The Colt Detective Special had a long run (1926 - 1970s) as a police undercover arm, and as a discreet carry option for civilians. While I'm definitely a S&W fan, I will always give due respect to Colt firearms from their "golden age."

While showing just a mite more bulk than S&W J-frames, The Colt had one big advantage. Instead of five .38 Specials, The "Dick Special" has always provided six. In addition, the cylinder rotated to the right, forcing it into the frame instead of out, and the hand maintained pressure on the ratchet throughout operation, giving no wiggle to the cylinder at the moment of ignition. Alignment was always a precision thing. You will not see a cylinder drag line on many of these despite extensive use, as the cylinder stop activation was at the precise right moment. In short, it was a quality arm with careful hand fitting.

I admit that the internals were a bit more complex, making corrective gunsmithing know-how for these a rare thing now. In fairness, though, I have never found one to be out of tune.

As a "seasoned citizen" now, I'm married to the memory of many fine firearms from some time ago, and so I acquired this rather nice specimen. It dates to May, 1959, making it nearly 62 years old now. At the time, these guns were still going strong and very popular with police plain clothes detectives. They were accurate, concealable and unfailingly reliable.

So I ask the question - is the classic Detective Special still a good choice for discreet personal protection?

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

Of course. These are great guns functionally, and they also have that "second kind of cool" that only a classic, blued/walnut gun from the golden age of American firearms can provide.

These things are all steel and can handle modern 38 defense loads. They are fantastic guns to shoot.

I have a Police Positive from 1928 that I shoot regularly. Same gun as a Dick Special except with a 5" barrel. It's as tight as a drum and shoots quite well.

Use it with confidence. I actually prefer the additional heft and capacity of these over the 5-shot J-frames. They also have the v-spring action which I feel is nicer than the coil spring action of the J's.

I'd also suggest a Kramer belt scabbard in horse hide if you are going to carry it regularly. You will not be disappointed.

They certainly are great guns.

At the risk of being thought an apostate, I believe that the Colt D frame guns are easier to shoot well than Smith J frames.

If you can reasonably conceal it and get to it if needed without a lot of fuss. Then why not carry it. The biggest question is.....do you feel confident with it? From your post I would say you do. So carry it!


AJ

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

Bingo. Shoot it a lot, get proficient with it at up to 10 or so yards, and then I suggest carrying a speed strip too...practice reloading with that after you've mastered placing the first 6 shots.

The pace at which the Chiefs Special swept the Detective Special aside as the nation’s and then the world’s favorite snubby in the decades after the 1950s is almost breath-taking.

But it certainly had nothing to do with any defects or shortcomings of the Colt. I suspect it was mostly a collateral effect of S&W taking the LE market in service-size revolvers away from Colt after WW II.

I think the DS is the perfect medium, being compact in size and offering the six shots of a K-frame snubby without the bulk. No reason why it should not perform that duty equally today as last century if you favor revolvers for CCW.

I carry a Colt Cobra about 90% of the time. Six shots, nice usable sights, and grip that is just big enough. It is so light I hardly know its there.

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Rule of law, not a man.

Very nice gun and the 1st of all the "snake" guns made by Colt. The Cobra pre-dated the Python by about 5 years.

Good point, practice reloads. Both with a speed strip and a speed loader. You can not get to be to proficient in reloading.

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

I also have a 1959 vintage Detective Special. If I chose to carry a small revolver, it would be my choice.

The exposed ejector rod snub nose Colts are classy and different and don't look boring like the small carry guns that I see virtually everyone shooting at the range nowadays. They give up very little to the more modern snub nose guns, but I wouldn't shoot anything but standard pressure loads in any of the older Colts.

Some find these easier to shoot well than the J-frames, but I can't really see any difference.

Dad had one as his off-duty gun and primary as a Captain.

For me while the Detective Special just a little bigger than a J-frame..... for the trade off I went directly to the 2 1/2" 19.

Yes, but my only concern would be the ‘what if’ factor. Heaven forbid that I actually need to legally use it and defend myself the gun will get impounded and thrown into an evidence locker for how long. Unless it’s a total beater I would rather have my 10 year old Jframe [which is also a beater] impounded than my 50-75 year old Colt [I have several].

All things are a chance. You have to do what you feel comfortable with. If taking a chance on having your gun in an evidence looker scares you, then get a beater. " You pays your dime and you takes your chance!"

