Colt Detective Special
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- čas přidán 25. 02. 2022
- You didn't think I would end the revolver videos just yet......did you? What would they be without a snub nose .38 special? Recently acquired this 1967 Colt Detective Special in seemingly unfired condition. Not an expert here buy I'm sharing what I know.....or think I know.
Please comment if necessary to fix any errors and let me know your opinion on the use it/don't use it debate if in fact it is unused.
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Great vid thanks. I have my grandfather’s old 1918 Colt Police Positive 38 special. Fitz (J. Henry Fitzgerald) did some trigger and other work on my gun in the early 40s and I have two signed letters from him to my grandpa describing what he did to the gun. Those letters are precious to me! As is the gun, which is in great shape… with a great trigger too, no surprise there.
That’s some pretty cool documentation. I bought the book Fitzgerald wrote in the 30s and will probably do a quick video on it one of these days. It’s a great book and would go along nicely with your documentation.
@@MilsurpGarage That's a really good idea, I'll look into getting the book.
I bought a used police special back in the eighty’s for $120.00. Mine was 38 special but they had some that were 32-20. I wish I had bought one of those to.
I bought one of these at a pawn shop many years ago for $75. The cylinder stop was broken. I called Colt to buy the part and they wouldn’t sell it to me. They suggested I send it in for repair. I didn’t really need it at the time so I sent it to them. Three weeks later I got a package containing a repaired pistol, no charge. The note in the package said there was a recall on the cylinder stop so they repaired it no charge. My Detective Special spends most of its time in my gun safe but I still love shooting it from time to time
There are lots of stories of Colt standing behind their stuff....thanks for sharing.
Wow that’s an immaculate piece! I just got my 1st colt, a 3rd Issue detective Special. I love my Smiths, but I got this really cheap as it needed work. Can’t go wrong with the simplicity and elegance of a colt
I agree. Hows the work on it coming along?
Loooove the DS. I have a ‘67 & ‘68. The ‘67 has seen decades on the street and the ‘68 has had 12rd through it. Badass guns. I love my S&W’s too, have many more of those then Colt revolvers. Congrats brother. Enjoy it.
Great history! You have a revolver that has a great presence in American culture. For example, it has appeared in many very notable movies, carried by Myrna Loy as Nora Charles in "The Thin Man" series, Peter Lorre in "Casablanca", Humphrey Bogart in "The Big Sleep" (as Philip Marlowe), Bogie again in "Dark Passage", Rod Steiger in "On the Waterfront". Jimmy Cagney in "White Heat_ (as Cody Jarrett), Gene Hackman as Popeye Doyle in "The French Connection", and many more...[Yes, I like old movies.]
In TV it was carried by Jack Lord in "Hawaii 5-0" , Daniel Travanti in "Hill Street Blues" (as Capt. Furillo), many characters in "Mission Impossible", and to me, most notably by Jack Webb in "Dragnet" (as Det. Sgt Joe Friday). Some have alleged that Friday carried a 2 inch barrel S&W Model 10, but any careful afficianado of the show would easily recognize the barrel shape and ejector rod of the Colt DS. I do not own one (sadly) but have fired a friend's, and found that with the original small grips I did not want to finish the full box of 50 rounds.
👏👏👏👏👏. Well done Sir. Love this gun. Also, LA CONFIDENTIAL Det. Bud White and Lt. Exley carried one. Film noir movies are the best
Nice pistol and the books are great to have.
Great video , very cool stuff and history. Thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it.
What an AWESOME beginning! 😂🤣😂🤣. I have this model of DS and it's great.
It seemed that every detective in every 1970s TV cop show was armed with this pistol. I think Kojak preferred this gun! This one is in beautiful condition.
Barney Miller Always Had 1 Too
Kojak used a 2" model 15, and a model 38 Bodyguard; both are Smiths.
Even Barney fife had one when he went to be a detective in Raleigh.
