Recommend S&W replacement for a Colt Detective Special

josywales · Jul 5, 2018

I have little experience with my Colt Detective Special, but I like what I see so far. In fact, I just picked up the earlier version, with non-shrouded barrel and shrouded hammer. I have yet to fire that one.

I don't think I've ever fired a S&W snub nose. However, I have fired a Charter Arms snubby. The Colt handles 38 recoil very well in comparison. I have read where other folks find the Colt one of the best in the recoil department. I was wanting this for concealed carry, so +P ammo will probably come into play. I mostly carry a 3913, or 1911, but I'm really drawn to pistols (edit, I meant revolvers) of late, even if only for certain scenarios.

Anyway, can anyone with experience with a Colt DS share some other snub options? BTW, I have an SP101 3", which is excellent. Not sure why I'm not looking at their 2". I think it's partly because I want a blue finish, sweat marks be damned!

eb07 · Jul 5, 2018

Model 36 Chiefs special or model 60 is my suggestion

Echo40 · Jul 5, 2018

The Smith & Wesson Model 36 (Formerly known as the "Chief's Special" prior to S&W's adoption of simple model numbers) would be the obvious choice, considering that it was S&W's answer to the Colt Detective Special.

Dragon 1 · Jul 5, 2018

Just make sure you can find parts for the colt D frames. Parts are getting a little hard for the colt dic spl (dframes). Hand v spring Etc in case you blow colt out of timing you can get someone to repair it. I know parts are getting a little hard I think jack frost might have some parts for that colt. In my opinion Colt DS is a little big then the SW J frame and Colt has one extra shot. Ruger Sp101 to heavy and crud but you can not kill it 5 shot like J frame. Those members are right look into SW model 60 or 36. I am a smith guy nothing wrong with the colt or ruger. Just feel Smith is more for me easier to conceal just me good luck call Jack Frost put those parts in storage not sure if new Colt Cobra is same parts not sure.

les.b · Jul 5, 2018

I mostly carry a Smith 340 PD. This is an 11 ounce 5 shot concealed hammer revolver that will take .357 mag, but many carry it with the .38 +P.

I have numerous S&Ws of a similar size, but this is the lightest, most concealable version.

I also am a fan of the Detectice Specials, have three of them, a non shrouded nicle plated one, a non shrouded blued one, and a shrouded blues version. Also have Agents and Cobras.

But the 340 PD gets carried the most. At the top right:

les-b-albums-some-of-my-j-frame-s-and-ws-picture16725-top-down-model-340-pd-357-shipped-october-2nd-2014-model-m-p-340-357-shipped-october-29th-2011-model-640-1-pro-series-357-model-640-1-357-shipped-july-1999-a.jpeg

Best Regards, Les

usmc2427765 · Jul 5, 2018

I have very little use for post war Colt revolvers. I would look for a pre-lock S&W revolver, maybe a Model 37 and have a competent gunsmith "de-horn" it. I carried one as a backup gun for many years.

adwjc · Jul 6, 2018

Josy,

I was all set to recommend that you try a .38 Centennial such as the 640, until I saw your mention of the fact that you want a blued gun. The 640s all seem to have the slickest triggers, but of course they are stainless.

Since you went to the DS as opposed to an Agent or Cobra, I surmise that you want a steel frame. Therefor, you could try a Model 36 Chief's Special, or a Model 49 Bodyguard, anything else will be an Airweight.

murphydog · Jul 6, 2018

"I have little experience with my Colt Detective Special, but I like what I see so far. In fact, I just picked up the earlier version, with non-shrouded barrel and shrouded hammer. I have yet to fire that one."

You mean you have a later one, with the ejector rod shroud, and an earlier one?

"I don't think I've ever fired a S&W snub nose. However, I have fired a Charter Arms snubby. The Colt handles 38 recoil very well in comparison. I have read where other folks find the Colt one of the best in the recoil department."

A steel frame Charter Arms .38 (like the Undercover) will recoil very similarly to a steel J frame.

"I was wanting this for concealed carry, so +P ammo will probably come into play. I mostly carry a 3913, or 1911, but I'm really drawn to pistols of late, even if only for certain scenarios."

Agree that + P in a steel J frame is no big deal. I thought a 3913 or a 1911 is a "pistol", and a J frame is a "revolver"

.

"Anyway, can anyone with experience with a Colt DS share some other snub options? BTW, I have an SP101 3", which is excellent. Not sure why I'm not looking at their 2". I think it's partly because I want a blue finish, sweat marks be damned!"

A stock Colt D frame is easier to shoot than a stock steel J frame .38, but larger stocks and practice may help even things up between the two. I had a 3" SP101, nice but heavy - definitely out of the pocket carry category. A 2" version is pretty big and heavy too. Good luck in your decision.

H Richard · Jul 6, 2018

My choice was a smaller, lighter, and still 6 round capability. The S&W 432PD and 431PD in .32 H&R Magnum. J Frame airweight, tough black melonite type finish. The 32 H&R is still over 1000 fps out to the 1 7/8" barrel with a 100 gr JHP. This compares favorably with a 38 +P but gives you 6 rounds.

bronco45 · Jul 6, 2018

I've owned 4 DSes. Carry a SP 101 2.25 357 now. Same size and weight as a Colt DS. Holsters interchange. Parts and smithing availablity for the old DSes are hard to find, that's why I carry the SP. 357s are very doable with the SP and lots of support for the platform. Ruger and Talo have released a Cerakoted black finish 2.25 SP. I also have night sights on my SPs. I also have a 3".

Recommend S&W replacement for a Colt Detective Special

josywales

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eb07

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Echo40

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Dragon 1

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les.b

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usmc2427765

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adwjc

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murphydog

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H Richard

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bronco45

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