AJ

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

Just gonna add my voice to the choir and say that as long as the gun is in good shape, reliable, and you can shoot it well, I see no reason not to carry it.

Years ago I had a alloy Colt of similar format and found it more accurate and faster to shoot than my J-frame. I sold it because the J-frame has sentimental value and didn't want it to get jealous and I just knew I'd favor the Colt if I kept it!
Would a modern tiny-9 be a better CC choice? Based on it's specs, sure. Based on familiarity and comfort if you are a seasoned revolver shooter, nope.
Carry and enjoy that righteous arm.

That's certainly something to consider. My EDC is a Series 80 Govt Model. I rarely carry my Series 70 Gold Cup not just because it's a nicer gun, but mostly because I inherited it from my dad. However, I do carry it from time to time. While the possibility of losing it to a police evidence locker is a concern, I also feel like my dad is with me, in a way, looking over me when I carry it. I'd like to think that if that gun ended up saving my life, or maybe the lives of others, that he'd be proud his gift did its job.

But there's nothing wrong with wanting to carry something that's easily replaceable or doesn't have sentimental value. If I'm carrying one of my snubs, it's going to be my 642-1, not my 642ND.

Just my opinion.

In my years as a police officer (pre semi autos), I carried a Python on duty. A DS was my off duty and backup gun. I was the head firearms instructor for my department and our basic police academy.

We had a lady who was I believe a probation officer come through the firearms class. She had many problems qualifying with her J frame. I loaned her my DS and she was able to pass all phases. She promised to sell the J and buy a DS. It wasn't anything wrong with her Smith, just the DS was easier to shoot.

Interestingly all of the old steel frame Colts, including the Police Positive (from which the Det. Special is based) were rated for +P ammo back then (the 38/44 type of ammo).

I don't think I'd have any worries shooting higher than standard pressure ammo in an all steel D frame Colt...I might even trust it more than a modern scandium or whatever the latest whiz bang material is!

Here's an old ad from the '30s where Colt even advertises using the DS with the 38/44 and 38 hi-speed loads of the day. They are solid chunks of steel!:

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That reminds me of when I was the Chief Firearms Instructor at Naval Station Long Beach. I had responsibility for qualifying all the Naval Security Personnel and Civilian Security Personnel. The Chief of Civilian Security came out to qualify with his S&W Model 36 (more of a status symbol). He fired the course and failed to qualify. I came over and asked to see his 36 and he handed it to me. I put it in my gun bag and handed him a S&W Model 10 4 inch. Then told him to reshoot the course and he did and qualified. Asked me for the 36 and I told him he had to carry the 10 since he could not qualify with the 36. Ended up in the office of the Navy Officer in charge of Naval Station Security. Each of us had our say and it ended up the Chief could not carry the 36 until he could qualify with it. Took him two weeks to get proficient enough to qualify with it. He had to carry the 10 until he did. Was not a happy camper.

AJ

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

You betcher bippy!!

My only concern with a gun that valuable nowadays would be damaging the finish or the exposed ejector rod from EDC duty in a holster. Other than that, go for it!

I sold 2 minty DSs: A nickel with exposed ejector rod model, and a later blue with ejector shroud. They would have been good carry pieces, but I read repeatedly that, as they were no longer produced, they were collector's items. I had previously determined that I no longer wanted collector's items which would lose value if used (so the pundits said), so away they went.

Also, I had come across numerous PPSs at our range which were ALL out of time, spat lead and jammed, so my interest in small-frame Colts all but disappeared. Got a bunch of snub 10s I like (and shoot) better.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

[QUOTE=PALADIN85020;141138100]..............
So I ask the question - is the classic Detective Special still a good choice for discreet personal protection?

John

Certainly, why not?
I carry a J-frame (649) and have a half dozen vintage Chiefs Specials, but would have no reservations about carrying a Detective Special.
As a matter of fact, I've half-heartedly been looking for a vintage DS to keep my Chiefs Specials company.

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NRA Endowment Member

A Colt very similar to the OP’s was my primary (only) gun for four years in the Philadelphia area during school. If thousands are happy with Chiefs Specials as carry guns I don’t see why a revolver with 20% higher capacity won’t still work.

