( LIVE ON GUN BROKER ) 1982 Colt Detective Special .38spl *HOLY GRAIL -PINTO SET- 2 OF 500 MADE*

Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
During the early 1900s, Colt developed a revolver with a small frame referred to as the Police Positive Special. This particular design was one of Colt's most well-liked and was used for a larger number of versions and models than any other Colt double-action revolver. The Police Positive Special action remained virtually unchanged from 1907 until 1995. 1927 Colt introduced a 2-inch barrel version of the Police Positive Special. To ensure that the new version had its own identity, the gun was given a new name and was called the Colt Detective Special, which was a brilliant move by Colt.

During the 50 years after its release, the Colt Detective Special became the go-to revolver for police detectives, undercover officers, and off-duty policemen. It was so popular that the vast majority of police officers owned one. In fact, it was so synonymous with law enforcement that it was often referred to on the streets as "a cop gun," and anyone carrying it was assumed to be a policeman. The Detective Special was considered by many to be a badge of office, and detectives would often open their coats to show their guns instead of their badges to identify themselves. The popularity of the Colt was such that Smith & Wesson didn't offer a truly competitive gun until the release of the S&W Chief's Special in 1950. Both police officers and civilian concealed gun carriers considered the Detective Special the "Gold Standard" in small defensive revolvers up through the 1960s. It was a compact, powerful, strong revolver with six rounds. The Detective Special was renowned for its better accuracy and higher quality fit and finish and has always been considered the finest "snubby" revolver.

The Detective Special underwent several modifications during its production period, and collectors have categorized these changes as "Issues." However, this categorization is arbitrary, and there is disagreement among collectors regarding the division of Issues. For instance, although the Detective Special produced from 1927 to 1946 is usually referred to as the First Issue, some collectors argue that the 1927 to 1933 models with square butts should be considered the First Issue and the 1933 to 1946 models with round butts should be considered the Second Issue. This can be a complicated and confusing matter. To avoid confusion, we have used the most commonly accepted classification of Issues.

In 1973, Colt made a significant redesign of the Detective Special. The changes included a heavier barrel version with a shroud to cover the ejector rod and a long ramped front sight. Additionally, the old narrow grips were replaced with a new combat style wrapped around the frame's front and bottom. The trigger was also changed to a smooth one instead of the previous grooved version. This marked the first Detective Special that was factory-rated for use with +P ammunition. The gun was rated for "up to" 3000 rounds of +P, after which the gun was supposed to be returned to Colt for inspection and possible frame replacement. This Fourth Issue Series was the last actual change in the design and was produced from 1973 to 1986 when the Detective Special was officially discontinued for the first time.