My new (to me) Colt Detective Special

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I didn't fire that DS for many years. I didn't dry fire it either. I don't know why a un altered main spring would go a little weak .I say a little because it appears if fired those Federal wad cutters ok.yes the action did feel light. It was always smooth since I got it 30 years back but I don't remember it being the lightest of the D frames I onwned ( more than 8) . Sorry but a mainspring is cheap and easy . I think I remember about putting a small piece of leather under Colt main springs to tension them. But a new mainspring is a better approach IMHO. The timing ect on that DS is perfect tho
 
I have at a gunsmith I trust to install a new spring and just make sure all is well. When I removed the original spring I saw that it was modified. When I installed the new spring I felt some dragging when I pulled back the hammer. I know enough not to tinker with a Colt DA so off the the ‘smith it went. I should get it back in a couple of weeks.
 
Pat Riot said:
I have at a gunsmith I trust to install a new spring and just make sure all is well. When I removed the original spring I saw that it was modified. When I installed the new spring I felt some dragging when I pulled back the hammer. I know enough not to tinker with a Colt DA so off the the ‘smith it went. I should get it back in a couple of weeks.
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Sorry if you would have asked me about it I would have sent you another one from a late style like yours Cobra parts kit I have which is complete less the frame. If you didn't get an original that still might be a good option. If it was modified it was done by prior owner and maybe was weakened over time because of it.
 
Gordon said:
Sorry if you would have asked me about it I would have sent you another one from a late style like yours Cobra parts kit I have which is complete less the frame. If you didn't get an original that still might be a good option. If it was modified it was done by prior owner and maybe was weakened over time because of it.
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Not a problem, Gordon. It’s a 49 year old revolver. You can’t expect perfection after that long. :D
 
When I first entered LE in 1969, my choice for off duty was a Chief Spl. or Det. Spl. The Colt cost more, was also heavier and bulkier, I went with the S&W. I really wanted a Diamondback, but money was a big issue back then.

At that time the Det. Spl. also had their ejector rod pretty exposed, looked like one good blow would bend it and render it inoperable. I don't know how delicate they actually were, but the newer ones, like the OP's, solved that problem with the shroud around it. Better looking, too.
 
CCI primers have really hard battery cups; I've had misfires, and difficulties seating them as well.
So the problem may not be your gun.
I've had Smiths with full power mainsprings that wouldn't bust a CCI cap.
Moon
 
halfmoonclip said:
CCI primers have really hard battery cups; I've had misfires, and difficulties seating them as well.
So the problem may not be your gun.
I've had Smiths with full power mainsprings that wouldn't bust a CCI cap.
Moon
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CCI primers are harder. Winchester primers are in between Federal and CCI. It was having problems with both CCI and Winchester. I wouldn’t own a gun that was primer persnickety. I would make the gun work reliably with any brand of primers.
 
Pat Riot said:
I was going to add to my prior thread about trading a G26 for a Colt Detective Special but decided my new Colt deserves it’s own thread. If you wish to see the old thread it is here: I hope this is okay with the Mods.
https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...trade-a-glock-26-for-a-colt-detective.876412/

I picked up my new (to me) Colt Detective Special today and took it to the range with my other .38 Special “Cop Guns”.
It shot very well with Federal 148 grain Wadcutter rounds. No issues with that ammo at all and accuracy was good (for me ;))
I did have some light primer strikes in double action with some reloads I was shooting that I used CCI and Winchester primers in, but the Federal stuff went bang every time.
I am not the least bit upset about the light strikes. Heck, the gun is 48 years old. There may be some gum in the works or the hammer spring may be weak. This is my very first Colt revolver so it will be a learning experience.

Here she is...my new Colt Detective Special :cool:

View attachment 963905

View attachment 963906

Here it is with my S&W .38 revolvers (left to right S&W 10-7, 442-1, 36-2 and the DS)
View attachment 963907

My first target in double action at 10 yards 1second between shots. I am not crack shot but I am happy with this.
View attachment 963908

All in all, I am very happy with my new Colt. :D
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That is a great looking gat!!
 