AJ, you and I just missed crossing paths at Long Beach; got my first uniforms at the Exchange there the year after you retired, and spent a few weekends at the Reserve Center after the main base closed.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I have a real fondness for the Crimson Trace Laser sights for my small snubbies, and CT doesn't make a model that will fit the Colt DS or Cobras. That's my main reluctance in carrying my DS over my beloved Model 38 or 638. I got very lucky with my Detective Special - it had been sitting in pieces in a plastic bag in a local gun store for quite some time. The owner made me an excellent price on it along with a killer deal - if I couldn't reassemble it and get it to fire properly he'd give me a complete refund. To date, this has been my most enjoyable "project gun" I've ever had. To me, it does shoot easier and better than any of my J-frames, but my EDC continue to be S&W Model 38-0 or a 638-1.

Regards,

Dave

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Alan,

I was the senior Marine Cadre there for a year and a half. I had been the Marine Barracks Guard Chief at NWS Seal Beach, until we turned it over to Navy Security. I set up the initial Naval Auxiliary Security Force at NSLB. You should have been there when we had a station wide security drill that lasted 24 hours. I had a friend (Reserve Marine WO-3) who was a LA Sheriff Deputy on their Special Enforcement Bureau (LASO SEB). They used four teams to assault the base over that 24 hour period. Had the Security Department going crazy. The CO of NS was not happy. I checked out the next day and went on my merry way to my nest duty station.

I was at NWS Seal Beach when Seal Team did a Red Cell exercise on us. That was part of what got Marcinko relieved and eventually imprisoned.

AJ

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

I'm aware of these old ads, but few people shot snub nose guns then. That was the attitude for a long time. No one really saw them as guns that you shoot, just guns that you keep handy in a desk drawer or glove box. In fact, many were probably never fired by the original owners. I'm sure this was was no secret to Colt.

A few rounds of hot ammo won't wreck one of these guns, but it won't do one any good either. It's getting hard to find parts as well as gunsmiths that can work on these guns. The advantage of +P ammo over standard pressure ammo is likely not nearly as great as some think, if there is a real and practical advantage at all, but opinions vary on this.

Ah yes, the “Rogue Warrior”...interesting guy.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

When I meant him in an inbrief at NWS, I and the rest of the Guard staff thought he was a couple of bricks short of a load.

AJ

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

So I ask the question - is the classic Detective Special still a good choice for discreet personal protection?

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IMO the DS is just the right size, has best trigger pull, most accurate, and less recoil than any other small revolver. I'm a S&W fan through & through but this particular Colt is my choice for carry. The shrouded 70's version is to my liking. I purchased this pictured beater from a pawn shop several years ago, had "Roll Tide" engraved on the side plate, and sprayed it with Duracoat.
Hope I never have to shoot anything but targets with it.
Ray

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It gets me the number of people who worry about their gun being impounded in the event of a self defense shooting. I mostly carry a 325 NG 45acp or a 431PD in 32 H&R. Both are hard to find guns that run about a grand or so. I definitely like them. But, I have them and carry them because I trust them if I every r really need to have a gun. If after it is all over the worst part is my gun is held as evidence for a while I will be a happy camper. Guns are replaceable, My wife, my family and I are NOT

I'd agree that there certainly isn't a benefit to shooting a lot of +P ammo out of these guns, but I'm not sure why you'd think they'd be any weaker than any more modern gun? They are all steel and an even larger frame than modern J-frames made of lightweight material such as scandium and aluminum.

Steel, even from the 1930s, is probably stronger than scandium in 2021.

Well hopefully you're at least an Alabama fan

John,

As good a carry piece as any, and much better than most.

AJ

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

Not an expert, but I think it has to do more with the timing than the steel. From my understanding, Colt revolvers tend to go out of time quicker than S&W revolvers, and I imagine +P ammo would accelerate that tendency. Can't say how accurate that is, nor how common if it is accurate, nor whether or not that will happen with typical usage.

Hmm well I guess that renders the old V-spring Colt Python, Officers, etc. not shootable with 357 magnum ammo then! They are all the same design.

The short answer is yes, it is still a good choice. I have never had the
privilege of owning a DS, but I do own it's orphan brother, the Agent.
The Agent is a little lighter weight and has a slightly shorter grip frame,
but very similar otherwise. And much less cost if you can find one.
I only paid $150 for this one, quite a few years ago. I think the Spegel
grips doubles the value.

