Colt Detective Special .38 Spl DA/SA 3” 6-Shot Revolver C&R 1964-67

SOLD FOR: $1,106.23

LSB#: WY240914BS003

Make: Colt

Model: Detective Special

Serial Number: 951580

Year of Manufacture: 1964-1967, (COLT Serial Number Database)

Caliber: .38 Special

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

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “ DETECTIVE SPECIAL / 38 SPECIAL CTG”.  The right side of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT.F.A.MFG.CO.HARTFORD CT U.S.A”.  The side plate is marked with a Colt Rampant. The crane and cut are marked “951580”.  The crane cut is also marked “B” and “T”.

Barrel Length: 3”

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a semi-circle blade fixed to the top of the barrel. The rear sight is a rectangular notch “gutter” sight in the top strap.

Stock Configuration and Condition:  The grips are two-piece checkered wood with Colt medallions at their tops. The checkering is crisp with light handling wear on the peaks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

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

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its finish. The balance of the finish shows light handling and loose storage wear.  The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Excellent condition as a C&R.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This revolver comes with its factory box and 2 pieces of paperwork.

Our Assessment: The Colt Detective Special was in many ways the same revolver as the Police Positive Special, except it was limited to a 2” barrel (very few were produced with 3” barrels). The Colt Detective Special and its aluminum framed cousin, the Colt Cobra, were very popular with police detectives because they held six cartridges versus the five cartridges of the Smith & Wesson Model 36.  The Detective Special had a long production run, from 1927 to 1995, a testament to its popularity.  This Detective Special shows its age but shines with a brilliant bore and mechanics. The mechanics are everything you could want and expect from a Colt revolver and with a nice pristine bore this revolver will make an excellent addition to any Colt or revolver collection.  Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – C.M.