Colt Detective special gen 3 worth it?

[GT_80]

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...

 

[ken158]

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!

 

[smithra_66]

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.

 

[GT_80]

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.

 

[Rpg]

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.

 

[ggibson511960]

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.

 

[GT_80]

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.

 

[Greyman50]

Buy it now, prices will only go up.

 

[GT_80]

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)

 

[rockquarry]

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...

 

[ralph7]

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.

 

[Moo Moo]

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

 

[RobertJ.]

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!

 

[JackP]

Detective Special

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..

 

[majick47]

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.

 

[GT_80]

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.

 

[Guevera]

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:

 

[rockquarry]

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.

 

[minconrevo]

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.

 

[GT_80]

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.

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:

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...