Colt Detective Special
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Targets Guy
US Veteran
DWalt
Member
There are numerous variations (or "Issues") of the DS, and there is considerable divergence among collectors about what constitutes an "Issue". Some use up to eight "Issues" to denote various slight differences over time (much like S&Ws "changes") but most commonly three are used - First (1927-46), Second (1947-72), and Third (1973-86). Then there is the recent "New Issue" I know little about but with which I am not impressed from the single example I have seen and examined. For me, purely from a shooter viewpoint, the Second Issue DS is the one to have. First Issue DSs are priced sky high, and I detest the barrel shroud and grips of the Third Issue. If I could own only one Snubby, it would be a Second Issue DS. And I already have it, but I sure would like to have a Second Issue chambered for the .38 NP to go with it.
Richard Simmons
Member
Congratulations on your new pony! I bet it's not your last.
I was issued a blued Colt DS in the '70s and still have my first off duty Colt Cobra, purchased new in '68 for $85. FYI: I'm trying to find that old Colt DS, serial #689642, b/c it was used in a1974 gunfight w/armed robbers. If anyone comes across it I'd appreciate a heads-up message.
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I have a nice blue DS with a story. Nickel is pretty much better, but they're both good guns.
Here's my nickle Detective Special...similar to yours...I like to add a Tyler T Grip:
Added my later model, as mentioned by sheepdawg in post #8:
Best Regards, Les
Added my later model, as mentioned by sheepdawg in post #8:
Best Regards, Les
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Me, I like the shrouded third issue not only because they look sleeker, the ejection rod is protected and they are +P rated unlike the other two.
Picked up a 3rd Gen Detective Special a year or so back. It's blue, with a 3" barrel. I shoot it, but am reluctant to carry it. Should the worst happen, I'd hate for it to wind up in a police evidence locker longer than I'm likely to live.
Protected One
Member
The Colt "Dick Special" is one of the most iconic belly guns ever made. Slightly bigger than the J-frame Smiths, it chambers one more more round - a total of 6. One may never need that extra shot, but certainly comforting if you do!
Here's mine.
John
Here's mine.
John
My DS I gave to my grandson when I gave him several small frame revolvers to choose from....
Wish he had picked the S&W M638! That one I could have replaced faster!
Wish he had picked the S&W M638! That one I could have replaced faster!
Absalom
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
Even though the Chiefs Special and its derivatives gave S&W a lead in terms of market share after the 1950s, the Detective Special and its cousins (Cobra, Agent, etc.) maintain a solid fan base of users.
With a Tyler, a 2nd issue DS feels perfect, more substantial than a J-frame but without the weight and bulk of a K-frame.
Mine had two careers before joining me, first the US Army and then the DC Metro police.
With a Tyler, a 2nd issue DS feels perfect, more substantial than a J-frame but without the weight and bulk of a K-frame.
Mine had two careers before joining me, first the US Army and then the DC Metro police.
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Grayfox
US Veteran
I traded my way into a 3rd Issue Detective Special back in the late 1970s. It was my first legal carry gun. The DS has always been my preferred snubby. I know a whole lot of people love the J-frames, but to me they're too small to shoot well. The DS is just my size. 
I unfortunately made the mistake of letting my wife shoot it. I didn't get it back for almost 20 years! She claimed it as her gun.
I unfortunately made the mistake of letting my wife shoot it. I didn't get it back for almost 20 years! She claimed it as her gun.
Mexican Kerry
Member
All I can say is I'd love one of these, no matter what the issue. I'll have to live vicariously through others, keep posting pics of these beauties!
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While I've carried a M60 ( of one dash or another) for almost 40 years, I have also carried a Dick Spl. from time to time. I do like the mechanics, ergonomics and size of the Chief's a bit better however for the extra two ounces and only slightly larger size, the Colt does give you that extra shot and easier to shoot stout load from. If you are going to belt carry (OWB) the difference in size and weight means nothing. Pocket or ankle carry is the "achilles heel" for the Colt.
The direction of Cylinder rotation makes more sense on the Colt as it locks up "into the Frame" as opposed to trying to turn out of the Frame as Smiths do. While I do like the push of the Cylinder Release as on a Smith over the pull to release the Cylinder on a Colt, these differences are soon second nature and are really a non issue for long term users.
As of 4 months ago I switched over to a Sig P365 for EDC, but have no plans to let either the Dick Spl. or Chief's Spl. go! Both GREAT guns!!
The direction of Cylinder rotation makes more sense on the Colt as it locks up "into the Frame" as opposed to trying to turn out of the Frame as Smiths do. While I do like the push of the Cylinder Release as on a Smith over the pull to release the Cylinder on a Colt, these differences are soon second nature and are really a non issue for long term users.
As of 4 months ago I switched over to a Sig P365 for EDC, but have no plans to let either the Dick Spl. or Chief's Spl. go! Both GREAT guns!!
DWalt
Member
Well I have to show mine. The picture shows it with the Coltwood plastic grips on it which are not correct for its date (1960). But I had no problem finding someone having a perfect pair of correct checkered wood grips willing to trade even (his issue was the opposite of mine).
Here's an informative link on the DS: Detective Special
And a pic I've posted before of a 1958 I had worked on to my liking:
And a pic I've posted before of a 1958 I had worked on to my liking:
Still have my Dad's from the 50s. His off duty for decades and his primary after being promoted to Captain.
