I used my agency issued Colt DS in a 1974 gunfight w/three armed robbery suspects, reloading once under fire, before the suspects were put down. Massad Ayoob retold the story in a Sept/Oct 2016 edition of American Handgunner.
I have my dad's 1927 first year det spec, square butt. I carry it whenever I'm wearing clothes where something bulky will stick out. It's chambered in Colt new police/32 S&W long. I absolutely love it. My dad was a cop most of his life, and he was gifted it by one of the old head police officers. After my father died, I took it apart, cleaned it up, and fell in love with it. It's my second favorite gun aside from my dad's own police issue S&W 13-2, which his department used from about '82-'94, when they switched to semi-auto.
Brilliant......my old mans favorite guns. He served from Feb 1941 an when the standard issue was .45's. Mind you he was also a movie buff ! But now as an old bugger myself and looking back on the choices that service men like me dad faced, it puts it all into context. Thanks for posting. I reckon a fair number of them ended up in ports of embarkation. I remember watching a movie during the early 1960's with me dad set in Liverpool, ( which was the major trans Atlantic port for returning US service men), featuring a young Albert Finney, who procures one of these and the only words of advice he's given on it's handling is " it makes bloody big holes in things....."
My sixties DS has lived most of its life in a desk drawer, though occasionally carried. Beautiful finish and the action is very smooth. Feels much like a Python, like it was hand honed.
I didn't know they still made this series, wish they'd bring back the history of the gun used to watch that every day about 15 years ago when I was in high school
I bought a 74 Colt Detective nickel plated online from gun broker for $325. I had to replace the stocks/grips and replace a rusted side plate screw. The left grip panel was cracked and worn the grip screw head was nearly rusted completely away. from years of being carried by an undercover police officer. According to the description it came from Philadelphia. The nickel platting has a couple spots where the nickel wore off of the cylinder and the cylinder release has slight pitting. The internal parts were clean, and it functions as it should. It was in fair condition when I got it now that I cleaned it up. It looks a lot better and functions great. I'm debating about getting it restored or just leaving it. For now, I'm happy with the character marks it has. It really did clean up pretty good from the way I received it.
I purchased one about 10-years ago for about $200(outside the USA). It was in pristine condition. The only accessory l added to it was an installation of a HAMMER SHROUD especially built for the COLT Detective Especial..then gave it to My daughter 😊👍
it's been reborn in the colt cobra 38 spec + p. A bit heavier than the ones in this video (first hand gun I ever shot back in about '67) , but the cobra is designed for plus p rounds. Very nice carry gun.
I ended up with a Colt Detective Special when looking for an older S&W Model 36. Mine is a fourth series ~1994 and has the black wraparound grips and is very dark blued with those wonderful 6 rounds. I liked it enough I came close to picking up an older Colt Trooper in .357 Magnum, but sadly missed out. Thanks for the history.
Carry my Grandfather's detective special he was issued as a police detective and later captain.(late 40s model) the action is pretty smooth after it got it's first internal cleaning.since it was issued. Very light and comfortable to carry in a pancake style holster.especialy since my other common carry gun is a full size 1911 I a iwb holster.
Am lucky to have my 1994 Colt DS that's in almost new condition with. the Pachmayr grips. Found it several years ago used in a gun shop for about 150.00.
just found my late grandmothers gun and it turns out its a Colt detective 38 special with a square butt in great shape its the second issue version. wonder what its worth
I have to take issue with the "US Army Detective Specials" bit at the end there. I'm 99% sure he's refeering to the batch of Colt Commandos with 2 inch barrels, that were purchased for the OSS, while the regular services got 4 inch barrels, and the Commando was based on the Official Police, not the Police Positive Special.
I still don't get why Colt doesn't sell exact copies today? The new snake guns are great and all (I have a king Cobra) but this little buit would sell great for the right price.
I have one passed down from my Grandfather,somewhere dated in the late 60s ?I dont know what it's worth but I'm curious of the value,its in Great shape still in the little Colt Cardboard box it came in
Thanks for uploading this valuable video.. got mine have an issue with the hand that turns the revolver... Trying to make it myself.. just need your help pass me hand measurements such total length .. width . Pin exact place.. cheers
😅I have a first generation 1969 colt cobra 38 3 inch barrel, fired only 10 times. Factory brown box with yellow cryon factory writing. It gives me chills every time I see it. Being blessed to own an American work of art is beautiful. Most first generation are in safes, treasured collections, I don't see that changing. Who would love to own and cherish this? How much are they worth. Prices are all over the place but because it was inherited I have no idea. I'm vblessed to have, rare colts, end of run colt's. The older the better put together. Please give me a idea of caalie please. Neal Apollo Beach Florida semper Fi brothers.