Although got a 442 and a couple other S&W I frame snubs left this is my remaining 2" snubs after that DS left after selling Pat his DS ::
P1030515_zps53af1e57.jpg
Top to bottom : S&W K Frame !0-3 , Colt Agent 1981 version (my carry piece still) , and early 70s Colt Cobra . All will take the same speed loader !
 
[QUOTE="Speedo66]

At that time the Det. Spl. also had their ejector rod pretty exposed, looked like one good blow would bend it and render it inoperable. I don't know how delicate they actually were, but the newer ones, like the OP's, solved that problem with the shroud around it. Better looking, too.[/QUOTE]

I purchased my Cobra and DS a few years ago for $100. The seller threw in the DS as a parts gun. The DS had been deactivated and used by the PD as a training tool. The barrel had a hole drilled into it, filled with lead, and had a bold screwed into the barrel. I found a used barrel and had a local gunsmith replace it. The ejector rods (and heads) on both guns are screwed up. I've tried to replace them locally but it seems Colt had multiple threads on both parts making it a difficult fix. Not including the parts I've purchased that don't fit I have $175 in both guns. Both function perfectly except for the ejection rods.
 

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I got a call from my gunsmith yesterday. My Colt is ready for pickup. :D
I am going to get it today and take it to the range tomorrow with a selection of ammo that has CCI, Winchester, Sellier & Bellot and Federal primers.
This should be interesting as my left arm is in a splint. I had an accident at work the other day and broke my arm. :confused:
That's okay though. I just need to take my time and be safe. I think i will treat my son-in-law to a range session in exchange for helping me out.;)

I am hoping all is well now.:)
 
Just saw a new Colt .38 snubby nickel plated for $1350 at the LGS.

I just couldn't see that much value in it. I already have J-frames and a German 6 shot .357 snubby, not to mention the .44 spl snubbies so what do I need a gun that will lose hundreds in value if I actually want to shoot it?
 
Gordon said:
Get well soon ! An accident at govt. employ like that is usually worth $$. Might even lead to an early retirement + $$$$ . :)
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Nah...not in this agency. But I like your thinking ;)

I will have to have surgery. I am guessing my arm will be in a cast for at least 6 weeks after surgery. The two arm bones, the ulna and the radian were both broken right at the wrist. :(
So, I will not be able to use my left hand / fingers at all.
I have made a plan for how I can load, shoot and unload my double action revolvers. My pistols and single action revolvers will just have to rest a while.
 
Wahoo...Success!!!

I took my Colt to the range and it was quite interesting doing everything one-handed but my wife came along and hung targets for me and helped my out but the gun fired just fine with ammo loaded with CCI. Winchester and Federal primers. It was fine in single and double action both.

The gunsmith did have to re-profile the mainspring to match the original and basically that was all I would have needed to do but that’s okay. They made a little money and I got my new Colt repaired. :cool:

Very happy with my Colt DS. :D:D:D

The original spring is on the left in both photos. 1B704B48-1025-471A-8285-94354125ABAF.jpeg

90078A2F-5503-4F2F-B279-DEF5C57F92E6.jpeg

F396698A-8C83-4E98-8913-3FCDF8B515B5.jpeg
 
I'm on my way out of town, ut when I get back I'll put a picture of a factory D frame Cobra mainspring from about the same year up. The spring pictured on the left does not appear modified but rather some kind o aftermarket . Obviously at least became too light. How is the DA pull now ?
 
Judging by the position of the trigger in the picture in #42 , the da trigger pull must be rather short.
 
Waveski said:
Judging by the position of the trigger in the picture in #42 , the da trigger pull must be rather short.
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Oops! That is a photo I took when I was tinkering with the new spring in the gun and it was binding against the internals.

Here is a shot of it today. Not a great photo.
2CD3C1F6-FE3C-4C80-85CF-2A82EF7109B0.jpeg
 
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