Factory C Engraved Colt Detective Special .38 Spl Revolver & Letter, 1976
SOLD FOR: $4,625.00
LSB#: 240319HE005
Make: Colt
Model: Detective Special 3rd Issue, Factory Class “C” Engraved
Serial Number: M44090
Year of Manufacture: 1976 (Colt Serial Lookup), Shipped April, 1978
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: Double Action SA/DA Revolver with Swing Out Cylinder
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 “7”. The crane and cut are marked with the serial number, the cut is also marked “A”. The left of the grip frame has inspection marks and “COLT ENG.”. The frame, barrel and cylinder have Colt factory class “C” scroll engraving.
Barrel Length: 2”, Full Underlug
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 no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is sharp. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates a 9 or 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 98% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows a faint turn line forming on the cylinder. There are some light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks in each position with no play when the trigger is pressed. The double-action trigger pull is smooth, the single-action pull is crisp. We did not fire this firearm. We have cleaned this firearm and performed a mechanic’s check but expect many will want to clean the firearm again depending on their standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes with a wooden display/storage box with a multi-compartment red-lined interior and a Colt factory letter detailing the original configuration, confirming the engraving is factory and showing that the revolver shipped to Valley Gun Distributors in Northridge, CA on April 25, 1978 as the only gun of the type in the shipment. The letter is in Excellent condition.
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. While this Detective Special would still make a great carry revolver, it is also factory engraved, fairly uncommon for such a utilitarian revolver. With the factory letter confirming the engraving is original and the exquisite condition, this revolver is sure to catch the attention of Colt collectors. Please see our photos and good luck in your bidding!
-J. Ren