I would take it to the range. I have a 1971 in the same condition. I'm a Smith & Wesson collector but I love this gun. Might have to start collecting more Colts...
Yes.....you do.
Nice video. Thanks. I have a DS that was made in 1930. Had to have the timing looked into. Runs perfect now. Mine has definitely been used. If it could only talk……😊
What is the DS model
Detective Special
I always wonder the same thing.
Another classic. Have 3 of these. 1946, 1962, and 1973.
Nice!
The classic, historical, and venerable Colt Detective Special appeared
in 1926 and is simply the 2" or 3" barrel version of Colt's D-Frame Police Positive Special revolver. Other Colt D-Frame variants included the Cobra, Agent, Diamondback, Commando Special, and the pre-World War II (1939-1945) Banker's Special. After 1972 Colt Firearms of Hartford, Connecticut offered the Detective Special with shrouded ejector, improved front sight, and hand filling walnut grips. The price and demand on these classic Colts have gone
through the ceiling in recent years! I sort of regret not purchasing a Colt Detective Special like this back in the 1980's while still living in Klamath Falls, Oregon. I do recall several being inside the glass display case at then Payless Town and Country (no longer exits today). For both men and women these are classic handguns for concealed carry, and still remain formidable!
Defense load? Perhaps the .38 Special 148 grain lead target wad-cutter remains practical for a snub-nosed .38. Or maybe there are better loads available today? However, the former (wad-cutter) , next to a .22 or 32, remains ideal for hunting small game: rabbit, squirrel, and grouse. And for dispatching vermin such
as raccoon, skunk, and possum. Also, for butchering livestock. Note: At 21 oz. unloaded a 2" Colt .38 Detective Special loaded with CCI's classic .38 Special snake load: No. 9 shot and carried in a good suede lined holster, would be highly useful for the fisherman/outdoorsman/camper in rattlesnake country. Of course my 4" Smith and Wesson Model 15 (K-Frame) .38 Special Combat Masterpiece, after fitted with Pachmayr grips would be preferred. But the latter unloaded at 34 oz. still is 13 oz. heavier than the former. I recently picked up a nice third generation (1973-1983) Colt .38 Detective Special 2" barrel revolver at the local Klamath County Gun Show on Saturday, December 2nd, 2023.
And no....don't ask me how much I paid! That is my personal business. This is destined to become my personal primary concealed carry handgun as it is easy to slip inside a jacket pocket, even with a holster.
----James A. "Jim" Farmer
Merrill, Oregon (Klamath County)
Here’s to Robert Raschio........a few true patriots still exist.
I really wanted a Detective Special but ended up with a vintage Colt Agent in very good condition. Happy owner.
@@robertonavarro7713 Good choice. This Colt .38 Agent can be passed down too. I believe they were produced by Colt Firearms of Hartford, Connecticut from 1955 to 1978? ---Jim Farmer
@@jamesfarmer6004 Very accurate for a snub nose revolver. And very reliable, too.
I have two nickel plated Colt Cobra revolvers and I enjoy them immensely
Nice
I have to tell you that I really enjoy your videos.
Just good chit.
No weather or not to shoot that Colt? That's a tough call. But I would, that's what there for and that why I buy them.
Again cool hanging out .
Thanks
Thanks or the kind words.....yeah, I'll shoot it at the range for a bit....because I can tell it WANTS to shoot.
Thank you very nice gun
Thanks for tuning in.
Another great video. Every time I watch one of your videos, I have to go out and buy another book (although I haven’t bought With Malice yet). I’m thinking you will shoot your new Colt.
That Colt book by Wilson is amazing. I want to see what’s added in the 3rd addition….
Abe books has the 3rd edition for less than $150 shipped.
New video on the Winchester Model 1895 coming soon and I didn't mention the very expensive Winchester 1895 book as a favor to you........but I DID include a photo of it in the outro! Should hit CZcams tonight or tomorrow night.
