[J.Solo]

I'm in the process of buying a NIB "Safe Queen" Stainless DS-II, +P. I have owned S&W's and RUGERS for years but this is my first COLT Revolver.

What do I need to kow about this gun?
Will it hold up to a steady diet of +P's?
What type of accuracy can I expect?
Any maintenance issues I should be aware of?

Thanks - J.Solo

 

[Majic]

Well she aint the same as her older sisters. It has the improved action and fully rated for +P ammo. While it will not have the same trigger action of the older models, reports have said they are just as accurate. Maintenance should be the same as any other SS firearm.

 

[J.Solo]

What does "Just as accurate as the old ones" mean?

This is my first Colt and I don't know how accurate any "old ones" are.

Thanks - J.Solo

 

[JCM298A]

For 20 years, I carried a Cobra, made in `65. Until it started shaving lead, it could shoot a one hole group at 15 yards, if I did my part. Even when it got out of time, I could still qualify with it but nobody would stand next to me because of flying "bullet shavings". No local `smith could work on it and Colt was going through the "bad times". The service department clerk I spoke to was rude and not helpful.

I used it as trading material for some other gun. I wish I had it back,

John

 

[kennedy]

whats a ss .38 colt SF worth? just was shown one by a friend who may sell it. What does SF stand for?

 

[J.Solo]

Kennnedy:
I'm new at Colt information and don't know much about the SF though I'm getting some good responses on the DS-II.

I could be wrong but I think the SF is the Model just before the DS Models. The SF MAY have been made from left over old style detective special parts prior to the new frame DS series with redesigned trigger grouping to handle the .38 +P loads.

My 2001 Blue Book of Gun Values lists the SF as 100% = $350, 98% = $295, 95% = $250, 90% = 225, 80% = $195, 70% = $$180, and 60% = $165.
That was in 2001 so the values are up since then.

I should be picking up my new DS-II in a few days. Good Luck with your SF if you decide to buy it. - J.Solo

 

[dfariswheel]

The "SF" frame was Colt's follow-on to the older "D" frame guns like the Detective Special, Cobra, Police Positive Special, and Diamondback.

The "SF" stood for "Small Frame".
The first in the series was catchingly named the Colt SF-VI, or Small Frame Six Shot.

As soon as Colt had moved all the older "D" framed guns off the wholesalers shelves, they renamed the gun The DS-II, or Detective Special Two.

Then they re-chambered it in .357 Magnum, and named it The Colt Magnum Carry.

The "SF" framed guns are totally different than the older "D" Colt guns.
They have a new transfer bar action, and were only available in stainless steel.

All the "SF" framed guns are somewhat rare due to the short production time, and all are bringing high prices when one can be found.

 

[dfariswheel]

We can't give you an actual measurement.

As a "best estimate", a good, properly adjusted Colt with ammunition it "likes" should group within 3"-4" at 15 yards.

Most will do better.

There are many variables like the specific gun (what shape it's in), the ammunition used, the skill of the shooter, etc.

In fact, many short barreled Colt's are as accurate as longer barreled guns, they're just harder to shoot as accurately due to the short sight radius, and the smaller grip.

The bottom line is, A small Colt that's in proper adjustment, with good ammunition, and a shooter that's got the skills, will consistently out-shoot all other small frame snub revolvers.

This was true of the older "D" frame guns, and it's still true of the later "SF" frame guns like your DS II.