Colt Detective Special Nickel .38 Spl DA/SA 2” 6-Shot Revolver MFD 1977

SOLD FOR: $1,133.99

LSB#: LSB250727DW043

Make: Colt

Model: Detective Special, 3rd Series

Serial Number: 43388M

Year of Manufacture: 1977 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup/)

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 SPEC. / .38 SPECIAL CTG”.  The right side of the barrel is marked “COLT’S MFG.CO.HARTFORD CT U.S.A”.  The side plate is marked with a Rampant Colt. The crane and cut are marked “43388M”.   The left front of the trigger guard is marked with “VP” in a triangle and at the rear with “K”. 

Barrel Length: 2” Nominal. 2 1/8” measured. 

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a smooth ramped blade integral to the barrel rib. The rear sight is a rectangular notch sight in the top strap. The top strap has been serrated on both sides of the groove for glare reduction. 

Stock Configuration and Condition:  The grips are two piece checkered walnut with raised thumb shelves. The checkering is crisp with light handling wear and slightly worn peaks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good to Fine condition.  

Type of Finish: Nickel

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is very bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. There are signs of minor fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10. 

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its nickel finish. There is light action wear and a crisp turn line. The screw heads are sharp and unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder produces solid full lockup on all six chambers. The double action trigger pull is smooth. The single action pull is crisp. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork, & Accessories: Comes the original Colt cardboard box with owner’s manual.

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 is in fantastic condition for its age and 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 pictures and good luck with your bids!!

BF