Make a Colt Police Positive into a DET Special? Updated

GeoJelly · Jan 26, 2023

I have watched with interest the post a few days ago here about Detective Specials. I have a couple, a newish 3rd Issue and a 1960's in .32 Colt NP. I just picked this Police Positive a couple of weeks ago, and have a hankering for another Det Special. I've found a place that has new old-stock Det Spec barrels for $100. The trick is finding someone to do the barrel swap. I don't know if the frame profile was the same for the PP versus the DS. And thus question two here, is this even feasible? Understand this isn't Colt Forum but there are a ton of Colt owners, and expertise, here. Also understand that $100 for a barrel, plus gunsmith charges plus shipping could easily climb above $350. I have about $450 into the revolver itself so I think the total cost would be worth it for me. What does SWF think?

SnidelyWhiplash · Jan 26, 2023

A simple swap for a qualified gunsmith with the proper tools. It does bring up the question of why? It would be simpler to buy a Dick Special the way you want it...you could sell the Police Positive as that one looks pretty nice.

Paying someone to do the swap plus the cost of the barrel is likely more than buying another gun. You can find good Detective Specials for around $600-$900 depending on condition, finish and extras like the box and paperwork.

murphydog · Jan 26, 2023

I think a barrel swap would not be quite that expensive, perhaps $100-125.

But before you do that, I’d take the Police Positive (Special) to the range. If it is an utter tack driver I’d be reluctant to mess with it.

reddog81 · Jan 26, 2023

That's a nice looking gun. It's seems like it'd be foolish to mess with it.

rockquarry · Jan 26, 2023

Seems it would be a shame to ravish a nice gun that appears to be 100% original. You may have an exceptional shooter as is. I'd look for a 2" Detective Special that was also 100% original if I wanted one.

Ameshawki · Jan 26, 2023

Not worth it. As others have said Dec Specials can still be found for reasonable (by Colt standards) money. Also note you have a Police Positive Special. The Police Positive (not so special?) is a slightly different creature. Unless you have the last generation in which case Colt called it the Police Positive.

brucev · Jan 26, 2023

Hum. My momma said, if I couldn't say something nice, just to not say anything at all. Good advice. Sincerely. bruce.

forindooruseonly · Jan 26, 2023

I love butchering guns. I've had more than one person get mad at me for ruining perfectly good guns.

There's no way I would change the barrel on that particular one. Find one less pristine or sell that and just buy a DS.

6string · Jan 26, 2023

The Police Positive is a very nice handling and very accurate revolver just as it is. Leave it as it is, or sell it to someone who can appreciate it for what it is.
Being in .32 cal makes it even more desirable just as it is!!

There's plenty of snubbies out there!!

Modified · Jan 26, 2023

Feasible? Yes.

I have one...

I love it to pieces.

The smith who modified it took it a bit further and modified the grip to more or less match a pocket positive so that pocket positive grips would fit it. There are more pictures of all the modifications in that old thread of mine on it.

It's absolutely one of those guns that should have been made. Would have been a popular little seller I bet.

sigp220.45 · Jan 26, 2023

Sounds like a fun project. I’d think a simple barrel swap would be easy for any competent gunsmith. Go for it.

Trooper224 · Jan 26, 2023

Stupid decisions breed stupid results.

Instead of ruining a classic and collectable firearm, sell it and and buy a DS.

BC38 · Jan 26, 2023

I wouldn't if it was my gun, but since it is yours to do whatever you want with...

Muley Gil · Jan 26, 2023

I have modified some expensive S&Ws and Colts in my time. BUT, I would leave that one alone and either buy a Dick Special and keep the one you have or sell your PPS to pay for a DS.

Rudi · Jan 26, 2023

I would not do it.

sipowicz · Jan 27, 2023

I’d ask this on the Colt forum if you aren’t afraid of being pelted with tomatoes.

BC38 · Jan 27, 2023

sipowicz said:
I’d ask this on the Colt forum if you aren’t afraid of being pelted with tomatoes.

Yeah, that sounds like a bad idea.
The Colt crowd are likely to break out the torches and pitchforks if you pose the same question to them.

CH4 · Jan 27, 2023

I am in the sell it and buy a nice DS camp.

GeoJelly · Jan 27, 2023

Thank you, Gents - especially to those who were respectful and made constructive comments. I'm going to buy the snub barrel and just keep it in reserve for now. I just wanted a nice third Det Spec - and pickins' are pretty thin, below $1000, on GB now. There are a few more reasonably priced but they tend to have some road-rash, rust or both. Given human nature what it is, I'm sure I would need a fourth after I somehow get a third. I arrived at the Colt revolver party pretty late, as I spent 16-years living and working in Germany. I'm sure nice DS's would have been much more reasonable during 98-2014 but I had kids to put thru college. Meanwhile, I'm going to put my LCR.38 to work. Pic is from someone else but mine is equally new, and still unfired due to health problems.

dubshooter · Jan 27, 2023

Keep watching GB and be patient. I’ve gotten a DS and Cobra off there the past couple years, both ‘67 models, for under $700. DS unknowingly had a broken hammer nose (not disclosed), but was a $60 fix

Make a Colt Police Positive into a DET Special? Updated

Member

Attachments

Member

Moderator

Member

Member

SWCA Member

Member

Member

Member

SWCA Member

US Veteran

Member

Member

US Veteran

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Attachments

Member

Similar threads