ID a gun

[hardhead]

Sorry, no pictures as I could not open your tutorial.
I have what I thought was a Colt Detective Special, carried by my Dad as an LAPD Detective Sergeant, but now I am not sure:

hand ejector
.38 caliber
2 1/4" barrel
fixed rear sight
no strain screw

The gun has matching numbers, 491925, on both the crane and yoke. Directly under the crane number is a very fine and very large 'M'. Nothing on the barrel to indicate a cartridge, and only one screw on the right side that retains a pin. Two screws on the left side which appear to allow a plate to be removed.
No numbers on the butt, no strain screw or lanyard loop. The front and rear strap and the trigger guard appear to be parkerized. No branding or any other numbers. The only marking on the gun, other than the crane/yoke numbers, is the rampant Colt TM. Front sight is a blade type with a lined ramp on the rear.

 

[Truckman]

Sounds like it could a Dick Special with the rampant Colt. Is it all steel?

That would be my guess, but it's certainly not a Hand Ejector... ...Ben

 

[DWalt]

This question really belongs in another forum area, but since you are already here, Google Colt Fever and look there for pictures and information to answer your questions.

 

[Gun Relics]

Sorry, no pictures as I could not open your tutorial.
I have what I thought was a Colt Detective Special, carried by my Dad as an LAPD Detective Sergeant, but now I am not sure:

hand ejector
.38 caliber
2 1/4" barrel
fixed rear sight
no strain screw

The gun has matching numbers, 491925, on both the crane and yoke. Directly under the crane number is a very fine and very large 'M'. Nothing on the barrel to indicate a cartridge, and only one screw on the right side that retains a pin. Two screws on the left side which appear to allow a plate to be removed.
No numbers on the butt, no strain screw or lanyard loop. The front and rear strap and the trigger guard appear to be parkerized. No branding or any other numbers. The only marking on the gun, other than the crane/yoke numbers, is the rampant Colt TM. Front sight is a blade type with a lined ramp on the rear.

If you go to the Colt database, it lists your serial number as a Detective Special or Police Positive from 1947. They shared the same frame. Undoubtedly it's a Detective Special. Here's the closest one I have to it, 1951 with the original "Coltwood" plastic grips. Can't explain the M, maybe the other forum.

 

[DWalt]

Really should be discussing details in the Other Brands area, not here.