Colt Detective Special Nickel .38 Spl. 2” Double Action DA/SA Revolver 1974

SOLD FOR: $1,200.00

LSB#: LSB251029CW021

Make: Colt

Model: Detective Special

Serial Number: H16683

Year of Manufacture: 1974 / C&R   ()

Caliber: .38 Special

Action Type: 6-Shot DA/SA Double Action Revolver with Swing Out Cylinder

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “DETECTIVE SPEC. / .38 SPECIAL CTG.”. The right side of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD CONN. U.S.A.”. The side plate is marked with a rampant colt. The crane cut and crane are marked with serial number, “H16683”  The left front of the trigger guard is marked with the Colt “VP” in a triangle proof mark and the back is marked “B”.  

Barrel Length: 2”

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a 1 /8″ ramped blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square-notch integral to the topstrap. There is a groove along the length of the topstrap. 

Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut.  The grips have a few minor handling marks with some  compressed checkering. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Nickel

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.  In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are a few minor handling marks on both sides of the frame.  There is a very faint turn line on the cylinder. The balance of the finish shows light operational and handling wear.  There are very faint carbon rings on the face of the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action function correctly. The double action is smooth and the single action is crisp. Lockup is tight with little play. We did not fire this revolver. As with all previously owned firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: Nylon padded case

Our Assessment: The Colt Detective Special is one of the most enduring and influential concealed-carry revolvers of the 20th century, and this 1974 nickel example represents the model at a highly refined stage of production. Introduced in the late 1920s, the Detective Special set itself apart by offering a true six-shot cylinder in a compact frame, establishing a benchmark that competitors struggled to match for decades. By the 1970s, Colt’s traditional hand-fitted lockwork and smooth action were fully matured, making late-production examples like this especially appealing to collectors and enthusiasts.

Chambered in .38 Special, the Detective Special delivered practical defensive performance with manageable recoil in a compact, easily carried format. The 2-inch barrel, fixed sights, and grooved topstrap reflect a design philosophy centered on speed, simplicity, and reliability at close range. The nickel finish adds both visual appeal and corrosion resistance, a popular option during this period and one that complements the revolver’s classic lines.

This example retains approximately 95 percent of its original nickel finish and presents in Fine overall condition, with only light handling wear, a very faint cylinder turn line, and minimal carbon rings. Markings remain clear, screw heads are sharp, and the bore is bright with sharp rifling. The smooth double-action pull and crisp single-action break further reinforce the quality of Colt’s craftsmanship during this era. Taken as a whole, this 1974 Colt Detective Special stands as a well-preserved and highly representative example of one of Colt’s most iconic defensive revolvers. Please see our high resolution photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bids!!!

BF