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  #1  
Old 08-20-2018, 09:40 AM
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I was at my range yesterday when a guy I worked with before I retired called and asked if he could come over and sight in his AR. I told him sure come on over I'd be there for a few more hours. When he gets there and starts unpacking his gear he tells me he's got this old colt .38 revolver to sell if I was interested. I told him I don't collect Colts but sure I'll have a look at it.
He pulls out this older Detective Special and tells me at one time it was a police officers back-up piece. This gun has been carried a lot, there's more patina then finish left on it but not much pitting or surface rust. It's mechanically sound and functions fine. OK, what do you want for it 200 bucks was the answer. Now I don't know much about Colts but figured any working Colt is worth that so I bought it. I was hoping someone here could give me a idea of the age, the only thing I can say is it's post WWII due to the ramped front sight. Ser# 921938.

Thanks
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Old 08-20-2018, 09:54 AM
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The longer extractor rod like this appeared in 1958. By 1972, they were using an extractor rod housing and larger stocks, so between 1958-1972.

Someone will probably narrow it down further.
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Old 08-20-2018, 10:12 AM
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I entered your serial number on the Colt's website.

Colt's Manufacturing LLC

Because serial numbers are reused it will give different years and models when the s/n was used. I see yours has a short grip frame. If my memory is correct Colt changed from a longer grip frame to the shorter one in 1966. The wood grips extended underneath the short grip frames like yours.

When I get a chance I can look it up in an R.L. Wilson Colt book.

Edit: Nothing conclusive in the Wilson book, but here's another website on Dick Specials.
Detective Special

I have my Dad's Dick Special #928061. It has a short frame, too. He bought it new on 5/27/67 for a whopping $74.50.

Bill

Last edited by CA Escapee; 08-20-2018 at 10:42 AM.
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Old 08-20-2018, 10:51 AM
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Nice little Colt, congrats. I only have one Colt, my Government Model 1911, and don't have much interest in them either, but for some reason an older, nicely worn, Detective Special with the exposed extractor rod like yours is high up on my want list. I'm a bit jealous.
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Old 08-20-2018, 11:07 AM
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Your Detective Special was made in 1966. Nice condition overall, nothing but honest wear from normal use. Won't bring the collector value of one in pristine condition, but a lot of collectors will want it to fill that slot in their Colt collections.

I suspect that those very nice original grips are worth at least half what you paid for the revolver (not that I'm suggesting that you part it out, just commenting on market demand!).

Last edited by LoboGunLeather; 08-20-2018 at 11:10 AM. Reason: correction
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Old 08-20-2018, 11:10 AM
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The roll pin on the hammer is a giveaway. Colt used a solid pin until about 1968.
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Old 08-20-2018, 11:17 AM
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Nice purchase! I looked in R.L. Wilsons "pocked guide" and it looks to be from 1967. Is there a letter "D" in front of that serial number? It was added during the production run in 1966. Kyle

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Old 08-20-2018, 11:32 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LoboGunLeather View Post
Your Detective Special was made in 1966. Nice condition overall, nothing but honest wear from normal use. Won't bring the collector value of one in pristine condition, but a lot of collectors will want it to fill that slot in their Colt collections.

I suspect that those very nice original grips are worth at least half what you paid for the revolver (not that I'm suggesting that you part it out, just commenting on market demand!).
Thanks, I'm pleased with it for the price and will probably just hang on to it even though I don't collect colts.

Last edited by andy52; 08-20-2018 at 12:09 PM.
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Old 08-20-2018, 11:33 AM
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According to Proofhouse, 1966 DS production began at D900101 and 1967 production began at D926000. So yours is very likely from late 1966. I wouldn't pass up any functional DS for $200. The DS was also produced in .32 Long and .38 S&W (but under the Colt "New Police" name). Those in .38 S&W are highly desirable. I have several postwar DSs from the mid and late 1950s, some of my favorites. Pre-WWII DSs are usually priced somewhat beyond my upper limit, so I have none of them. But I like the postwar versions better anyway. I am not at all interested in the later ones with the shrouded barrel.

Last edited by DWalt; 08-20-2018 at 11:38 AM.
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Old 08-20-2018, 11:33 AM
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Originally Posted by alaskavett View Post
Nice purchase! I looked in R.L. Wilsons "pocked guide" and it looks to be from 1967. Is there a letter "D" in front of that serial number? It was added during the production run in 1966. Kyle
Thanks, there is no "D" just numbers.
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Old 08-20-2018, 11:52 AM
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Those are GREAT little guns. I carried one as my principle off-duty gun for a number of years.
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Old 08-20-2018, 11:56 AM
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I've been hunting for a finish challenged one (to refinish) for some time now. The minimalist 6 shot .38 pocket snub is just something S&W didn't do as well as Colt.
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Old 08-20-2018, 12:27 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LoboGunLeather View Post
Your Detective Special was made in 1966. Nice condition overall, nothing but honest wear from normal use. Won't bring the collector value of one in pristine condition, but a lot of collectors will want it to fill that slot in their Colt collections.

