Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Auction Company is pleased to present this incredibly popular "stubby" double-action revolver today for a penny start auction, this is the Colt Detective Special, Fifth Issue!
In 1993, Colt made a short run of Detective Specials from left over parts. These were so popular, Colt put the Detective Special back into production until 1995. These were the Fifth Issue, and were the last Detective Special guns Colt made.
In 1993, Colt made a short run of Detective Specials from left over parts. These were so popular, Colt put the Detective Special back into production until 1995. These were the Fifth Issue, and were the last Detective Special guns Colt made.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Detective Special, Fifth Issue
Serial: RD6809
Date of Manufacture: 1994
Caliber: .38 Special
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 2" Shrouded
Optics/Sights: Plain Ramp Front with Frame Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Pachmayr "Compac" Rubber Grips with Inlaid Colt Medallions
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. 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 was modified a number or times over the period of production. Major changes are signified by collectors as "Issues". This is an entirely arbitrary system and collectors dispute the division of Issues. As example, while the Detective Special as made from 1927 to 1946 is usually referred to as the First Issue, some collectors claim that since from 1927 to 1933 the Detective Special had a square butt and in 1933 it was changed to a round butt, the 1933 to 1946 models should be a Second Issue and the 1927 to 1933 should be the First Issue. This gets involved and can be confusing. We've chosen to go with the most common usage of Issues.
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.
In 1993 Colt made a short run of Detective Specials from left over parts. These were so popular, Colt put the Detective Special back into production until 1995. These later guns were exactly like the 1973 model, except for using Pachmayr "Compac" rubber grips instead of the walnut combat grips. These were the Fifth Issue, and were the last Detective Special guns Colt made. Production ended in 1995.
Condition:
This example is in SUPERB condition showing no evidence of regular consumer use or handling 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, Fifth Issue
Serial: RD6809
Date of Manufacture: 1994
Caliber: .38 Special
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 2" Shrouded
Optics/Sights: Plain Ramp Front with Frame Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Pachmayr "Compac" Rubber Grips with Inlaid Colt Medallions
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. 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 was modified a number or times over the period of production. Major changes are signified by collectors as "Issues". This is an entirely arbitrary system and collectors dispute the division of Issues. As example, while the Detective Special as made from 1927 to 1946 is usually referred to as the First Issue, some collectors claim that since from 1927 to 1933 the Detective Special had a square butt and in 1933 it was changed to a round butt, the 1933 to 1946 models should be a Second Issue and the 1927 to 1933 should be the First Issue. This gets involved and can be confusing. We've chosen to go with the most common usage of Issues.
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.
In 1993 Colt made a short run of Detective Specials from left over parts. These were so popular, Colt put the Detective Special back into production until 1995. These later guns were exactly like the 1973 model, except for using Pachmayr "Compac" rubber grips instead of the walnut combat grips. These were the Fifth Issue, and were the last Detective Special guns Colt made. Production ended in 1995.
Condition:
This example is in SUPERB condition showing no evidence of regular consumer use or handling 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 $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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