Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Auction Company is pleased to present this "snubby" double-action revolver today for a penny start auction, this is the Colt Detective Special (Fourth Issue)!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Detective Special (Fourth Issue)
Serial: 15668M
Date of Manufacture: 1976
Caliber: .38 Special
Finish: Bright Nickel
Barrel Length: 2" Full Lug
Optics/Sights: Long Ramp Front / Frame Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Checkered Walnut
Action: Double
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. The Police Positive Special was made with a variety of barrel lengths in the early 1900's with the shortest standard length being 4 inches. In 1927 Colt decided to offer the Police Positive Special with a 2 inch barrel. Colt decided that this new version should have it's 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 coat 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 1960's. It was compact, powerful, strong, and held six rounds. The Detective Special was noted for it's better accuracy and higher quality of fit and finish. It's always been considered to be the finest "snubby" revolver.
The Detective Special, Fourth Issue
In 1973 Colt did the first major redesign of the Detective Special by changing the barrel to a new heavy version that added a shroud to cover the ejector rod and a long ramped front sight. The old style narrow grips were changed to a new combat style that wrapped around the front and bottom of the frame and the trigger was now smooth instead of grooved. This was the first Detective Special the factory rated for use with +P ammunition. The gun was rated for "up to" 3000 rounds of +P at which point the gun was to be returned to Colt for inspection and possible frame replacement. This is known as the Fourth Issue Series and was the last actual change in the design. It was made from 1973 to 1986, when the Detective Special was officially discontinued for the first time.
Contents:
This gun will ship with a labeled Colt box and the hang tag pictured above and remains in PHENOMENAL condition, showing no evidence of consumer use or handling that we can see! We believe that the Box and Label was added later after leaving the factory as an accessory/storage purpose.
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 (Fourth Issue)
Serial: 15668M
Date of Manufacture: 1976
Caliber: .38 Special
Finish: Bright Nickel
Barrel Length: 2" Full Lug
Optics/Sights: Long Ramp Front / Frame Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Checkered Walnut
Action: Double
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. The Police Positive Special was made with a variety of barrel lengths in the early 1900's with the shortest standard length being 4 inches. In 1927 Colt decided to offer the Police Positive Special with a 2 inch barrel. Colt decided that this new version should have it's 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 coat 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 1960's. It was compact, powerful, strong, and held six rounds. The Detective Special was noted for it's better accuracy and higher quality of fit and finish. It's always been considered to be the finest "snubby" revolver.
The Detective Special, Fourth Issue
In 1973 Colt did the first major redesign of the Detective Special by changing the barrel to a new heavy version that added a shroud to cover the ejector rod and a long ramped front sight. The old style narrow grips were changed to a new combat style that wrapped around the front and bottom of the frame and the trigger was now smooth instead of grooved. This was the first Detective Special the factory rated for use with +P ammunition. The gun was rated for "up to" 3000 rounds of +P at which point the gun was to be returned to Colt for inspection and possible frame replacement. This is known as the Fourth Issue Series and was the last actual change in the design. It was made from 1973 to 1986, when the Detective Special was officially discontinued for the first time.
Contents:
This gun will ship with a labeled Colt box and the hang tag pictured above and remains in PHENOMENAL condition, showing no evidence of consumer use or handling that we can see! We believe that the Box and Label was added later after leaving the factory as an accessory/storage purpose.
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 $65.00
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.
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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About Us
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