New (To Me) Old Detective Special

[CZ93X62]

475476477478479480

This little roller followed me home on 12-22-08 from the local gunshop. By its S/N, it is a 1933-made Detective Special, and it looks as if it left Hartford last week.

I haven't had time to do a range day with it yet, Christmas was NUTS this year and I've been outta town since 12/23. Hoping to run it a bit on Tuesday.

[MakeMineaP99]

Nice!

How much do you want for it? ;)

[CZ93X62]

Won't happen--Marie adores the little critter, and would be MUI P-O'ed if it left.

There are some estate sales locally that have a LOT of primo firearms within them. With this little Colt was a S&W Model 31-1 x 2" in the same condition, but couldn't be sold in CA. Out of state it goes.

[BigSlick]

Sweet. Congrats Dep :thumbsup:

Great pics too

People keep talkin about garage sales and estate sales as places to find shooting/loading related stuff.

Not in Texas for sure, you never see the stuff

[yammerschooner]

That is a really nice looking find.

[Boge]

Sweet!! Anyone know when Colt dropped the checkered trigger on this model or is that post-sale? I don't have the BIG Wilson Colt book.

[CZ93X62]

Boge--

My shooting mentor (Leo Reyes) had several Colt double-actions from the 1920s and 30s, many had the checkered trigger surface. I have a Pocket Positive x 6" (c. 1910 or so), and it lacks the checkering seem on this example's trigger and cylinder latch.

I have the James Serven book from 1954, and its text shows that checkering was an on-and-off feature that ebbed or increased in popularity over the years, kind of a fashion trend I suppose.

I've wanted a Det Spec for a LONG time, and this one is the best-condition example of an "old series" DS I've ever laid eyes on. The seeming discoloration on the side of the frame is actually the reflection of the photographer's hand--the finish is that nice. Photo credit to Rick Tunell, 'Buckshot' on Cast Boolits. If you think his photography is good, you should see his H&I dies or his mould hollow-pointing.

The estate sales in CA are done by FFLs, Type 01 mostly. Since a dealer has to be involved in all firearms transactions in this state, the estate sale is an efficient means of selling guns not passed on to surviving relatives.

[creekwalker]

Great looking Colt. IMHO the older Detective Special's are the nicest.

[DssG19]

Man thats pretty. What did that little gem cost ya?

[MullahElRon]

Dats a real Roscoe!

[AlPackin]

cool, great score :thumbsup:

[D. Manley]

I have one almost exactly like it. My mother got it from a Deputy Sheriff back in the 60's and I wound up with it. I don't think I've ever fired it and I know she didn't. Started to sell it once and couldn't bring myself to do it.

[CZ93X62]

I'm a pretty strong fan of both Colt and S&W revos, and Ruger does a pretty good (and STRONG) wheelgun too. What has always attracted me to the Detective Special and other D-frame Colts like the Police Positive/Special and Diamondback are the compact size for holster-carried/concealed 38 Specials, and containing 6 shots. They are enough bigger than the J-frame S&W that I can shoot them capably--I cannot hit JACK with any J-frame, regardless of grip attached. For me, the D-frame Colt is a far better platform than a J-frame S&W. In fairness, the I- and J-frame S&Ws were purpose-designed for the 32 S&W Long, and the adaptation to 38 Special and even 357 Magnum is an innovation that still amazes me. Just because I can't use them effectively is no "knock" on a technological/metallurgic advance of considerable merit.

[Werdna]

Sweet shooter, nice pics too!