Make: Colt

Model: Detective Special, 2nd Issue

Serial Number: B44399

Year of Manufacture: 1971

Caliber: .32 Colt New Police (.32 S&W Short/Long)

Action Type: Single Action/Double Action Revolver with Swing Out Cylinder

Barrel Length: 2"

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a ramped blade fixed to the barrel; the top face shows a little filing-down. The rear sight is a square notch integral to the topstrap. The edges of the groove in the top strap are serrated to reduce glare.

Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut panels with silver-colored Colt medallions. The inside of each panel has "399" hand-written in white pencil. The grips have fairly even light handling wear with more notable dings and bruises toward the bottom. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are only a few light marks, most notable on the cylinder between two of the flutes. The action shows faint operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this revolver. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The Colt Detective Special was in many ways the same revolver as the Police Positive Special, but was limited to a 2" barrel (there were very few produced with 3" barrels). The Detective Special and its aluminum framed cousin, the Colt Cobra, were very popular with police detectives because they held six cartridges versus the five cartridges of the Smith & Wesson J-frames. The Detective Special had a long production run, from 1927 to 1995, a testament to its popularity.

This example is mid-era, manufactured in 1971. It is somewhat less common as it is chambered not for .38 Special, but for the .32 Colt New Police cartridge. This may be more familiar to most as the .32 S&W Long, but it just wouldn't do to put "S&W" on a Colt barrel.

The revolver is in Fine condition, appearing to have maybe seen some carrying, but little evidence of actually being fired since leaving the factory. This will make a classy carry revolver but also will be a dandy addition to a Colt revolver collection. Good luck and happy bidding!