Colt Detective Special 3rd Issue 2″ Blue .38 Spl. 6-Shot Revolver, MFD 1979
SOLD FOR: $1302.77
LSB#: 220303GC064
Make: Colt
Model: Detective Special 3rd Issue
Serial Number: S04356
Year of Manufacture: 1979
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: 6-Shot, Double / Single Action, Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder Revolver
Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “DETECTIVE SPEC. / .38 SPECIAL CTG.”, the right is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.” The side plate has a Rampant Colt logo, the left of the trigger guard has a “VP” in triangle at the front, the rear has a n”N”. The crane and cut are marked with the serial number, the cut is also marked “B”.
Barrel Length: 2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a ramped blade integral to the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch in a “U” channel on top of the frame. The edges of the rear sight channel are serrated for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with each panel swelling at the top of the checkering providing a slight thumb-shelf or palm-swell. The grips have a few nicks along their rear edges. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The unfinished sides of the hammer have very minor discoloration from oxidation and the action shows faint operational wear. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder produces solid full lockup of all 6 chambers with a smooth double action trigger pull, the single action pull is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes with a Galco (SM100) brown leather belt-holster.
Our Assessment: The Detective Special has been very popular with law enforcement and civilians who carried a concealed revolver as it allowed for a 6-shot revolver in the same frame size as other revolvers which only offered a 5-round capacity. This example is a 3rd Issue with a shrouded ejector rod in Excellent condition with little evidence of being used. It comes with a Galco holster, a good fit for a revolver intended for carry. While this Detective Special would still make a great option for a carry revolver, it is also a great piece for a Colt collector. Please see our photos and good luck!