On the first gen detective special the frame was longer in the grip area also
Bangor Punta in 55? Wow that is rare
Nice Acquisition 😊👍🏼😀👍🏼😇👍🏼
Yes it was
You might think that I am insane, but hear me out.
Take those pristine grips, wash them with ivory soap and a soft toothbrush, blow dry, then three coats of rustolium matte clear enamel will be an undetectable suit of armour for them. It makes the checker points strong, and no dirt can stick to them.
That sounds like an effective preservation technique, I’m sure it will come in handy fir some. Call ME insane, however, I actually enjoy the wear......especially wear that comes from MY use and MY hands......
@@MilsurpGarage right. Understood. Try it on something not so valuable first if you want. I forgot to suggest that.
Owned one once, damnit, why did I get rid of it ? 😒
So you can buy a nicer one in 2022.
You need to do a video on that 1916 Colt Army Special. She was nice.
Did the video a long time ago......you even commented on it!
czcams.com/video/uNQg9nOUBTA/video.html
I have a 3rd issue just for the ejector rod protector and fatter grip, accurate lil gun.
Yes, surprisingly accurate.
"Halt! Police Squad"- Frank Drebin
I have one from the second series, as well, but from 1970. I'm sorry, there was something else i wanted to say, but I'm still in shock, from seeing the condition of your Detective Special. It's truly in amazing condition.
Hey does anyone know what the best way is for me to find out what mine is worth? Im thinking about selling it and buying a new revolver, but I'm starting to think it might be worth keeping it, i dont know. What do you guys think?
Keep it....you will regret selling. I believe mine was purchased unfired but I have since used it quite a bit.....
@@MilsurpGarage Well, I noticed an issue with it, but only if I cock it slowly, for single action shooting, the cylinder doesnt quite rotate all the way. It rotates 99.99% of the way but still has a fraction of a millimeter left to rotate to lock it in place. You have to pull the hammer back very very slow to make that happen, but I figured it meant the notches in the cylinder or the cylinder locking bolt or both are slightly worn. So, I thought I might trade it in for something else. I don't know, man, I really like how it shoots. I have big hands and I was told the grip was too small on the Detective Special, but I didn't have any issues with holding it and I didn't have to adjust my hold for a second shot. So, I'm having a hard time deciding whether I should keep it or not.
I’ve got a third generation colt detective special made in 1976. Are you saying it’s rated for 38 +p because it doesn’t say anything on the barrel it just says 38 special ctg.
I don’t know. Couldn’t get any definitive info on that. Read it from one source that was NOT Colt.
I can tell you this, I never use +P. Any high powered ammo is just asking for trouble in older guns.
When the use of microfusion (MIM) in the manufacture of firearms was generally extended by weapon manufacturers since the early 1970s, and light aluminum alloy frames became popular, they observed that although They were construction techniques that managed to make firearms cheaper and reduce production times. They had certain material weaknesses that caused some parts to suffer premature fractures, cracks and wear.
As it still had to spend a lot of time improving the MIM alloys and metallurgical techniques, the "gun industry lobby" managed to make a "High Hand Act" and in 1972 the Permanent International Commission on Firearms Testing and the SAAMI, which is who internationally establishes the approvals for cartridges, reduced the maximum pressure values that these ammunition were capable of developing.
In fact, the standard of the previous ammunition was higher to the point of being practically what is known today as "+P" (depending on the manufacturer's values) that were created for the needs of users, such as law enforcement, security professionals, armed forces, etc., who needed "full power" ammunition but with the tagline of not recommending at all the use of "+P" ammunition to avoid responsibilities in the after-sale for the deterioration of the weapons in their sales civilians under warranty.
There are now many ammunitions with very powerful general purpose loads for use with any weapon thanks to metallurgical improvements and MIM process engineering by manufacturers (some more than others, as always).
The fact is that the recurring question always arises whether a classic model from the "PRE-MIM" era (produced with classic forging and machining techniques) can regularly use "+P" ammunition.
