Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Auction Company is pleased to present this amazing double/single action revolver today for a penny start auction...this is the Colt Detective Special (Third Issue)!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Detective Special (Third Issue)
Serial: 976387
Date of Manufacture: 1968
Caliber: .38 Special
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 2"
Optics/Sights: Serrated ramp front with Fixed square notch rear
Stock/Grips: Fully checkered walnut grips with Colt medallions
Action: Double/Single Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
In the early 1900's 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 was made almost unchanged from 1907 to 1995. In 1927, Colt decided to offer the Police Positive Special with a 2-inch barrel. Colt decided 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, strong, and held six rounds. The Detective Special was noted for its 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 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 opted to use the most commonly accepted classification of Issues.
In 1966 the grip frame was changed to the same short, "stubby" frame as the Colt Agent to simplify production. These guns are known as the Third Issue.
Contents:
This example will ship with the Original Labeled Serial number matching Colt box and tool! The condition is Absolutely Superb, showing no evidence of consumer use that we can see.
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.
Model: Detective Special (Third Issue)
Serial: 976387
Date of Manufacture: 1968
Caliber: .38 Special
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 2"
Optics/Sights: Serrated ramp front with Fixed square notch rear
Stock/Grips: Fully checkered walnut grips with Colt medallions
Action: Double/Single Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
In the early 1900's 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 was made almost unchanged from 1907 to 1995. In 1927, Colt decided to offer the Police Positive Special with a 2-inch barrel. Colt decided 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, strong, and held six rounds. The Detective Special was noted for its 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 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 opted to use the most commonly accepted classification of Issues.
In 1966 the grip frame was changed to the same short, "stubby" frame as the Colt Agent to simplify production. These guns are known as the Third Issue.
Contents:
This example will ship with the Original Labeled Serial number matching Colt box and tool! The condition is Absolutely Superb, showing no evidence of consumer use that we can see.
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 $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