+p is okay for 3rd issue & later versions, earlier versions are okay for occasional uses too, but they are more likely to cause timing problems. Modern hollowpoint is fine as long as it's not +p.
I have several detective specials and in the colt manuals from the 70s and 80s it says the guns can handle plus p but they don't recommend shooting more than 2500 plus p rounds probably to avoid excessive wear.
I have both the chief and detective special...the DS is heavier and more bulky and bigger, the Smith is lighter, slimmer and easier to carry...I just perfer the Smith more but the Colt the gun itself I like more.
I used my agency issued Colt DS in a 1974 gunfight w/three armed robbery suspects, reloading once under fire, before the suspects were put down. Massad Ayoob retold the story in a Sept/Oct 2016 edition of American Handgunner.
You're a true hero, sir and not the typical Hollywood fantasy type. Salute.
What bullets were you using? 158gr LRN? I have some old super vel rounds from that Era and some wadcutters loaded backwards my dad loaded.
Oh I know. You post this on every video you can.
@@kellym3610 why shouldn’t he? He’s not using his real name. Nothing wrong it. If you had a war story to tell I’m sure you’d be telling it.
@@kellym3610as he should.
I absolutely love my detective special (3rd gen, 1975)
Such a nice little revolver. Perfect EDC.
@Windsportworld nonsense the detective special is one of the best 38s ever made and is just as safe as any modern revolver.
@Windsportworld lol new revolvers are ugly ..this one is 👌
I have my dad's 1927 first year det spec, square butt. I carry it whenever I'm wearing clothes where something bulky will stick out. It's chambered in Colt new police/32 S&W long. I absolutely love it. My dad was a cop most of his life, and he was gifted it by one of the old head police officers. After my father died, I took it apart, cleaned it up, and fell in love with it. It's my second favorite gun aside from my dad's own police issue S&W 13-2, which his department used from about '82-'94, when they switched to semi-auto.
Brilliant......my old mans favorite guns. He served from Feb 1941 an when the standard issue was .45's. Mind you he was also a movie buff ! But now as an old bugger myself and looking back on the choices that service men like me dad faced, it puts it all into context. Thanks for posting. I reckon a fair number of them ended up in ports of embarkation. I remember watching a movie during the early 1960's with me dad set in Liverpool, ( which was the major trans Atlantic port for returning US service men), featuring a young Albert Finney, who procures one of these and the only words of advice he's given on it's handling is " it makes bloody big holes in things....."
My sixties DS has lived most of its life in a desk drawer, though occasionally carried. Beautiful finish and the action is very smooth. Feels much like a Python, like it was hand honed.
I didn't know they still made this series, wish they'd bring back the history of the gun used to watch that every day about 15 years ago when I was in high school
I bought a 74 Colt Detective nickel plated online from gun broker for $325. I had to replace the stocks/grips and replace a rusted side plate screw. The left grip panel was cracked and worn the grip screw head was nearly rusted completely away. from years of being carried by an undercover police officer. According to the description it came from Philadelphia. The nickel platting has a couple spots where the nickel wore off of the cylinder and the cylinder release has slight pitting. The internal parts were clean, and it functions as it should. It was in fair condition when I got it now that I cleaned it up. It looks a lot better and functions great. I'm debating about getting it restored or just leaving it. For now, I'm happy with the character marks it has. It really did clean up pretty good from the way I received it.
I purchased one about 10-years ago for about
$200(outside the USA).
It was in pristine condition.
The only accessory l added to it was an installation of a HAMMER SHROUD especially built for the COLT Detective Especial..then gave it to My daughter 😊👍
Awesome pistol…mines a 1965 2nd gen, picked it up as my first carry gun in 2010 when I got my carry license here in Texas. Still carry it too.
it's been reborn in the colt cobra 38 spec + p. A bit heavier than the ones in this video (first hand gun I ever shot back in about '67) , but the cobra is designed for plus p rounds. Very nice carry gun.
