Make: Colt

Model: Detective Special

Serial Number: 510332

Year of Manufacture: 1949

Caliber: .38 Special

Action Type: DA/SA Double and Single Action 6-Shot Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder

Barrel Length: 2”

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade fixed to the top of the barrel. The top of the blade appears to have been filed down some. The rear sight is a square-notch integral to the topstrap. The upper edges of the top strap are serrated to reduce glare.

Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered synthetic with rampant colt logos at their tops. The grips show shrinkage, shy to the frame at the tops, and the right panel is cracked across the indexing pin hole, showing on the exterior at the bottom toward the rear. The grips otherwise show minor handling wear with well defined checkering. Overall, the grips are in Good-plus condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, there is a little minor fouling. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 87% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. Most of the balance is light handling wear in the grip areas, primarily the backstrap. There are some scattered light nicks and small scratches. The top of the front sight was left in the white when it was filed down. The action has light operational wear including a thin turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots; there are light tool marks around some screws. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good condition.

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

Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This revolver comes with a hinge-lid Colt box with model-matching label and non-matching serial hand-written on the bottom.

Our Assessment: The Colt Detective Special was in many ways the same revolver as the Police Positive Special, except it was limited to a 2” barrel (very few were produced with 3” barrels). The Colt 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 Model 36. The Detective Special had a long production run, from 1927 to 1995, a testament to its popularity.

This example is in Very Good condition, showing wear consistent with carry and responsible use, but retaining a great bore, strong mechanics, and much of its original finish. Whether you're looking for a revolver for concealed carry or want to add to a Colt revolver collection, this will make a nice pony to add to your stable. Good luck and happy bidding!