, I'll tote my S&W Model 65 3" K-frame that is a tack driver.

But . . . if I want a reliable and VERY concealable .38 spl. I'm gonna leave dad's Agent in the safe and pop my Model 36 in my pocket. Heck, I make this choice each day, just as dad did with his Colt!

Additionally, the S&W wheelguns seem to be more robust and are definately easier to get repaired . . . both gunsmith AND parts-wise.

For comparison, here are the two types. You can see that the cylinder area of the Colt is much larger, and the Colt is also larger overall.

Yep, I prefer a J frame everyday. Again, to each his own. Both brands are well made.

T.

Here's my '61 Colt Agent, and my '64 S&W Model 36: