Texas Colt
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A Magnum Carry for only $425? You're killing me!!!!
That's a beauty Dr. Rob. The Magnum Carry is the best of the best.
That's a beauty Dr. Rob. The Magnum Carry is the best of the best.
The Snubbie
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Phydeaux642
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Sylvanus I looked in the Standard Catalogue of Smith and Wesson and it looks like the only Model 60 that was rated for +P was the 3" full lugged barrel version. The Model 60s that are rated for .357/.38+P are the ones built on the J magnum frame. Hope this helps.
And, very nice Colt Dr. Rob.
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"Phydeaux, bad dog....no biscuit!"
And, very nice Colt Dr. Rob.
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"Phydeaux, bad dog....no biscuit!"
Silvanus
Member
Yes it does, thank you 
rdrancher
Member
I was just re-reading this thread, and...
Tipoc, the word's escape me, so I'll just say beautiful.
rd
Tipoc, the word's escape me, so I'll just say beautiful.
rd
Texas Colt
Member
Very nice Smiths deanodog. A friend of mine has a Model 60 just like yours. I will be doing some custom work on it this week, so I'll post a couple pics when the work is done.
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Phydeaux642
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Detective Special, Cobra or Agent
Well, I've been saving a little cash and have been looking to make another handgun purchase in the near future. I've been looking around my area for a classic snubbie and have found a couple of S&W Model 36s in nice condition, but I am really trying to hold out for a Colt. Out of the three Colts listed above, which one would you Colt guys take first? I figure that there is a greater number of Detective Specials out there to choose from, but would one model be that much more desirable than another? Is one more reliable than the others?
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"Phydeaux, bad dog....no biscuit!"
Well, I've been saving a little cash and have been looking to make another handgun purchase in the near future. I've been looking around my area for a classic snubbie and have found a couple of S&W Model 36s in nice condition, but I am really trying to hold out for a Colt. Out of the three Colts listed above, which one would you Colt guys take first? I figure that there is a greater number of Detective Specials out there to choose from, but would one model be that much more desirable than another? Is one more reliable than the others?
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"Phydeaux, bad dog....no biscuit!"
Texas Colt
Member
Hey Phydeaux,
All three are great, so it depends on your primary role for the gun.
Both the Cobra and the Agent have an alloy frame. The older 1st generation Cobra has a longer grip frame than the Agent. If you are looking at the later guns with the shrouded barrel, they all have the shorter grip frame. For front pants pocket carry, I recommend the Cobra or Agent. The only downside is that Colt recommends limited use of +P ammo in these guns.
Colt recommends inspection after every 1000 rounds of +P. Personally, I use +P ammo for carry, but practice with standard pressure ammo. I usually shoot one cylinder full of +P at the end of a range session.
The Detective Special is steel and therefore heavier, but it will stand up to more +P ammo. Colt recommends inspection after every 3000 rounds. The DS is, in my opinion, the greatest all-around snub.
They all have the same lockwork, so there is no difference in reliability. I would probably start with a Detective Special. You'll shoot it more.
I have two Dick Specials and one Cobra (looking at a second Cobra now). The Agent is next on my list. The bottom line is that you just have to save more money so you can have all three models
All three are great, so it depends on your primary role for the gun.
Both the Cobra and the Agent have an alloy frame. The older 1st generation Cobra has a longer grip frame than the Agent. If you are looking at the later guns with the shrouded barrel, they all have the shorter grip frame. For front pants pocket carry, I recommend the Cobra or Agent. The only downside is that Colt recommends limited use of +P ammo in these guns.
Colt recommends inspection after every 1000 rounds of +P. Personally, I use +P ammo for carry, but practice with standard pressure ammo. I usually shoot one cylinder full of +P at the end of a range session.
The Detective Special is steel and therefore heavier, but it will stand up to more +P ammo. Colt recommends inspection after every 3000 rounds. The DS is, in my opinion, the greatest all-around snub.
They all have the same lockwork, so there is no difference in reliability. I would probably start with a Detective Special. You'll shoot it more.
I have two Dick Specials and one Cobra (looking at a second Cobra now). The Agent is next on my list. The bottom line is that you just have to save more money so you can have all three models
BullfrogKen
Moderator Emeritus
Phydeaux642,
Re-read through the thread; I touched on that question when you asked it earlier. Most guys who have an opinion swear that the 3rd generation Colt D frame (D.S. and Cobra) triggers aren't as nice as the previous designs. I think that the sights on the older models are easier to pick up because the front sight is taller. In reality it isn't really taller, the barrel is just skinnier.
ak-kev has a good picture showing the external differences between the two. The older model has the ejector rod exposed, while the newer model has the ejector rod shrouded. The newer models have a bit longer ejector rod than the first edition of these guns.
