Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Auction Company is pleased to present this eye catching double/single 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: P21180
Date of Manufacture: 1981
Caliber: .38 Special
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 3"
Optics/Sights: Long ramp front with Square notch rear
Stock/Grips: Combat walnut grips with checkering
Action: Double/Single Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
During the early 1900s, Colt developed a revolver with a small frame that was 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 alike considered the Detective Special to be the "Gold Standard" in small defensive revolvers up through the 1960s. It was a compact, powerful, and strong revolver that held six rounds. The Detective Special was renowned for its better accuracy and higher quality fit and finish and has 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 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 that wrapped around the front and bottom of the frame. 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.
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: P21180
Date of Manufacture: 1981
Caliber: .38 Special
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 3"
Optics/Sights: Long ramp front with Square notch rear
Stock/Grips: Combat walnut grips with checkering
Action: Double/Single Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
During the early 1900s, Colt developed a revolver with a small frame that was 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 alike considered the Detective Special to be the "Gold Standard" in small defensive revolvers up through the 1960s. It was a compact, powerful, and strong revolver that held six rounds. The Detective Special was renowned for its better accuracy and higher quality fit and finish and has 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 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 that wrapped around the front and bottom of the frame. 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.
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.
