I Have This Old Gun: Colt Detective Special 

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.

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....."

I absolutely love my detective special (3rd gen, 1975)

Such a nice little revolver. Perfect EDC.

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

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.

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 😊👍

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.

Great video. Thanks for posting. :)

Can you do a video on the S&W Model 25, "blued," 4" barrel, chambered in .45 Colt??!! Thanks.

A terrific gun. Just ask Philip Marlowe!!!!!!

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.

Got mine passed down from my grandfather

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 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

I have s&w 32 pistol

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.

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

What does the mid rannge projectory mean at 50yrd. 2.5 and 100 yrds. 11.0

Film noir special

Could you do a video on a Smith and Wesson. 357 Magnum, nicholed? Thank you.

This is the real thing without the shrouded ejector

I carried one while undercover. .Loved it....lost in a divorce. :-(

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.

Why does the chief spl. Have 5 shots and the dective spl. 6 shots

I have a Colt detective special good condition

😅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.

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?

Are they still available for purchase? I had one once and I'm trying to replace it. Great for self protection.

👍

Pretty sure it’s the chef’s special not chief special

This would not only be a fine .38 Special 2" snub-nose revolver for self defense/house protection/concealed carry, but likewise it doubles as a handgun for hunting small game: rabbit, squirrel, and grouse (loaded with .38 Special wad-cutters), especially for the campfire skillet. Same for dispatching vermin such as raccoon, skunk, and possum. Or likewise for butchering livestock such as cattle with a head shot. Even for killing rattlesnakes up close: CC1's classic .38 Special shot or "snake load": No. 9 shot. Next to a .22 or .32 the .38 Special 148 grain lead target wadcutter would be ideal for these purposes. This increases the versatility and utilitarian use of the .38 caliber revolver for not only the homeowner, apartment, condo, or duplex dweller, but also for the outdoorsman/sportsman as a companion handgun for fishing, camping, hiking, back packing, woods trekking, hunting (as a backup .38 during deer and elk season) etc. Yes even a .38 Special for a long haul trucker, hay hauler, and for carrying on long road trip. Ideal for both sexes. True a 4" barrel .38 Special/.357 Magnum revolver is preferred of course; Yet in proper hands a snub-nosed 2" barrel .38 revolver can still get the job done. For women it can even be concealed, preferably holstered, and carried inside a large purse or handbag. Jim Farmer (Klamath County, Oregon)

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.

Phillip Marlowe 😅😅😅😅😅

How much absinth did Fitz drink to think that was an improvement?

Shame on you sir!!!!!