LGS showed me this 1970 Colt Detective Special with a three inch barrel, saying they’re quite rare in this configuration. Is that so ? It’s for sale at $ 595
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CLASSIC12
I might call the 3" version slightly uncommon in my neck of the woods, but not really "rare"... ( except maybe in Switzerland ? )... as most were made during the 2nd and 3rd Series runs.
The Colt Detective Special went through several issues or series. The First Series was produced from roughly late 1927 ( still designated the Colt Police Positive Special ) to early 1928 thru 1946. Compared to later production models, the First Series used a narrower frame, with reduced clearance between the front strap of the grip frame and the rear of the trigger guard. Other distinctive features included a shorter ejector rod with an non grooved knurled tip, a checkered hammer spur and cylinder latch, a half moon shaped front sight, and an overlapping screw and locking pin setup on the right side of the frame. Grip panels were wooden. A rounded butt on the metal frame became standard in 1933, but specimens with the original square butt ( like that of the Police Positive Special ) continued to be produced into the 1940s.
The Second Series ran from 1947 to 1972. The ejector rod was longer and had a groove in its knurled tip, and a 3" barrel variant was offered. The cylinder latch was smooth, and the trigger spur serrated. The right side frame screw has no locking pin, and the rear half of the front sight is a serrated ramp. The grip panels were plastic in 1947, but were changed back to wood starting in 1955...first with a silver tone Colt medallion, and then later a gold. An optional hammer shroud was available from the factory to prevent the hammer from catching on clothing. Transition from the First to Second Series was gradual, with some post WWII Second Series guns retaining short ejector rods and checkered hammers. Because of this, assigning a given revolver to a particular "series" is best done by serial number. During the 1960's, the grip frame of the Second Series Detective Special was shortened, but despite this alteration, the Detective Special's overall grip size remained unchanged.
The Third Series ran from 1973 to 1986. A new shroud extended down from the barrel, enclosing and protecting the ejector rod, and the front sight was changed to a full ramp. New, oversize wood grip stocks were introduced that covered the front frame strap. The Third Series featured improvements to the revolver's internal lock work as well. As with the previous two Series models, a few nickel plated guns were produced, and a 3" barrel variant was again offered. In 1986, facing stagnant sales numbers as well as rising production and labor costs, Colt discontinued production of the Detective Special.
Colt filed for bankruptcy protection in 1992. After the reorganization, the company restarted production of the Detective Special. Some consider this a Fourth Series. Only a 2" barrel was offered, in blue or hard chrome finish. The new production run only continued until 1996, when Colt introduced its stainless steel SF-VI as a final replacement of the Detective Special.
My 2" Colt Detective Special...{ First Series }...circa 1939
![Revolver Air gun Trigger Gun barrel Gun accessory]( "Revolver Air gun Trigger Gun barrel Gun accessory")
![Revolver Light Trigger Air gun Gun barrel]( "Revolver Light Trigger Air gun Gun barrel")
![Air gun Trigger Shotgun Gun barrel Revolver]( "Air gun Trigger Shotgun Gun barrel Revolver")
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Purchased here on this forum in October 2021...hence the Great Pumpkin background photo...and my 1st Colt Archive Letter.
{ BTW...Hopkins Sporting Goods Company in Des Moines, Iowa ( referenced above ) just closed it's doors on 28 September 2022... after 83 years in business. }
Bottom Line Oliver...I would buy it for that price !!
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The Colt Detective Special went through several issues or series. The First Series was produced from roughly late 1927 ( still designated the Colt Police Positive Special ) to early 1928 thru 1946. Compared to later production models, the First Series used a narrower frame, with reduced clearance between the front strap of the grip frame and the rear of the trigger guard. Other distinctive features included a shorter ejector rod with an non grooved knurled tip, a checkered hammer spur and cylinder latch, a half moon shaped front sight, and an overlapping screw and locking pin setup on the right side of the frame. Grip panels were wooden. A rounded butt on the metal frame became standard in 1933, but specimens with the original square butt ( like that of the Police Positive Special ) continued to be produced into the 1940s.