Here is a picture of my Agent, wearing Craig Spegel's extended boots.
I removed the hammer spur and the single action notch to render it
totally DAO. 2nd photo shows it in one of it's favorite rides. A gator
trimmed pancake by KD.

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In Omnia Paratus

No matter when the steel or scandium was made there is only so much abuse the gun will take. Either metal developing cracks, or springs failing or the timing going out of order. Why beat a gun that you have paid good money for up for no better reason that making a lot of noise.

I did not develop this theory yesterday. Back in the day I wanted a .44 Magnum (had seen "Dirty Harry" as a first run movie). Went out looking for a M29, could not find one. Ended up buying a New Model Ruger Super Blackhawk. Stoked it with loads (was loading my own) that would curl your toes. When I finally found and bought a S&W M29-2 4 inch was talking with the gunsmith about loads that I was using. He asked me why I was going to beat up a Cadillac? I said what? His answer made sense once I thought about it. He reasoned that the Ruger was built like a tank and should take a lot of abuse. Whereas the S&W was more like a luxury car and needed some finesse, His words to me were shoot .44 Special loads in it when practicing and or plinking, but when hunting two or four footed animals use the Magnum loads.

Made sense to me especially since the S&W cost me twice what the Ruger did. Still makes sense to me........


AJ

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

I used my issued Colt DS in a 1974 gunfight w/armed robbery suspects, reloading once under fire, so my answer is an unqualified yes to your question. My 1968 Cobra still gets carried now and then. As an aside I’ve been trying to locate my old service weapon (above), serial #689642, so if anyone has it in their collection pls message me.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

Yes, the chance of having a concealed carry gun held for evidence is indeed extremely slim to not even being there at all. Many, many other bad things will befall someone before this will happen, but it appears today's "what if"/ obsessive folks have a need to worry about something. It's hard to imagine this line of thinking.

For a compact revolver you can't do better than the Colt DS. Choice of US Military police and civilians. DS perfect size and weight. For pocket, shoulder holster and ankle holster the alloy Colt Cobra and Agent the weight was also perfect. Today expect to pay a $200 or more premium for any of these vintage Colts over a J frame. As primary or backup can't go wrong with a matching vintage quality holster from Bianchi Safariland Bucheimer Roys you will be good to go.

I have a 70s era Cobra that is every bit the equal or better than my airweight J frames. The only reason I don't carry it, is the thought of it going into an evidence locker, should I need to use it.

The wife is very happy with her 1941 DS.........



and I am very content with my 1957 Cobra......

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

Well sure. Obviously, a gun will wear out faster the hotter the loads you fire through it. No one would argue that.

I'm just saying that with a Colt DS and +P ammo, it might take 8,000 shots to wear it out or go out of time. With standard ammo it might take 12,000 shots.

In either case, who cares? Both numbers are out of the practical realm for anyone to shoot out of a DS in many years!

Bottom line: Don't worry about either! If something breaks, fix it.

In one word, heck yes. Well, that's two words but it is certainly still a viable revolver for CC. I have one of the 3rd series Dick Specials with the shrouded ejector rod. It is very accurate with my preferred self defense load which is the old Nyclad FBI loads. They are +P rated and even though the later DS's are rated for +P, I go easy with them.

I also have an S&W Model 640. I like it a lot too and also think it is in the top 5 choices for a concealed carry revolver, but I have to admit that it takes much more concentration on all the fundamentals of marksmanship to shoot well. The DS just seems to stack up bullets where you point it much easier.

My 57 Agent.

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I have read the same thing about Pythons, that they will go out of time sooner.

But like I said, it may or may not be an issue depending on how one uses the gun.

I EDC a 1958 DS that I had hard chromed. Tuned by Grant Cunningham. Ivories by Paul Persinger, and holster is Mitch Rosen's 5JR.

Well........Given the choice between carrying a nice Richard special like one of the ones posted and a snubby Kimber 357 revolver in stainless steel, I'll go with the kimber. Kinda like grabbing the SBEII over the Browning A-5. Wouldn't turn down a nice Colt and wouldn't give up my Browning but the Kimber and the SBEII are both better for the job at hand although the guy you shoot might feel a bit better getting shot by a classic
Sorry

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