Mell When was the first Colt Detective Special made?
The Colt Detective Special morphed through four (4) variations (or series) in its almost seventy years; First series Detective Specials were manufactured from 1927 to 1946, with square butt grip frames through 1933 and round butt grip frames thereafter. Second variation Detective Special revolvers were manufactured from 1947 to 1972.
What was original price of Colt Detective 38?
Sold on their own, the grips might bring $150-$300, but technically I might have paid the same price for this gun without them. So I split the difference. We know the original price of this gun in 1965 to be $110 because the price sticker is still on the original box.
What was the name of the first Colt revolver?
The little snubnose revolver largely credited for starting it all, also gave rise to numerous other variants of small, concealable revolvers for Colt such as the Banker’s Special, and the Commando Special.
When was the third issue Colt revolver discontinued?
The Third Issue revolvers are often quite desirable among collectors because they were the first Issue rated for .38 Special +P ammunition. The Third Issue and Detective Special as a model was discontinued in 1986.
What years / serial numbers did Colt use the various company?
That, and what years Colt kept the names of various companies. Originally, Colt SP1’s were made by Colt’s Patent Firearms Mfg Co. The two I have are in the 35XXX range and one my friend has is in the 66XXX range. I’ve seen them all the way back to the 2XXX range with this same company marking.
When did the Colt Commando special come out?
During World War II production was discontinued, and the type was not revived following the war’s end. The Colt Commando Special was a version of the Detective Special with a matte finish and rubber grips; produced from 1984 to 1986, it was chambered in .38 Special and weighed 21.5 oz.
What was the name of the Colt Police gun?
The Police Positive Special inspired Colt gun designer John Henry Fitz to create what he called the “Fitz Special” in the 1920s. The gun was a short “snub nosed” revolver, with the hammer spur removed to avoid snagging clothing as it was drawn.
How can I find the serial number of a colt?
Enter the serial number, without spaces or dashes, to search the database. If multiple models appear for your serial number simply match the date with the appropriate model, as certain vintage firearms can share serial numbers between different models.
How can I find out what series of Detective Special I have?
The easiest way of finding out what series of Detective Special you have is to search the serial number of your revolver (found on the frame, visible when the cylinder is open) through Colt’s website for free. This will give you a manufacture date that can be applied to the following Issues.
The Colt Detective Special was the first revolver issued to French customs agents, meant to replace the old Browning 10/22 and MAB D pistols.
Both models are roll-marked on the left side of the 2-inch barrel, “Detective Special” and “Banker’s Special.” This is a 1st Issue Model, made between 1927 and 1946. The exact number of Detective Specials made is not known, due to the fact that its serial number range overlapped that of the Police Positive Special.
When did the colt new police come out?
Approximately 35,000 were made in .38 Colt New Police or .22 LR. Exact numbers of each caliber are unknown, but more were .38s than .22s, resulting in a higher price for the rimfire models. The 3rd Issue Model, made between 1972 and 1986, featured a shrouded barrel and wrap-around grips.
How often should a Colt Detective Special be inspected?
The manual recommends that steel frame guns, e.g. the Detective Special, Police Positive and Diamondback, should be inspected by a gunsmith after firing 2,000 to 3,000 rounds of +P. For alloy frame guns such as the Agent, Viper or Cobra, the recommended number of rounds between inspections is 1,000.
What kind of ammo does a Colt Detective Special Use?
“I have a comment regarding the use of +P ammo in .38 caliber Detective Specials. According to the owners manual that came with my .38 Special Diamondback, purchased in the early 1980s, D-frame Colt revolvers, specifically including the Detective Special, can safely use +P ammo, subject to certain limitations.