Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Auction Company is pleased to present this beautiful 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: P13073
Date of Manufacture: 1981
Caliber: .38 Special
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 2"
Optics/Sights: Long Ramp Front with Frame Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Walnut Grips with Checkering
Action: Double-Action
Markings: Standard
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 was made almost unchanged from 1907 to 1995. The Police Positive Special was made with various barrel lengths in the early 1900, 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 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, most police officers owned a Colt Detective Special.
The Colt Detective Special was so closely associated with law enforcement that it earned the nickname "a cop gun," and anyone seen carrying it was assumed to be a policeman. Back then, it was not uncommon for detectives to reveal the gun under their coats as a way to identify themselves, rather than showing their actual police badge. The Colt Detective Special was so popular that Smith & Wesson didn't introduce a truly competitive gun until the Chief's Special in 1950. For both police officers and civilians who carried concealed firearms, the Detective Special was considered the "Gold Standard" in small defensive revolvers up until the 1960s. It was compact, powerful, durable, and held six rounds. The Detective Special was known for its superior accuracy and high-quality fit and finish. It has always been regarded as the finest "snub-nosed" 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 significant changes to the Detective Special. The barrel was redesigned to a heavier version with a shroud covering the ejector rod and a long ramped front sight. The narrow grips were replaced with a new combat style that wrapped around the front and bottom of the frame, and the trigger was changed to a smooth surface from a grooved one. This version of the Detective Special was the first to be factory-rated for use with +P ammunition. The gun was rated for "up to" 3000 rounds of +P before it was recommended to be returned to Colt for inspection and possible frame replacement. This model is referred to as the Fourth Issue Series and marked the last actual change in the design. It was manufactured from 1973 to 1986, when the Detective Special was officially discontinued for the first time.
Contents:
This example will ship with the original wood grain box and paperwork!
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: P13073
Date of Manufacture: 1981
Caliber: .38 Special
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 2"
Optics/Sights: Long Ramp Front with Frame Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Walnut Grips with Checkering
Action: Double-Action
Markings: Standard
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 was made almost unchanged from 1907 to 1995. The Police Positive Special was made with various barrel lengths in the early 1900, 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 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, most police officers owned a Colt Detective Special.
The Colt Detective Special was so closely associated with law enforcement that it earned the nickname "a cop gun," and anyone seen carrying it was assumed to be a policeman. Back then, it was not uncommon for detectives to reveal the gun under their coats as a way to identify themselves, rather than showing their actual police badge. The Colt Detective Special was so popular that Smith & Wesson didn't introduce a truly competitive gun until the Chief's Special in 1950. For both police officers and civilians who carried concealed firearms, the Detective Special was considered the "Gold Standard" in small defensive revolvers up until the 1960s. It was compact, powerful, durable, and held six rounds. The Detective Special was known for its superior accuracy and high-quality fit and finish. It has always been regarded as the finest "snub-nosed" 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 significant changes to the Detective Special. The barrel was redesigned to a heavier version with a shroud covering the ejector rod and a long ramped front sight. The narrow grips were replaced with a new combat style that wrapped around the front and bottom of the frame, and the trigger was changed to a smooth surface from a grooved one. This version of the Detective Special was the first to be factory-rated for use with +P ammunition. The gun was rated for "up to" 3000 rounds of +P before it was recommended to be returned to Colt for inspection and possible frame replacement. This model is referred to as the Fourth Issue Series and marked the last actual change in the design. It was manufactured from 1973 to 1986, when the Detective Special was officially discontinued for the first time.
Contents:
This example will ship with the original wood grain box and paperwork!
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.
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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