Do some google searching. You'll find lots of answers to your questions. You'll have to choose which is right for you. Would you rather have lighter weight for carry, or have it heavier to better absorb the recoil? I have both a steel D.S. and a lightweight Cobra. I don't prefer either one over the other; they are just different.
Re-read through the thread; I touched on that question when you asked it earlier. Most guys who have an opinion swear that the 3rd generation Colt D frame (D.S. and Cobra) triggers aren't as nice as the previous designs. I think that the sights on the older models are easier to pick up because the front sight is taller. In reality it isn't really taller, the barrel is just skinnier.
ak-kev has a good picture showing the external differences between the two. The older model has the ejector rod exposed, while the newer model has the ejector rod shrouded. The newer models have a bit longer ejector rod than the first edition of these guns.
Do some google searching. You'll find lots of answers to your questions. You'll have to choose which is right for you. Would you rather have lighter weight for carry, or have it heavier to better absorb the recoil? I have both a steel D.S. and a lightweight Cobra. I don't prefer either one over the other; they are just different.
Phydeaux642
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BullfrogKen - Rereading the thread is the reason I thought that I would try asking the question from a slightly different angle. I believe that you and ak-kev were the only two that gave me some ideas based on personal experience earlier (thanks, by the way). And, thanks to Texas Colt for the above info based on his experiences. I "googled" an article a while back by Clint Smith about the small Colts and it did have some good info, but it was another "I like them all scenario". Maybe it really is that easy. Maybe there is no "Glock vs. XD vs. M&P" type of discussion to be had. There have been a lot of really nice pics of Colt snubbies here but I didn't know if people were grabbing them up just because they are jumping in value so rapidly or because they really enjoy shooting and/or carrying them with no real concern about investment value. I was really hoping to get some more folks to tell me what they personally preferred and why.
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"Phydeaux, bad dog....no biscuit!"
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ak-kev
Member
Hey Phydeaux, honestly you cant go wrong with any of them. I have yet to see an Agent in person. Most of the Agents I see on Gunbroker look horrible. There are some though that are blued like normal (instead of the..........anodized?? finish) that look spectacular. So really the later Cobras and all Agents are the same machine. So as long as I see Cobras, Im buying!! I tend to grab the Cobra's more to carry. They are so forgiving in a belly band or now my new Desantis Apache ankle rig thanks to Tex. They are so comfortable and just dissapear. But when I go to the range I always grab the DS My DS is in the worst shape of all of my D's, plus its all steal, so I dont mind shooting 100rds at each range session through her. She's just tough So.....if your only getting one, then you must decide what you'll be doing with it more....shooting or carrying. Cobra for carry, DS for shooting. But idealy, you should not limit yourself to just one.
My DS is in the worst shape of all of my D's, plus its all steal, so I dont mind shooting 100rds at each range session through her. She's just tough So.....if your only getting one, then you must decide what you'll be doing with it more....shooting or carrying. Cobra for carry, DS for shooting. But idealy, you should not limit yourself to just one.
DAdams
Member
CDS
Apparently the later version of the shrouded DS weighs 21 ounces is that about right?
How much does the Cobra weigh?
Were they made unshrouded only?
FYI
There is a NIB Blue CDS for sale on GA for $600. Maybe a little high, but and unfortunately I would have to make it a SQ...... So tempting but I have other firearms fish to fry for now.
Apparently the later version of the shrouded DS weighs 21 ounces is that about right?
How much does the Cobra weigh?
Were they made unshrouded only?
FYI
There is a NIB Blue CDS for sale on GA for $600. Maybe a little high, but and unfortunately I would have to make it a SQ...... So tempting but I have other firearms fish to fry for now.
ak-kev
Member
No sir, I believe the unshrouded version ended in '72?? I could be wrong though. There are some here who know way more than I on this. The unshrouded version I have weighs 15oz, but the shrouded versions weigh 16oz. And you are correct, the DS is 21oz.
All 3 of my Cobras are absolutly perfect. I bought 2 without the box or docs for 400.00 OTD, and Ive bought one NIB with all papers for 500.00 OTD. So the 600.00 is a litle high. Kevin.
All 3 of my Cobras are absolutly perfect. I bought 2 without the box or docs for 400.00 OTD, and Ive bought one NIB with all papers for 500.00 OTD. So the 600.00 is a litle high. Kevin.
tipoc
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The Detective Special was introduced in 1927, square butt later changed to round and unshrouded. The first issue lasted till 46. Second issue from 47 to 72 and was offered in a 3" barrel in addition to the standard 2". The third issue with the shrouded ejector rod and the shortened grip frame went from 72 till 86 or so.
The Cobra was the alloy framed version of the Detective Special. It appeared in 1950 and the first issue lasted till 72. It was offered with a 2", 3" and 4" barrrel. Second issue 73-81 had the shrouded ejector rod.