The Second Series ran from 1947 to 1972. The ejector rod was longer and had a groove in its knurled tip, and a 3" barrel variant was offered. The cylinder latch was smooth, and the trigger spur serrated. The right side frame screw has no locking pin, and the rear half of the front sight is a serrated ramp. The grip panels were plastic in 1947, but were changed back to wood starting in 1955...first with a silver tone Colt medallion, and then later a gold. An optional hammer shroud was available from the factory to prevent the hammer from catching on clothing. Transition from the First to Second Series was gradual, with some post WWII Second Series guns retaining short ejector rods and checkered hammers. Because of this, assigning a given revolver to a particular "series" is best done by serial number. During the 1960's, the grip frame of the Second Series Detective Special was shortened, but despite this alteration, the Detective Special's overall grip size remained unchanged.
The Third Series ran from 1973 to 1986. A new shroud extended down from the barrel, enclosing and protecting the ejector rod, and the front sight was changed to a full ramp. New, oversize wood grip stocks were introduced that covered the front frame strap. The Third Series featured improvements to the revolver's internal lock work as well. As with the previous two Series models, a few nickel plated guns were produced, and a 3" barrel variant was again offered. In 1986, facing stagnant sales numbers as well as rising production and labor costs, Colt discontinued production of the Detective Special.
Colt filed for bankruptcy protection in 1992. After the reorganization, the company restarted production of the Detective Special. Some consider this a Fourth Series. Only a 2" barrel was offered, in blue or hard chrome finish. The new production run only continued until 1996, when Colt introduced its stainless steel SF-VI as a final replacement of the Detective Special.
My 2" Colt Detective Special...{ First Series }...circa 1939
Purchased here on this forum in October 2021...hence the Great Pumpkin background photo...and my 1st Colt Archive Letter.
{ BTW...Hopkins Sporting Goods Company in Des Moines, Iowa ( referenced above ) just closed it's doors on 28 September 2022... after 83 years in business. }
Bottom Line Oliver...I would buy it for that price !!
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A 2" Dick Special in that condition is worth at least the $595 asking price...a 3" which is less common is certainly a bargain at that price.
Even though it's in the slightly less desirable "short tang" era, that is a good price for that gun. I'd buy it.
I personally don't like the appearance and balance of the 3". That being said, if it appeals to you that is an EXCELLENT price. The 3" are much less common than the 2".
My Pre War 3" one of 12 so 11 more out there somewhere.....funny I collect DS's and this is the only 3" I own.....
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Here is a NIB 3 inch Detective Special from 1970. Original box with original Colt wrapper and paperwork was included. I bought it back in 1980 for $150.00. One of my best gun purchases.
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"Man I love this gun......can you save it for me 
"
Unfortunately I sold it back in 2018 for $2150. What a dummy... (me)! Today I could probably get twice that. At least if this is recent sale is "real":
www.gunsinternational.com
"Unfortunately I sold it back in 2018 for $2150. What a dummy... (me)! Today I could probably get twice that. At least if this is recent sale is "real":
1964 Colt Detective Special, Rare Factory Nickel 3 Inch W/ Box, Excellent Condition
1964 Colt Detective Special, Rare Factory Nickel 3 Inch W/ Box, Excellent Condition for sale online.
www.gunsinternational.com
Rare or not, I’d already have it in my safe! I’m partial to the odd 3” guns, including Smiths.
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Speak of the devil, this just turned for sale this afternoon (NOT mine). Pretty decent price too...
www.gunsinternational.com
"Colt Detective Special 3rd Issue Revolver .38 Special (C18606)"
"Colt Detective Special 3rd Issue Revolver .38 Special (C18606)" for sale online.
www.gunsinternational.com
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