I have never been concerned about the Colt's exposed extractor rod, as I believe the probability of my ever needing to hit someone in the head with a revolver, especially a Colt DS, is exceedingly remote. One feature most may not be aware of is that the early (pre-WWII) DSs have a shorter extractor rod stroke than the post-WWII DSs. Which means the postwar DS has more positive extraction. It also has a ramped front sight. The pre-war version has the "Half-moon" front sight. The bottom picture in Posting #12 shows that.