I suspect that those very nice original grips are worth at least half what you paid for the revolver (not that I'm suggesting that you part it out, just commenting on market demand!).
What he said^^^^^

Also, you can get a pair of beater grips or pachmayrs for around 20 bucks and keep those nicely checkered OEMs in the safe. 😊
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Old 08-20-2018, 12:28 PM
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Nice find even if it's "finish challenged"! If this were mine I'd make the effort to document who carried it and the department they worked for. Some collectors will buy an example like this if the information is interesting to them.
Jim
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Old 08-20-2018, 12:54 PM
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I'd give $200 for it. That a great little snubby. That one isn't +P rated so find some old 38 Nyclads or 158 grain wad cutters for it if you carry it.
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Old 08-20-2018, 01:18 PM
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I'd give $200 for it. That a great little snubby. That one isn't +P rated so find some old 38 Nyclads or 158 grain wad cutters for it if you carry it.
Actually I fired it yesterday right after I bought it with some 158gr semi-wadcutter I had in my range bag and it shot pretty accurately. I probably won't carry it I have plenty of other guns for that.
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Old 08-20-2018, 01:37 PM
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Andy,

Looking at the s/n list in the back of the R.L. Wilson Colt book more carefully it shows that 1966 started with s/n 890800, then later that year switched to s/n's with a D prefix. (D900101) Both of ours are early '66's.

I was at a gun show a couple of months ago and saw one that was in very good shape for $550, but the action was binding up with a real gummed up feeling. Don't know if it needed a cleaning, but I passed.

This was my Dad's.

100_0729-1.jpg

Bill

Last edited by CA Escapee; 08-20-2018 at 01:40 PM.
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Old 08-20-2018, 01:53 PM
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The OP's gun looks cool, and original. The price was awesome, maybe a third of what some people would pay for a gun like that.

I actually love Colt DA revolvers, too, but they're too expensive to collect, if from the best eras. I only have two - A 60's Diamondback and 40's Official Police, both in excellent shape and chambered in .38 Special.

Congrats on a great new gun. Have fun!
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Old 08-20-2018, 02:37 PM
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Fantastic guns. Best of the snubbies in my opinion!
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Old 08-20-2018, 03:00 PM
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MY daily companion.
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Old 08-20-2018, 03:53 PM
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The Colt DS was my issued weapon in 1974 when I became engaged in a gunfight w/armed robbers. It worked exactly as designed and I’m still around to enjoy my retirement but the bad guy, not so much.
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Old 08-20-2018, 03:57 PM
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Carried this for a few years. These old Colt's are great revolvers, easier to shoot well than their "J" frame S&W brethren...

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Old 08-20-2018, 04:16 PM
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Congrats!

You got a great revolver there!
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Old 08-20-2018, 04:22 PM
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Great deal.

One little thing: I think the ramp on the OP’s front sight has been monkeyed with. If you compare it to the angle and depth of the sight on 153’s gun in post #22, which looks like it should and as on my Detective Specials from 1961 and 1970, it’s obvious the OP’s ramp is longer and goes deeper.
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Old 08-20-2018, 04:31 PM
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Quote:
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Great deal.

One little thing: I think the ramp on the OP’s front sight has been monkeyed with. If you compare it to the angle and depth of the sight on 153’s gun in post #22, which looks like it should and as on my Detective Specials from 1961 and 1970, it’s obvious the OP’s ramp is longer and goes deeper.
Look at the pic in post # 17 it looks almost the same as mine and is stated as the same year. You are correct however the one in #22 doesn't look the same maybe a different vintage I have no idea.
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Old 08-20-2018, 04:50 PM
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Here's an example in my own collection that's in virtually new condition. It was built in 1970 and according to the Gent who sold it to me was found in a deceased relatives bureau drawer. I have never fired it and doubt if it was ever used much judging by the condition. Unfortunately there was no box or paperwork.
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Old 08-20-2018, 04:57 PM
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That gun would sell instantly around here for twice that price, and I'd be a buyer. I bought this Colt about eight years ago for $275 with holster and original grips. It's lighter than your's though, being a '51 Cobra now with real stags, and half a cup of coffee. You scored big time on that Det. Special. Your's has twice the finish on it mine does.




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Old 08-20-2018, 05:28 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by andy52 View Post
Look at the pic in post # 17 it looks almost the same as mine and is stated as the same year. You are correct however the one in #22 doesn't look the same maybe a different vintage I have no idea.
There may have been some variance; I’m not willing to bet any money on it.

But the ramp on yours seems significantly steeper. Attached my 1970 vintage. The 1961 specimen I had was identical.
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Old 08-20-2018, 05:30 PM
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Got one just like her from '69. Ramp sight, pinned hammer and short grip frame.
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Old 08-20-2018, 05:38 PM
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I'm another who's gonna vote for 1966. Here's mine with a serial number only 69 away from the OP's nice acquisition. For totin' I much prefer the Detective Special over any J-Frame Smith & Wesson ever produced.