To answer this, it must be taken into account that for each of the ammunition manufacturers "+P" does not mean "exactly the same" and that in general, many of those ammunition are very close to the previous pressure values for that cartridge. , and for which those weapons were designed.
If you get one of those weapons in almost unused condition since many people almost never shoot their weapons and end up sleeping in a nightstand drawer for years, they are inherited, and if they exist and sometimes appear on the market, it could be used "+P" ammunition with values close to those of the original standard without major concerns (do not forget that "+P" is not always the same for each manufacturer, and that is why no one undertakes to categorically say if that type of ammunition can be used in previous weapons due to the risk of a lawsuit from civilians Demands).
If we are talking about weapons whose use and history is unknown, we do not know the stress accumulated by the weapon and which generally cannot be observed with the naked eye, out of prudence I would not use "+P".
If we are also talking about original models of a certain historical value for which it may even be difficult to obtain a replacement, we must be cautious and in addition to shooting it very sporadically, use the softest loads available for that cartridge.
In short, use "+P" ammunition that most closely matches the original standard values of the "pre-mim" era and be aware of the condition of your weapon.
Regards!
@@soyelmasguapo thanks but last year I bought the colt cobra the new one. It shoots everything in 38 special. Thanks again
I would like to ask you what the difference is between the detective model and the agent. I have an agent model. Could you answer me? Thank you.
Basically, the difference is a lighter alloy frame. The Detective Special (born in 1927) was a Police Positive Special with a 2'' barrel. Then the Cobra came along in 1950 which was the Detective Special with an alloy frame. In 1962 the Agent appeared which was a Cobra with a shortened and squared off butt. They only came one way.....2'' barrel, 38 cal, blued, checkered walnut grips. Claim to fame......model with the least options (none) than any other Colt offering.
nice one
Thanks
It's definitely been fired. The burn rings on the face of the cylinder are quite obvious
By now they are even more obvious!
I like rivolver 😊❤
Yes, me too. Sometimes they are all you need.
Why does that cost so much is that better than the smith& wesson the same year and why
That debate will rage on till the end of time.
Yes fire it!
It’s been through a lot. That decision didn’t take long!
Man you have a nice book collection.
Yeah, some of the books are harder to find and more expensive than the guns. Most of mine are from gun shows, that’s the trick.
Most dealers get them thrown in with estate sales along with the guns for nothing and they aren’t really book dealers so they just throw them in a crate that goes on the table. I notice nobody really looks through them. They usually give them away and are quick to sell the whole crate for a nice price….books are heavy and they just want them gone. To not have to lug those books, crate and all, most of them would probably pay you.
I’ve got lots of old gun magazines this way and lots of books. RIA catalogs too. Of course I’ve paid cover for a few that I really wanted but gun shows are a great place to keep your eyes open for printed materials.
How much did you pay for it
That’s the only aspect I rarely document.
That model 29 is sexy lookin
It does have its own Milsurp Garage video…..
Heck yeah you should shoot it!!!!!!!! Wth that’s what it’s for. Your telling me your going to spend money on a gun. Have it in your collection and never know what it feels like to shoot it. Naw not me I’m shooting mine that’s like getting married and not doing the deed on your wedding night or ever for that matter. Any way my next comment is in regards to the tight cylinder lock up thing. My question is when the hammer hits the primer would that not lock up the cylinder????
Yeah, I shot it. Thought I put some range footage in that video but I guess not.
Interesting thought regarding the hammer but the firing pin, in my opinion, isn’t tasked with holding anything together but just to set off the primer. All that mechanism behind the plate locks it up.
Hey, if your a Colt revolver fan check back over the weekend…..posting a video you’ll love.
Bought me one. Christmas present to my self. Gave 700.bucks.
Nice! Decent price. Thanks for tuning in.
@@MilsurpGarage thank you sir. I always wanted one. Couldn't pass it up. Merry Christmas. And happy holidays to you and your.