I have been looking for a Colt Detective special for several years. I always like the 60's and 70's models used in The Rockford Files or Bullitt. Now I realize, the older they are and especially in good shape, bring more money. I shoot my revolvers so I am not looking for a safe queen, may even carry it.

For a shooter that I could shoot several hundred rounds through in a year, I have been looking at a series 3 (I think it is a series 3, 1981 model with shrouded ejector rod). The bluing on it is what I would consider very good if not bordering on excellent. I didn't really see much in the way of wear on the bluing, has the Pachmayr grips, blued frame, and it was exceptionally clean.

I have heard if you want to shoot it a lot a series 3 or 4 will probably last longer with the shrouded ejector, and are a little beefier like a Ruger sp101.

Then I keep going around thinking maybe I should be looking for a Smith and wesson model 10 snubby or 3" barrel over the Colt, but the colt is like a bucket list, even though I really wanted an older one.

I have seen prices all over the place online- older models in Gun Broker are from about $450 and up, but under $800 or so they are all rusty. Have seen some around $750, some around $900, some over $1000...

While I realize it is probably the worst time to look for something like this, the one I found locally is $899, and it looks to be very lightly used... No rings from rounds on the frame, bore looked great, barely any cylinder wear line, bluing looked great...

so my thoughts are:
1) Is the Colt detective special I mentioned worth getting or should I wait longer?
2) Is it better than something else like a Security Six, or Model 10 Smith?
3) The last few deals I waited on that I really liked, were gone within days...
4) Is the third generation a good candidate for a few hundred rounds a year? Will the older models be fine as well?

I hate my thoughts some times...

You don't have your location listed but I would recommend attending gun shows with cash in your pocket. #1 - sure the Colt is worth getting - there are a zillion out there - ever heard of one that was shot to death? Wait longer for what? Price to go up? #2 - better is in the eyes of the owner. When I say a Security Six is an ok gun with a trigger substandard to a Colt or S&W, someone will say their S Six trigger is excellent... #3 - what is the question? #4 - see answer #1. This pandemic and working from home has everyone thinking about lots of stuff with lots of time on hand!

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S&W factory revolver armorer

I'm also a fan, and am looking for one or two. Maybe a pristine gen 1 or 2 to look at (they are much cooler), and a less than perfect Gen 3 from the 70s to carry.

FYI in Bullitt, McQueen uses a Diamondback. It's the same frame as the DS but with the Python style vented and underlugged barrel. I think a few of the other characters do use a 2nd or 1st gen DS with the exposed ejector.

Regarding durability: There is no difference in shooting durability. They are the same guns, just with an underlug barrel screwed on. I suppose the 3rd or 4th gen would be more durable if you cracked someone in the head with it, but otherwise I doubt there's much difference. The 3rd and 4th also came with bigger, thicker grips which I'm sure help shootability but hurt concealment a little.

1. Definitely. The longer you wait, the more money they will be since they are no longer made.

2. I love V-spring colts, and the DS is smaller than the model 10. But this is just subjective and only you can decide

3. Yep, they are popular little buggers. All V-spring Colts from the 20th century are.

4. Yes and yes. They are all great, durable, all steel guns. They will handle a LOT more than 300 rounds per year.

Thanks for the replies so far. I know the best time to buy one is when you see it...

I live in Commifornia East (Massachusetts) we don't have a lot of gun shows up here, and I have bought a couple guns online and had them shipped to an FFL, but unless they are hundreds of dollars cheaper online, I still end up paying about the same after shipping and transfer fees, so I usually wait to find one local, and buy it is I think it is a normal price- plus I can handle it and that to me is worth and extra few bucks.

The Colt D frames are easier to shoot well than the Smith J frames and are handier than Smith K frames.

The Colt action doesn’t produce the cylinder ring you see on Smiths, so the absence of such a ring on a Colt simply means it’s not out of tune, not that it hasn’t been shot a lot.

Here's my stab at answers; 1) $899 is mid to high end for a Series 3 with rubber grips. It should be in good shape to command that price, 2) No. I have two of them and neither is as rugged as a SP101 or any S&W, but that should not matter a lot. You will have a hard time wearing it out. I would check timing before buying. Single action cock it briskly to make sure the carry-up is accurate and the tiny, fragile locking lug catches the cylinder properly, 3) No quality weapon sits on the market for very long unless ridiculously priced. Market velocity is near zero, buying and selling. If you want it, buy it, 4) There should be no difference in durability between generations. They all have essentially the same lockwork, good and bad. Be aware that if the aforementioned timing and carry-up are not right, a competent gunsmith fix will not be on every street corner. The design has stood the test of time, but is generally regarded to not be as robust and easy to tune as S&W or Ruger. IMHO, either the 2nd or 3rd gen Dick Specials are superior carry pieces to a Chief's Special. This is the wrong board to write such heresy, but it's true. Buy it and like it. If you tire of it there will be many eager buyers.

Thank you all, I think you affirmed what I was already feeling. I will call the shop when they open tomorrow, and if it is still there, have them hold it till the afternoon when I can get in to buy it. If it is gone, I will keep looking.