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Old 08-20-2018, 05:46 PM
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I always wanted the Colt Detective special, I was authorized to carry the S&W 36 off duty, so that's what I have instead. That little beauty for $200 is right up my alley. So I say, nice little revolver, great price. I too am a little jealous.
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Old 08-20-2018, 05:47 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by andy52 View Post
Look at the pic in post # 17 it looks almost the same as mine and is stated as the same year. You are correct however the one in #22 doesn't look the same maybe a different vintage I have no idea.
The gun in #22 has a longer butt than yours. I forgot when that change happened but maybe someone already mentioned that and I missed it.
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Old 08-20-2018, 07:01 PM
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I’m looking for the Colt DS I used in ‘74 (Post #21 above), serial #689642, so if anyone has it please send me a PM.
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Old 08-20-2018, 07:05 PM
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Nice score! I’d buy all day long at $200.
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Old 08-20-2018, 08:09 PM
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FWIW this one was made in 1961.

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Carried this for a few years. These old Colt's are great revolvers, easier to shoot well than their "J" frame S&W brethren...

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Old 08-20-2018, 08:29 PM
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Well, I guess this is a good time to show my similar Detective Special...I like mine with the vintage Tyler's T Grip. I thought I was getting a bargain a few years ago when I paid twice what you just laid out!!



Recently traded a Smith 4506-1 for this nicle plated, long frame DS:



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Old 08-20-2018, 08:58 PM
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As they say, "That's a bargain at twice the price." Which is what I paid for one last month. And mine has some light pitting and some dings here and there. But it did come with some nice original grips and a vintage Tyler T Grip Adapter as well as some Pachmayr Grippers and a nice old-school (open trigger guard) leather holster. You did very well indeed.
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Old 08-20-2018, 09:04 PM
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Got to love being in the right place at the right time and falling into a deal you weren't even looking for, great buy!
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Old 08-20-2018, 10:17 PM
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Quote:
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Thanks, I'm pleased with it for the price and will probably just hang on to it even though I don't collect colts.
I think that you made a great deal. Really like that snub.
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Old 08-21-2018, 12:13 AM
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I'm envious. I'd have been on that deal like ugly on a baboon's butt.
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Old 08-21-2018, 01:25 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Old cop View Post
The Colt DS was my issued weapon in 1974 when I became engaged in a gunfight w/armed robbers. It worked exactly as designed and I’m still around to enjoy my retirement but the bad guy, not so much.

You've mentioned this several times. Can you provide details, including exact ammo used and where your bullets struck your opponents? Were you able to view the extracted bullets and determine if they expanded, penetration depth, etc.?

I think many here would be very interested. This is how we can learn about bullet behavior, better than videos and Internet speculation.
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Old 08-21-2018, 01:37 AM
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Really nice,the DS was my first handgun...sold it to a friend,who kept it 42 years.I managed to get it back from him last year...never again!
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Old 08-21-2018, 09:00 AM
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The colt came with a set of Tyler Ts that I had taken off when I cleaned it I haven't decided to leave them on or not.
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Old 08-21-2018, 09:32 AM
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The colt came with a set of Tyler Ts that I had taken off when I cleaned it I haven't decided to leave them on or not.
I think it looks great with the Tyler Ts on it!

Really makes it look business like, or should I say "ready to take care of business"!
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Old 08-21-2018, 10:24 AM
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Many folks, like myself, feel that the gun not only looks better with the Tyler in place, but shoots better as well. I have begun a project of placing one on each of my "shooters"!!!

Here are a few:







Best Regards, Les
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Old 08-21-2018, 11:43 AM
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What Les said. Quite apart from the historical ambience, for most people (there are exceptions) the adapters improve their grip on the gun signficantly. without enlarging its external volume.

On the 1950s Model 36, I find the Mershon looks better. But on the Detective Special, the Tyler is perfect. Both are period-correct.
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Old 08-21-2018, 11:11 PM
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This one is 1958:



Hard chrome and blue by Accurate Plating. Tuned up by Grant Cunningham. Grips by Paul Persinger.



I originally planned, in 2009, to have it engraved, but when that did not work out, after five years, went the hard chrome route. Really do like the chrome as a practical, attractive finish.

Here is a good link on Detective Specials: Detective Special
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Old 08-22-2018, 03:29 AM
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I'd say you did quite well!!

The "Dick Special" is a fabulous and well made gun! If belt carried it might even beat out the S&W Chief's Special because of the fact that it is a lot easier to shoot due to the slightly larger size and 2 ounces more weight - not noticeable when carried OWB. The extra round adds 20% more fire power too!

I have a 3rd Gen. Dick Spl. in pristine condition that I bought NIB in the 1990's when they were winding down their production. Just a GREAT reliable gun!
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