I ended up with a Colt Detective Special when looking for an older S&W Model 36. Mine is a fourth series ~1994 and has the black wraparound grips and is very dark blued with those wonderful 6 rounds. I liked it enough I came close to picking up an older Colt Trooper in .357 Magnum, but sadly missed out. Thanks for the history.
Carry my Grandfather's detective special he was issued as a police detective and later captain.(late 40s model) the action is pretty smooth after it got it's first internal cleaning.since it was issued. Very light and comfortable to carry in a pancake style holster.especialy since my other common carry gun is a full size 1911 I a iwb holster.
Barney five had one when he was a detective in Raleigh, NC.
My pops left me one… 1963 edition in excellent condition
Am lucky to have my 1994 Colt DS that's in almost new condition with. the Pachmayr grips. Found it several years ago used in a gun shop for about 150.00.
just found my late grandmothers gun and it turns out its a Colt detective 38 special with a square butt in great shape its the second issue version. wonder what its worth
I have mine, still carry it 💓
A terrific gun. Just ask Philip Marlowe!!!!!!
Film noir special
I have to take issue with the "US Army Detective Specials" bit at the end there. I'm 99% sure he's refeering to the batch of Colt Commandos with 2 inch barrels, that were purchased for the OSS, while the regular services got 4 inch barrels, and the Commando was based on the Official Police, not the Police Positive Special.
I still don't get why Colt doesn't sell exact copies today? The new snake guns are great and all (I have a king Cobra) but this little buit would sell great for the right price.
Got mine passed down from my grandfather
I have one passed down from my Grandfather,somewhere dated in the late 60s ?I dont know what it's worth but I'm curious of the value,its in Great shape still in the little Colt Cardboard box it came in
Are they still available for purchase? I had one once and I'm trying to replace it. Great for self protection.
Sure but only on the used market.
Why don't you have it? If I had one I'd never sell it if that's what it is
I’m buying one tomorrow I can’t wait.
Thanks for uploading this valuable video.. got mine have an issue with the hand that turns the revolver... Trying to make it myself.. just need your help pass me hand measurements such total length .. width . Pin exact place.. cheers
What does the mid rannge projectory mean at 50yrd. 2.5 and 100 yrds. 11.0
I have s&w 32 pistol
Why does the chief spl. Have 5 shots and the dective spl. 6 shots
😅I have a first generation 1969 colt cobra 38 3 inch barrel, fired only 10 times. Factory brown box with yellow cryon factory writing. It gives me chills every time I see it. Being blessed to own an American work of art is beautiful. Most first generation are in safes, treasured collections, I don't see that changing. Who would love to own and cherish this? How much are they worth. Prices are all over the place but because it was inherited I have no idea. I'm vblessed to have, rare colts, end of run colt's. The older the better put together. Please give me a idea of caalie please. Neal Apollo Beach Florida semper Fi brothers.
This is the real thing without the shrouded ejector
I have the vintage Colt Agent without the shrouded ejector rod. It’s the lighter alloy version of the DS.
Came across one of these that was made as best as I can tell in the '50s.
I know they can't fire + P, but what about a modern hollowpoint?
+p is okay for 3rd issue & later versions, earlier versions are okay for occasional uses too, but they are more likely to cause timing problems. Modern hollowpoint is fine as long as it's not +p.
Any standard velocity .38 spl round, any modern hollow point should be fine.
I have several detective specials and in the colt manuals from the 70s and 80s it says the guns can handle plus p but they don't recommend shooting more than 2500 plus p rounds probably to avoid excessive wear.
I carried one while undercover.
.Loved it....lost in a divorce. :-(
Could you do a video on a Smith and Wesson. 357 Magnum, nicholed? Thank you.
I have a Colt detective special good condition
I have both the chief and detective special...the DS is heavier and more bulky and bigger, the Smith is lighter, slimmer and easier to carry...I just perfer the Smith more but the Colt the gun itself I like more.
Pretty sure it’s the chef’s special not chief special
Jackie brown by Quentin Tarantino 😉
I love this shit!!!
👍
Phillip Marlowe 😅😅😅😅😅
How much absinth did Fitz drink to think that was an improvement?
Shame on you sir!!!!!