Buy it now, prices will only go up.

Me: goes on a gun forum asks advice about whether or not to buy guns
Forum: Buy guns? What are you waiting for?
Me: Justified. (like I needed it)

No other snubnose guns have the looks of the Colts with the unshrouded ejector rods. However, some might argue that's about all they have going for them in a realistic comparison with more modern snubnose revolvers.

Regardless, get what you want. You may be disappointed with something more practical that doesn't have the looks of an older Colt snubnose. A Model 10 snubnose? Great gun and a strong one, but huge for concealed carry and has the classic look of sheer boredom, but much easier to shoot well than a Colt or S&W J-frame...

I much prefer the looks of the shrouded DS as opposed to the older style. The radiused barrel just looks so much more refined and swoopy to me.
Different strokes, I guess.

I like my DS Gen 3. But I'd also like to get a Gen 1 too.

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I just posted this same photo in the thread about the New Service!

The DS pictured was acquired by me in 2013, through a series of very good trades, and I'm into it for about $240. It's a 4th issue, unless you're a Colt purist, in which case it would be a 5th issue. It was made in 1994. I also have a true 1st issue, made in 1933 and it has the square butt.

I carried it from then until last year, when I bought a 3" 65-3 and it became my EDC. I still carry it occasionally, however.

At ten yards it shoots to point of aim with the Remington green box 125 gr. JHP +P, and it groups decently, averaging about 2". I've shot it a bunch.

I highly recommend them!

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I had one for sale on a PA website for a while at $700 with no takers. The condition was very good. I ended up selling it to a guy I worked with for $500. I never used it and just purchased a 18-3 and a gen 3 Colt SAA in .45 Colt. The DS was a beautiful revolver but I like the other 2 better..

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Sounds like you have your heart and mind set on a second generation Colt DS, don't settle for less. Saw a nice looking one on GB last week for $900, most nice ones are going for $1k and more. Far as I'm concerned all around perfect concealable revolver and as you can see the most desirable are the 1st and 2nd gen. The 3rd and 4th gen DS dont do nothing for me either in looks build or performance. Prices are going to continue to rise so if you spot a nice one pay the piper and be happy you got what you really wanted.

Well, I checked online this morning, and the shop still had it... Among a few other things that interested me...

I checked out a Taurus Judge which has been on my short list for a while, and never seem to show up locally because Taurus revolvers aren't Mass Approved so they have to be older ones transferred in years ago... I have held Judge's before, and this one had "Public defender" laser engraved on the top of the frame... It was very dirty, like shot quite a bit and rarely cleaned (which usually for me is a red flag), and the cylinder lockup was pretty bad- had about 3x as much play when the hammer was back as I thought a revolver should, and more than any I have owned... So after debating it for a few minutes, I jumped on the Colt.

Yes it is not a 2nd gen like I originally wanted, but I have two Charter Arms gen 1 Undercovers that fit the bill of snubbies with exposed ejector rods, and I figured the Colt will be a little more durable with the shrouded ejector. It was in nicer condition than I remembered from last week. I would say it's 95% condition, you can barely see a faint line of wear on the muzzle, otherwise, its immaculate. It has been shot a little but you can tell the owner took care to clean it well. Pics will follow at some point.

While we're on the subject of DSs, I'd love to know the value of this one compared to the more common short-barreled version:

I sold a 3" Detective Special in very good condition about ten years ago. At the time, they were selling for about the same price as the much more common 2". Same when I bought it.

I'm not up on the current prices of anything, but would guess these may now bring somewhat of a premium over the 2". You certainly don't see many of the 3" guns.

The Gen 3 DS is a fine revolver IMO. I've had both 2" and 3". The longer barrel is much easier to place hits on more distant targets, while not being an appreciable issue to carry holstered. 3" Gen 3's are far and few in between.

My preferred grip has been the factory one, as in thread #14 in this topic.

In my area, a 3" barrel on anything that is less common like a Charter Arms, Colt DS, J frame bring at least $100 more, if not $150 more.

I would have been happy to pay $800 for a revolver like yours, but I am betting it is probably worth $1000 or more right now... Look on GunBroker- some prices are inflated, but it gives you an idea...

I may look for a set of those grips, I'm a sucker for bluing and wood.

Thank God you came to your senses and bought the DS over the Judge.

Well here it is. Nary a mark on it... one tiny mark on the cylinder, barely can see a cylinder turn line, barely any wear on muzzle... it’s so buttery smooth. It’s like the perfect size six shooter- I’ve held tons, shot quite a few, this is just about perfect...

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And a few more pics.. I’m really proud of this one

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You can’t go wrong with a DS……
Even the older ones are worth it…..but I got these well before they skyrocketed in price.




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The Gen. 3 Dick Spl's. are awesome Revolvers! Mine was purchased NIB back in the day and still in pristine condition even though it has been shot. Worth $1,000.00 you ask........ If in pristine condition, has original box & papers, I would say yes. Unfortunately what might sound like a ridiculously high price now will be a bargain in a year.

