So, how did I do?

[kennethdlarson]

It was one of those days....I wasn't looking for something but this fell in my lap. I traded straight across a 3rd Gen G19 w/6 yr old NS (6 mags) & Sigarms Trailside 6" target model (3 mags) for a 95% 1975 3rd Gen Colt Detective Special in 38 Special. I'd say no more than 100rds thru the Colt. It came with the original box and paperwork sans instruction booklet. What say you?

 

[Andyd]

I cannot see any photos. Did it really happen? We need some evidence here.

 

[kennethdlarson]

OK, I finally got around to taking some pics...

 

[adwjc]

100 rounds or less? Those photos show a lot of holster wear.
What matters is if you are happy with it.
Can't get nice DS anymore.

 

[shouldazagged]

I don't know how you did on the trade, but I envy you the DS3.

 

[kennethdlarson]

I cleaned up the DS tonight and there is some holster wear on some of the rounded edges but I'd still put it at a 90-95% revolver. Looking at the recoil shield, there aren't a lot of marks and I would say the revolver has not been shot a lot. Maybe some holstering and re-holstering but not too many rounds down the tube.
I checked the timing per the instructions I've seen on this site and the Colt forum. It passes all the tests but there is some VERY minor wiggle to the cylinder with the hammer cocked. I know that Grant Cunningham states there should be no wiggle at full cock but I don't see dropping some serious bucks at this time to resolve that.
I'd be curious to hear from any Colt fans out there about their thoughts on the DS3. Thanks!

 

[rogerwnuss]

Every Colt wheelie I've ever had locked up tight as a drum when checked with the trigger pulled and held .

 

[RobertJ.]

Good trade! I'll bet the other guy thinks he came out better than you, and that's the best kind of trade. I traded a Ruger GP100 for mine, to a young guy who had no use for a .38 Special.

I have a DS4 (1994), and it's been my EDC for five years now. It's basically what you have, but I'm told they weren't made as well. It shoots great. It will just about put them all in one hole at 7 yards in aimed slow fire, and it point-shoots in rapid fire excellently. And, it's rated for +P.

When testing lock-up, try this: Bring the hammer to full-cock, and then lower it (on an empty chamber, of course!) keeping the trigger pulled to the rear. There shouldn't be any movement of the cylinder whatsoever. All my Colts lock up tight as a bank vault, and yours certainly should, too.

Pictured are both my oldest and my newest revolvers. That's Hogue goncalo alves on the DS.

 

[one eye joe]

It was one of those days....I wasn't looking for something but this fell in my lap. I traded straight across a 3rd Gen G19 w/6 yr old NS (6 mags) & Sigarms Trailside 6" target model (3 mags) for a 95% 1975 3rd Gen Colt Detective Special in 38 Special. I'd say no more than 100rds thru the Colt. It came with the original box and paperwork sans instruction booklet. What say you?

WELCOME TO THE FORUM.....

IMHO YOU MADE A GREAT DEAL ! ! ! A PACKAGE LIKE THAT IS HARD TO FIND, AND IS APPRECIATING IN VALUE AT A STEADY RATE.....

MOST DS COLTS WERE WORKING GUNS THAT SHOW THEIR AGE......

 

[kennethdlarson]

I checked the lock up as suggested by RobertJ. and it does lock up like a bank vault. I like this little revolver more and more...

 

[Texas Star]

IF it shoots to the sights, I think you got a really good gun, more traditionally made than a Glock. I had one like yours and sold it to get a stainless M-60-4 S&W. I think most here will see why I traded. BTW, both of my M-60-4's are EXTREMELY accurate and adj. sights help, as well as the heavy three-inch barrel. And I get some 85 FPS higher velocity over a true snub.

On the other hand, my son a few times fired four magazines of 9mm in his Browning in very nasty, closeup fights in Iraq. He had a Beretta before then, but didn't have to fire as many mags in it in a single fight, due to coincidence. In one case, the M-9 provided a one-shot kill at room distance, against a Degretov (sp?) sniper rifle. The insurgent with that rifle was running down stairs after firing at US troops from a rooftop.

Now, how would you have fared in a fight that sometimes used four hi-cap 9mm magazines, with this six-shot Colt revolver?

But if you aren't doing a lot of houseclearing or convoy protection in hostile zones, you may like that .38 just fine. Colt made some great guns for most of its existence. Still does.