Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this double/single-action revolver today for a penny-start auction, this is the Colt Commando Special.
In the mid-1980's, Colt had undergone a long strike and didn't have enough qualified workers to polish the entire Colt line. So, to maintain production, Colt offered a series of revolvers with an unpolished, flat matte black blued finish. The flat black Detective Special was called the Colt Commando Special. It was made from 1984 to 1986. As soon as the strike ended, the unpolished models were all dropped. The Commando Special, not to be confused with the WWII Commando version of the Official Police, which had a matte black finish and a rubber grip used only on the matte finish guns, and only for a few years. Internally, the Commando Special was fitted and finished, as well as the polished Detective Special model.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Commando Special
Serial: P72958
Date of Manufacture: 1983-1984
Caliber: .38 Special
Finish: Matte Black Bead Blasted Blued
Barrel Length: 2"
Optics/Sights: Long Ramp Front with Integral Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Special Rubber Grips with Colt Medallions
Action: Double/Single-Action
Markings: P72958
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
In the early 1900s, Colt developed a small-frame revolver known as the Police Positive Special. This was one of Colt's most popular designs and was used for more versions and models than any other Colt double-action revolver. The Police Positive Special action remained largely unchanged from 1907 to 1995. In 1927, Colt decided to offer the Police Positive Special with a 2-inch barrel. Colt agreed that this new version should have its own name, and in a stroke of genius, the gun was named the Colt Detective Special. For the next 50 years, that was exactly what it was: the preferred revolver for police detectives, undercover officers, and off-duty policemen. During those years, the vast majority of police officers owned a Colt Detective Special. The Detective Special became so identified with law enforcement that it was known on the street as "a cop gun", and anyone carrying it was assumed to be a policeman. It was not unusual in those days for the Detective Special to be as much a badge of office as the actual police badge, and detectives often opened their coats to show the gun to identify themselves instead of showing their badge. So popular was the Colt that S&W didn't offer a really competitive gun until the S&W Chief's Special of 1950. For both police and civilian concealed gun carriers, the Detective Special was the "Gold Standard" in small defensive revolvers up through the 1960s. It was compact, powerful, and strong, holding six rounds. The Detective Special was noted for better accuracy and higher quality of fit and finish. It's always been considered to be the finest "snubby" revolver. The Detective Special underwent several modifications during its production period. Collectors signify major changes as "Issues". This is an entirely arbitrary system, and collectors dispute the division of Issues. Over the years, Colt offered several variations and limited production models of the basic Detective Special.
Model: Commando Special
Serial: P72958
Date of Manufacture: 1983-1984
Caliber: .38 Special
Finish: Matte Black Bead Blasted Blued
Barrel Length: 2"
Optics/Sights: Long Ramp Front with Integral Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Special Rubber Grips with Colt Medallions
Action: Double/Single-Action
Markings: P72958
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
In the early 1900s, Colt developed a small-frame revolver known as the Police Positive Special. This was one of Colt's most popular designs and was used for more versions and models than any other Colt double-action revolver. The Police Positive Special action remained largely unchanged from 1907 to 1995. In 1927, Colt decided to offer the Police Positive Special with a 2-inch barrel. Colt agreed that this new version should have its own name, and in a stroke of genius, the gun was named the Colt Detective Special. For the next 50 years, that was exactly what it was: the preferred revolver for police detectives, undercover officers, and off-duty policemen. During those years, the vast majority of police officers owned a Colt Detective Special. The Detective Special became so identified with law enforcement that it was known on the street as "a cop gun", and anyone carrying it was assumed to be a policeman. It was not unusual in those days for the Detective Special to be as much a badge of office as the actual police badge, and detectives often opened their coats to show the gun to identify themselves instead of showing their badge. So popular was the Colt that S&W didn't offer a really competitive gun until the S&W Chief's Special of 1950. For both police and civilian concealed gun carriers, the Detective Special was the "Gold Standard" in small defensive revolvers up through the 1960s. It was compact, powerful, and strong, holding six rounds. The Detective Special was noted for better accuracy and higher quality of fit and finish. It's always been considered to be the finest "snubby" revolver. The Detective Special underwent several modifications during its production period. Collectors signify major changes as "Issues". This is an entirely arbitrary system, and collectors dispute the division of Issues. Over the years, Colt offered several variations and limited production models of the basic Detective Special.
In the mid-1980's, Colt had undergone a long strike and didn't have enough qualified workers to polish the entire Colt line. So, to maintain production, Colt offered a series of revolvers with an unpolished, flat matte black blued finish. The flat black Detective Special was called the Colt Commando Special. It was made from 1984 to 1986. As soon as the strike ended, the unpolished models were all dropped. The Commando Special, not to be confused with the WWII Commando version of the Official Police, which had a matte black finish and a rubber grip used only on the matte finish guns, and only for a few years. Internally, the Commando Special was fitted and finished, as well as the polished Detective Special model.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3-day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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Additional Information
GunbrokerLink: |
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1190501884 |
BidPrice: |
0.01 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-08-02 21:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
416.09 |





