Colt Detective Special Blued .38 Spl. 2” Double Action DA/SA Revolver C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,150.00

LSB#: LSB251029CW026

Make: Colt

Model: Detective Special

Serial Number: 939869

Year of Manufacture: 1966 / 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, “939869”  The left front of the trigger guard is marked with the Colt “VP” in a triangle proof mark and “F” at the rear.

Barrel Length: 2”

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a ramped blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square-notch integral to the top strap. There is a groove along the length of the top strap with serrated edges for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with silver Colt medallions. The grips have mild handling marks with a few compressed checkers. The checkering is defined. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

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 10/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are a few minor handling marks on both sides of the frame.  The balance of the finish shows light operational and handling wear. There is a faint turn line.  There are no 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.  The cylinder latch is sticky and needs oil or some work.  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: Original Colt Box

Our Assessment: The Colt Detective Special is one of the most iconic concealed-carry revolvers of the 20th century, setting the standard for compact, six-shot defensive handguns long before the concept became commonplace. Introduced in the late 1920s, the Detective Special distinguished itself by offering full service-caliber performance in a shortened frame, earning widespread adoption among plainclothes detectives, off-duty officers, and private citizens. By 1966, the model had reached a mature production phase, retaining Colt’s traditional hand-fitted action and classic blued finish that defined the company’s mid-century revolver output.

Chambered in .38 Special, the Detective Special balanced manageable recoil with proven effectiveness, making it well suited for close-range defensive use. Unlike many contemporary snub-nose revolvers, its six-shot cylinder provided an extra round without a significant increase in bulk, a feature that strongly contributed to its enduring popularity. The fixed sights, serrated topstrap groove, and short 2-inch barrel reflect a design philosophy centered on speed, simplicity, and reliability rather than target refinement.

This example retains approximately 98 percent of its original blued finish, with only light handling wear and a faint cylinder turn line consistent with limited use. Markings remain clear, screw heads are sharp, and the bright bore with sharp rifling reinforces the revolver’s Fine overall condition. Fitted with factory checkered walnut stocks bearing silver Colt medallions and accompanied by its original Colt box, this Detective Special presents as a highly attractive and well-preserved example of one of Colt’s most respected defensive revolvers. Please see our high resolution photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bids!!!

BF