Detective Special and K frame sizes?

safdt17 · Aug 11, 2008

Hello, does anyone have any size comparo pictures of the Colt DS and a model 10 snub or the like?
I had a 10 and while I liked it I thought it was a little too big for what it was.
I find the Jframe a bit too small. Is the DS bigger than a J in size? I know it carries more rounds.
thanks
ben

safdt17 · Aug 11, 2008

Hello, does anyone have any size comparo pictures of the Colt DS and a model 10 snub or the like?
I had a 10 and while I liked it I thought it was a little too big for what it was.
I find the Jframe a bit too small. Is the DS bigger than a J in size? I know it carries more rounds.
thanks
ben

Landpimp · Aug 11, 2008

the DS is bigger than a J frame and a bit smaller than a K frame, just last week I layed one ontop the other to compare....but didnt take pics

danski · Aug 11, 2008

Without taking measurements, just eyeballing the two, I'd say the DS is about 10 percent smaller in frame but the Model 10 has a much larger trigger guard/grip size, maybe 20 percent.

Because of the shorter grip, I'd say the DS packs a little better but I like both.

The Model 10 is easier, in my experience, to handle with plus-P .38s though the DS will also eat plus-Ps.

My DS has a 2 1/8-inch barrel while the Model 10s are just a tad under 2 inches.

Fastsheriff · Aug 11, 2008

The DS frame is a little shorter. Cylinder size is the same on both and they use the same size speedlaoders.

hitecrednek · Aug 11, 2008

I'm pretty sure I read that Jim Cirillo (sp?) carried a DS as backup for his M-10 as it used the same speedloaders and had one more bang than a J-frame.

Dragonfly · Aug 11, 2008

I just snapped these on the back deck. I do find the Detective Special to be a fairly good split between the K and J frame sizes.

Detective Special vs. 3" Model 10-10:

Top view, Model 10 on the left:

Just for fun, comparison betweek Model 36 J frame, Detective Special, Model 10:

safdt17 · Aug 11, 2008

Thanks a bunch for the replies and photo's(Dragonfly). I think I may try a Detective Special for grins. I LOVE S&W but variety may be the spice of life.
ben

Dragonfly · Aug 11, 2008

Originally posted by safdt17:
Thanks a bunch for the replies and photo's(Dragonfly). I think I may try a Detective Special for grins. I LOVE S&W but variety may be the spice of life.
ben

I like my DS a lot--it's my favourite Colt revolver. The DA trigger pull does tend to stack a bit compared with the S&W trigger but it is manageable. I've even tried mine at 50m once (prone) just to see what it would do--it was surprisingly accurate.

Landpimp · Aug 11, 2008

I had takin some as well.....might as well post them

10
Dick Special
49

Dick on top of a 10, didnt work out as well in the pics

49 on top of Dick

Dick next to 10

Dick next to 49

bronco45 · Aug 11, 2008

While I don't have the ability to post pics I do favor the Colt Cobra (an alloy DS) over the J frame in it's 1.7/8s inch bbl.

I put a set of Badger boot grips on all my D Frame Colts and they are easier to shoot than a 2 in J Frame. I carry mine in a Galco pocket holster made for a 21/8" Centennial.

Limited use of +P ammo though. Erich another board member has some nice comparison photos. A Ruger SP101 is almost identical in size to a DS.

safdt17 · Aug 11, 2008

Landpimp, those are good pics. It seems like the Tyler grips kind of makes the two closer(grip wise). I need to try a Jframe with one before I decide.
thanks
ben

Cocked & Locked · Aug 11, 2008

1947 Detective Special...

Andy Taylor · Aug 12, 2008

As someone else said, it is a good between J & K. 6 rounds and easier to shoot than a J, But a J is easier to carry/conceal. Easier to carry/conceal than a K, but a K is easier to shoot.

vl5150 · Nov 14, 2008

I had a "shoot-off" between a newer DS, M10, and a 80's Colt Commando (parked DS). I thought I was a Colt guy until I shot the M10. I was faster and more acurate at all ranges with the S&W. I just never could shoot the DS for some reason? Just my experiences.

BTW, both the M10 and DS need a belt holster, so the size differential doesn't make a difference for me. I carry the M10 and the 340PD j frame is my "reload".

epj · Nov 14, 2008

I have a Colt Agent, which is the same gun as a DS with an alloy frame. I find it just as easy to conceal as a 642, but the 642 with a DIY trigger job is a bit easier to shoot well. I'm leary of trying a DIY job on the Colt.

tom turner · Nov 14, 2008

Here's my inherited '61 Colt Agent (aluminum-framed D.S.) and a '64 S&W J-frame.

I find the J frame easier to conceal than the Agent, especially the aluminum framed ones like my Model 37.

If I want the width in the cylinder, and the extra sound of the Agent, I'd rather belt carry a K-framed Smith, such as a Model 13/65 3" or a Model 19/66 2 1/2"

Also, it is hard to get parts or people who know how to work on the little Colts.

Third, I don't like a stacking trigger.

For others though, they love their Colts better, such as my late father (that Colt was carried a LOT and shot only a few times by him). Everyone has their preferences . . . and everyone is "right!"

T.

shawn mccarver · Nov 15, 2008

Originally posted by safdt17:
Hello, does anyone have any size comparo pictures of the Colt DS and a model 10 snub or the like?
I had a 10 and while I liked it I thought it was a little too big for what it was.
I find the Jframe a bit too small. Is the DS bigger than a J in size? I know it carries more rounds.
thanks
ben

I believe the frame of the S&W K frame is slightly larger than the Colt D frame, but the cylinder dimensions are close enough that Massad Ayoob recommended a Colt D frame as a backup to the S&W K frame and one of his reasons in support was that the wearer could use the same speed loader for each gun.

It is a real shame that Colt never made the D frame with aluminum frame and stainless barrel and cylinder in the manner of, say, the S&W 642.

It is quite possible that a lightweight 6 shot stainless back up combined with the 7 or 8 shot primary revolver might have lessened somewhat the perceived need to change to auto pistols in American law enforcement.

wraco · Nov 15, 2008

I would not feel under gunned with either one. Both are easy shooters and shoot where they point. The S&W K frame has a bit more heft to it and fits my hand a tad better. If I had to choose one over the other . . I'm partial to S&W. .

Regards:
Rod

crstrode · Nov 30, 2012

I've been trying forever to find a decent paddle holster for my 2-inch Model 10. Will an old Bianchi paddle for the Detective Special accept the 2-inch Model 10?

Here is one for sale on Ebay Bianchi International Strong Side Paddle Holster s w Colt Revolver 2" Bbl | eBay

Detective Special and K frame sizes?

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