detective special question
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15,367 Posts
The "D" frame Colt's had the shrouded barrel/ramped front sight, starting with the Detective Special in 1972. The Agent and Cobra followed immediately.
Which issue that would be depends on who you talk to. I would say it's the 3rd issue.
The first issue ran from 1927 to the end of WWII.
The second issue ran from WWII to 1972 and was a change to a shorter grip frame, with grips that wrapped under the stubby grip frame.
The 3rd issue was introduced in 1972, and had the shouded barrel, and the oversized "combat" grips.
The "4th issue" is the same as the 3rd, being nothing but a short run made in the mid to late 90's, after Colt discontinued the "D" frames in the late 80's. The only real difference, is the 4th issue have the rubber Pacmayer grips, and the blue plastic box. Many of these were made up from left over parts.
So, the shrouded guns were made from 1972 to around the late 80's. There was then a period where the various "D" frame guns were discontinued, re-introduced, and discontinued again in a bewildering sequence.
The "D" guns were finally discontinued permanently??? in favor of the SF-VI/DS-II gun, which was itself discontinued.
[This message has been edited by dfariswheel (edited 02-05-2002).]
Which issue that would be depends on who you talk to. I would say it's the 3rd issue.
The first issue ran from 1927 to the end of WWII.
The second issue ran from WWII to 1972 and was a change to a shorter grip frame, with grips that wrapped under the stubby grip frame.
The 3rd issue was introduced in 1972, and had the shouded barrel, and the oversized "combat" grips.
The "4th issue" is the same as the 3rd, being nothing but a short run made in the mid to late 90's, after Colt discontinued the "D" frames in the late 80's. The only real difference, is the 4th issue have the rubber Pacmayer grips, and the blue plastic box. Many of these were made up from left over parts.
So, the shrouded guns were made from 1972 to around the late 80's. There was then a period where the various "D" frame guns were discontinued, re-introduced, and discontinued again in a bewildering sequence.
The "D" guns were finally discontinued permanently??? in favor of the SF-VI/DS-II gun, which was itself discontinued.
[This message has been edited by dfariswheel (edited 02-05-2002).]
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2 Posts
Anybody know the serial number ranges linked with specific years?
I just got what looks to be a 3rd issue DS. The gun's condition is new and does not show any evidence of ever being fired.
Somebody on another forum indicated that he thought it was manufactured in the early to mid '80s.
Kind of hate to shoot this gun now even though I bought it to shoot and maybe carry.
I just got what looks to be a 3rd issue DS. The gun's condition is new and does not show any evidence of ever being fired.
Somebody on another forum indicated that he thought it was manufactured in the early to mid '80s.
Kind of hate to shoot this gun now even though I bought it to shoot and maybe carry.
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2 Posts
John,
believe it or not but mine begins the same RD7XXX. I thought that looked familiar when I read your response. Mine has the exact same setup.
believe it or not but mine begins the same RD7XXX. I thought that looked familiar when I read your response. Mine has the exact same setup.
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