Congrats, nice revolver find. I noticed you mentioned putting wood grips on it. If you do, just be sure to hold on to those original grips. They are more than just a used set of rubbers. Being factory issued with the Colt medallions, they are worth some money.

Larry

I've been a proud owner of a 3rd Issue Detective Special for about 40 years now. Traded for it back in the early 1980s. It was my first legal carry gun and I consider it to be the finest snub ever made.
Many a time I've told the story of how I made the mistake of letting my wife shoot it and she didn't give it back for 20 years. But I do still have it and it ain't going nowhere.
I'm quite fond of the Colt "D" frames as I think they're excellent for concealed carry. 6 shots in a size that's both easy to shoot well and carry. I also have a pair of Diamondbacks. A 4" .38 and a 6" .22.
I also think that the Pachmyer Compact grip is perfect for these guns as it gives excellent control without compromising concealablity. I suggest you try them before just changing them out.
You've made an excellent choice there. It'll serve you well for many years to come.

I'll second the Compacs. I carried a 3rd gen. Cobra for years that had Compacs on it and thought they were a perfect fit.

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LIVE FROM THE DAWGHOUSE

I like them better than the J-frames. I own four, including one third gen. They carry well,shoot well and fit my hand better than the J-frame. Last one I happened to see for sale here in Ca was about $800, for a third gen. I like the looks of the older ones better but they changed the spacing between the trigger guard and the grip along the way. The old ones had the habit of battering your hand even with very modest loads.

Yeah, I have learned to keep all my original grips. I didn't realize the medallions were colt till I got it home- thought they were pachmayr.

I was more happy when I looked up Rockford Files history, and found James Garner carried a Gen 3 DS. Now if I can get some good wood target grips, I'll have a childhood dream gun

They are growing on me... Time will tell, I will try them. They feel great in the hand

Point of order Mr. Speaker, in Coltspeak their called "issues" not "generations". 1st issue, 2nd issue, etc.

Nice one.

Thanks for the clarification I'm not a Colt snob... Yet...

I am not sure if this is a 1st or 2nd. It is a 1964 model. BTW, I still have the original wood grips.
Larry

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Miss Buddies crsides & fat tom

Nice score wish I still had one in the safe......

Had/ tried a couple back in the 80s 3rd issue with the covered ejector rods. ...my Dad carried a 1950s version for over 20 years off duty and as a Capt. ... nice size carry gun but I prefer a Smith K-frame trigger pull.... so both got traded away in favor of 2 1/2" 19s.

Do still have my Dad's .... but will never carry it.

I took it out and shot it this weekend, was shooting reman 148 grain leag wad cutters, and they were stout rounds... I wish I had brought some factory 130 grain Winchester with me to shoot through it, but I only brought two boxes of the reloads/reman ammo and I was a little disappointed in it.

It was really smokey, had more recoil than I was expecting (I think it was loaded pretty hot) and some of the rounds after I fired them were causing the chamber to hang up... Like I would shoot two and on the third round, it would not advance the cylinder... I think the cases were getting stuck, maybe they were sliding back in the cylinder and the crimp from the front opened up too much not allowing the casing to free-float in the cylinder? not sure... If I took the empties out and put in fresh rounds, it ran fine. It only happened with about 5 rounds out of 100, and happened in two different revolvers, so I know it was the ammo.

At any rate, the double action of this thing is so smooth, I didn;t even realize the cylinder had turned, then BANG! I love shooting it in double action better than single - almost to the point, if it wasn;t such an expensive revolver, I would have a smith bob the hammer. But I still like the option to shoot in single action.

I wasnt trying for accuracy, but was shooting at some 25 yards targets, and I think I was shooting high, so maybe the ammo was loaded a bit too hot... I'm gonna stick to shooting the other few boxes of those reman loads in my 357's and stick to 130 or 158 grain factory loads in my older revolvers.

I love it, glad I got it, not sorry it cost $900 - I did sell some other stuff to get it, so it didn't hurt at all to buy it

Again, keeping in mind that these small snubnose revolvers are considerably more difficult for most people to shoot well than larger framed guns...

I generally shoot single-action at 25 yards with handguns, including the snub nose revolvers. Shooting single-action, most shots are high, from an inch or two to six inches using ammo comparable to factory standard pressure loads that use a 158 grain lead bullet of any configuration.

With a two-handed hold firing double-action, point of impact is often brought down to where it should be: to the point of aim. This will vary some from one shooter to another, but it's worth checking with your revolver. Higher velocity ammo will almost always shoot lower than standard velocity.

My late '50s Colt Cobra and Model 60 S&W both shoot passably with a load that does well in all my other Colt & S&W revolvers - H&G #51 SWC (158 grains) and 231 powder. However, both will do better using a 154 grain HP cast from a Lyman mould #358439 and the same powder.

If possible with our current situation, it's worth trying a variety of factory ammo and handloads with these guns.

I have a few kinds of factory ammo so I can make that happen. Some 158 grain, some 130 grain.