The Agent was identical to the Cobra except for the shorter grip frame, the only difference, aside from the ounce or so in weight. First issue 55-72. Second with shrouded ejector rod 73-86. As far as I know offered only with the 2" barrel.
All are good strong and useful guns. IMHO stronger than their S&W counterparts, which does not mean they can be abused. The lighter alloy frame bucks a bit more under recoil than the steel frame but with practice this can be worked with.
As with all guns you have to find the ammo they like.
The longer ejector rod allows for positive ejection of the cartridges. They have good sights, easy to see.
No one else can tell you how a gun will feel when you shoot it. Pick one and try it. If you don't like it sell it and try another, or keep them both. Buy one now, the other next year.
tipoc
The Cobra was the alloy framed version of the Detective Special. It appeared in 1950 and the first issue lasted till 72. It was offered with a 2", 3" and 4" barrrel. Second issue 73-81 had the shrouded ejector rod.
The Agent was identical to the Cobra except for the shorter grip frame, the only difference, aside from the ounce or so in weight. First issue 55-72. Second with shrouded ejector rod 73-86. As far as I know offered only with the 2" barrel.
All are good strong and useful guns. IMHO stronger than their S&W counterparts, which does not mean they can be abused. The lighter alloy frame bucks a bit more under recoil than the steel frame but with practice this can be worked with.
As with all guns you have to find the ammo they like.
The longer ejector rod allows for positive ejection of the cartridges. They have good sights, easy to see.
No one else can tell you how a gun will feel when you shoot it. Pick one and try it. If you don't like it sell it and try another, or keep them both. Buy one now, the other next year.
tipoc
DAdams
Member
ak-kev and tipoc
Thanks for the snubbie Colt edumation. Were as many Cobra manufactured as the steel version? Is the Cobra more rare and hence command more money.
Did the shrouded Cobra come in all three versions, blue, chrome and stainless?
Guees I need to go find a Colt Forum and get immersed so when I run into one I'll know what is in front of me.
Thanks for the snubbie Colt edumation. Were as many Cobra manufactured as the steel version? Is the Cobra more rare and hence command more money.
Did the shrouded Cobra come in all three versions, blue, chrome and stainless?
Guees I need to go find a Colt Forum and get immersed so when I run into one I'll know what is in front of me.
1. Detective Specials substantially outnumbered Cobras, and the survival rate was less so far as perfect finish was concerned. When you find a Cobra or Agent with little or no finish wear it's usually reflected in the price. However finish wear does not effect performance if everything else is right, and if you don't need or want a safe queen there are some good buys around.
2. Cobra and Agent revolvers came in blue or nickel, but not stainless.
2. Cobra and Agent revolvers came in blue or nickel, but not stainless.
ak-kev
Member
For some reason I am seeing more Cobras than DS's. I know that doesnt corospond with actual production numbers, but thats what I've seen around here the last several months. There isa show next weekend, so I'll be looking yet again!
collector14
Member
My latest addition...
A 1965 Colt Python. I love revolvers and I love this gun.
A 1965 Colt Python. I love revolvers and I love this gun.
Phydeaux642
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My, my, my. That '65 Python sure is sweet.
And, thanks to everyone for all of the info earlier. That's kind of what I was looking for earlier in the thread.
________________
"Phydeaux, bad dog....no biscuit!"
And, thanks to everyone for all of the info earlier. That's kind of what I was looking for earlier in the thread.
________________
"Phydeaux, bad dog....no biscuit!"
tipoc
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www.coltforum.com
You can find some more here.
Up above RDrancher reposted a pic of mine which includes a Cobra from '51 IIRC. Despite the wear a good shooter.
tipoc
You can find some more here.
Up above RDrancher reposted a pic of mine which includes a Cobra from '51 IIRC. Despite the wear a good shooter.
tipoc
mic214
Member
Here are my snubby revolvers:
Colt Diamondback:
My 340PD:
My 3" M-36:
And these are my pair of 2-1/2" M-66's, my 3" M-65 and another shot of my M-36:
Colt Diamondback:
My 340PD:
My 3" M-36:
And these are my pair of 2-1/2" M-66's, my 3" M-65 and another shot of my M-36:
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Texas Colt
Member
That's a nice collection of snubs mic214. Especially the Diamondback.
tipoc, that Cobra is just oozing with character. I love it!
tipoc, that Cobra is just oozing with character. I love it!
Phydeaux642
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Here's a question for all of you guys that have and shoot the snubbie Colts. What ammo do you use? I know that many of the guys that shoot the Airweight j-frame Smiths prefer the Gold Dot 135gr .38 +P or the standard pressure Buffalo Bore. What is the type of ammo that you prefer for range time and for carry?
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"Phydeaux, bad dog....no biscuit!"
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