Colt Detective Special 3rd Issue 2″ Blue .38 Spl Revolver & Box, 1975
SOLD FOR: $1225
LSB#: 220219SS017
Make: Colt
Model: Detective Special 3rd Issue
Serial Number: H35156
Year of Manufacture: 1975 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
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 “8”. The crane and cut are marked with the serial number.
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 some scattered minor nicks and scuffs, mostly at the bottom. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is sharp. Overall, the grips are in about Fine 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. There are a couple of light marks in the backstrap. The cylinder has a faint turn-line, mostly not through the finish. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Fine-Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder produces solid full lockup of all 6 chambers when the trigger is depressed. The double action trigger pull is smooth, 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 in a faux-wood cardboard Colt box with serial-matching label, two-piece styrofoam inserts and an assortment of factory paperwork which does not include a manual. The box has scattered storage wear with fraying and tears at edges and corners, the large ear and one small ear are missing on the non-label end.
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 made in 1975 with a shrouded ejector rod in Fine-Excellent condition with only some minor wear consistent with infrequent carry and responsible use. While this Detective Special would still make a great carry revolver, in its high condition and with its original box, it would also make a nice piece for a Colt collector. Please see our photos and good luck!