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Colt Detective Special

cavman 69
I have two Colt Detective specials that I have acquired over the last two years. My main problem is how do i know what issue it is? I have one nickel and one blue. both have the full lug so that rules out the first issue. Is there any tell tale signs I should look for. Thanks in advance for any help.
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Comments

7 comments

Date Votes
  • cavman 69
    I'd appreciate some info on the Colt Detective Special, .38 cal.

    When was it discontinued?

    When was the latest wooden grip style adopted?

    What would an unfired gun be worth in mint condition, with paperwork, but no box.

    I understand a photo would be helpful, but don't have the ability to supply one.

    Thanks for any help.
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  • Mark G
    I can't compare to the 60 because I have never fired one, but I do own a DS 3rd gen and a Cobra 2nd gen and the triggers are smooth and not particularity heavy. In fact my wife has used both as carry guns at different times and spent alot of time at the range with them. They are a great choice if that's what you are thinking about.
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  • rufe-snow
    I believe it would be best, if you were able to do a actual hands on. Like at a shooting range that rents guns. Or a well equipped gun store, with a large inventory.

    In both venues though. It would be much more likely, that they would have the S & W on hand, rather than the Colt.

    The short barreled Colts, have gone in and out of production over the last 40 years. Many changes have been made in them. Although they they still sold as Detective Specials. There were grate differences between the originals, and the later ones. Do to costs. Because Colt couldn't compete with the low cost snubbies. Like the Charter Arms, Taurus/Rossi's etc.
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  • nmyers
    Plus, Wolff makes a spring kit for the J-frame Smiths.

    Neal
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  • asop
    I have both and not much difference. Colt maybe somewhat "smoother". Not much difference to get too concerned about in my estimation!
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  • charliemeyer007
    Have a 60, shot some Colts snub's - they were fine- I think the cylinder rotates the wrong way [:)]

    Plus 1 for look it over first if you can. Lot of bent cranes from being Dick Tracyed. Not a fan of aluminum frames, much prefer stainless steel
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  • dfletcher
    quote:Originally posted by cavman 69
    I am thinking about one of these and wondering what the trigger is like compared to the S&W model 60. thanks for your input.


    I have both - a late 60's Smith and a 1958 made DS, a 1966 made Cobra too. Very different actions, in my opinion.

    The 60 is very crisp and short. In DA mode the pull weight doesn't slowly "stack" but rather builds very quickly and drops. SA pull is very clean and creep free. Depending on manufacture and use the action can be a tad rough - or very smooth. Trigger return on the 60 is very strong.

    The Colt DA pull is very smooth, but longer and it stacks until the hammer drops. SA pull is smooth, but generally heavier and with just a tad of creep before release. I would say the Colt DS pull is more refined, better finished than the Smith 60. But it's definitely longer and slower in use. Trigger return is markedly softer than the 60.
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