I have several of these guns in both the Model 206 format (2-inch) and the Model 200 (4-inch). After thoroughly testing them for reliability (all have passed) I keep them around as defensive guns in places where a gun might be stolen, or used very roughly, or taken as evidence. They are by no means "junk" as some claim, just not finely finished. The really good news is if I lost all four of mine, I wouldn't be out as much money as if I lost one of my Colts. I bought my last Model 206 this past week for $160 used and that included two boxes of ammo. It now rides in a tool box in the trunk of my car. A brand new 4-inch recently set me back $214. Extremely good value for money. I do the same thing with a Rock Island Armory GI 1911 in .45 ACP as my main home defense gun. I've shot all of mine out to 25 yards on a standardized police course, and if I were still on the job, would have qualified with all of them. I doubt that any bad guy would ever notice that he had not been shot with a pretty Colt. Are there downsides to this gun? Yes. First of all, do not let anyone tell you the 200 or 206 is the same size as a Colt D frame. It isn't. None of my leather holsters for my Detective Specials fit exactly (too small) except for one cheap nylon holster which is generic fit. Actually, the RIA fits perfectly in holsters designed for the K-frame Smith and Wesson, which fortunately is the most common revolver holster in the world. The grips for a D-frame Colt unfortunately do not fit the Rock Island either, even though many videos say they do. Actually, the current production M206 2-inch exposed hammer models come with two sets of grips, the small wood ones shown in this video, and a set of larger and pretty comfortable black rubber grips made for it. Unfortunately, when you put on the rubber grips, you need to modify them with some sandpaper or a Dremel tool if you want to use them with speed loaders. The proper speed loader is the HKS Model DS, and if you use the wood grips or modify the rubber ones just a bit, this gun is much easier to use with speed loaders than any five-shot revolver, and recoils less than most. My Rock revolvers seem most accurate using 158 grain lead bullet factory ammo, but are no slouch with the 125 grain Golden Saber load either, which performs better in tissue from a 2-inch barrel. I often let new students in CCW classes shoot one of the Rock Islands in their first range session and most prefer it to a five shot J-frame. It seems to be just enough bigger and heavier at around 25 ounces to be comfortable to shoot. So given how well these ugly little things work, I don't know why everyone doesn't own one or two of them. The closest thing on the market you can buy right now which is any better is a new Colt Cobra, which is admittedly a nicer revolver, but it is also $700 if you can find one for sale.
As he said, the RIA is a great gun IN THIS PRICE POINT. I own em both and THIS is the one I'd throw in the glove box (or anywhere else) Good used Detectives go FIVE TIMES THE MONEY 800-1000 think about it. Big difference is the finish but mostly on the inside the shooting ability doesnt seem compromised. For $200 range this is a steal.
Honestly the detective special borders between being a collector's to a edc, given it's value, I'm sticking to a ria, nothing a little tuning can't fix.
Your Colt is a pre-66, which is revealed by the fact that the grip frame extends the full length of the wood grip panels. After 1966, they had a shorter grip frame, and the wood panels joined at the bottom, just like your Rock Island.
i have a 1932 Colt DS(first issue, originial parts and original grips) do you know the price range for that type of gun? my grandmother just gave it to me as a gift.
Yep. Not many know that. They also offered "duo-tone" partial parkerizing from late 40s to early 50s. It's only on the back strap and bottom of the frame. Was supposed to prevent rust from sweaty cops' hands. Russell Crowe's gun in L.A. Confidential is like this. I have a 1949 and thought at first someone had painted or badly blued these areas. They're worth grabbing when they can be found. Classics never go out of style....
The M 206 might not be a Colt, Smith and Wesson, or Ruger, but I'm liking mine more and more. And for its intended use, and its purchase price, I find it hard to fault. I debated between the M 206 and the Charter Arms Police Undercover and went with the Rock Island because it cost about $90.00 less, came in black parkerized, and had wood grips. I did have to send it in because of a timing issue, but they went way beyond any reasonable expectations in getting it back to me by Christmas (it was a Christmas present), so overall, I'm very pleased with it.
I'm really enjoying mine. Put 100 rounds through it Wednesday. The more familiar I become with it, the better I like this Rock Island Armory. I did have a problem with it at first, though. The cylinder wasn't locking up. I sent it in, and they fixed it and had it back to me before Christmas. (It was a Christmas present). So, I couldn't be happier with it and with Armscor. It came with 2 grips, the cool-looking wooden grips and a set of "combat polymer" (whatever that means...LOL) that look like Pachmyr grips. I prefer the wood grips. The gun is amazingly accurate and easy to shoot. In some ways I like it even better than my Smith and Wesson 442. Not in ALL ways of course, but it's definitely a good choice. I'd be interested in learning your experience with whichever one you get.
I just picked up an M206 in 2024 from Gun Genie for $252.00 less fees. To cut costs they are now parkerized and in a cardboard box, but you still get both the wood and synthetic grip sets along with a soft case.
I ordered a gun online and picked it up at my local store today, and while waiting for them to come back to me, I saw this beautiful baby sitting in the case. Ironically, the handgun I had just bought was also 38 special revolver so I will see how it does. I may go back and get that RI206 snubby. It was a little over $200. You cannot beat that. I have never paid more than $300 for a handgun, and have always had luck. Ruger Semi Autos, Taurus Revolvers, etc.
I bought the M206 and put the "Mark Browne" custom short walnut checkered grips that are actually flat each side and longer for far better gripping and handling! Wise decision! Try it youll like it !
I just picked mine up yesterday I personally didn't like the wood grips I found them to be a bit to small. luckily they did come with the tactical grips after changing the grips it was a lot more comfortable for me I've only put 6 round through it but so far I'm impressed by it.
Thanks for comparing the Rock Island m206 with the Colt Detective Special. My first handgun was a Colt Trooper .357 Magnum. All in all, the Rock Island Armory m206 is an excellent value for a .38 Special snub nose revolver. I just picked one up and took it to the range. It handles well and is accurate. BTW on the Rock Island M205 the ejection rod is spring loaded vs the crane on the Colt.
Great little piece for the money. How has it held up BATJAC I.E. the Rock Island M206? I'm thinking of getting one here! It looks to me more like a Smith and Wesson Model model 36. How does it compare to the S&W 36 size wise etc?
im only missing the DROS, i walked into the store and asked for this gun, they didint have any, anywhere in california lol, so he checks the pc and says we have 250 orders comming in though, and he said, a customer is picking his up tomorrow so he goes in the back and lets me check out that customers weapon i loved it, and placed the order, hopefully it comes in soon !
The Rock Island is pretty cool and definitely a DS clone. I really really really love that Detective Special though dude. That is so nice. I love those. I do like the 3rd issue as well as long as I could find magna style stocks like the ones on your DS. However the 1st & 2nd issue DS's are awesome! I love watching old black and white TV shows and movies and I see those all the time. I kinda like the 1st issue better because of the half moon sight and shorter ejector rod. It doesn't much matter to me if it has the full or shorter grip frame but I prefer the round butt ones. They aren't too far off their square butt models but I like the rounded edges better if I can help it. I am trying to find either a 1st or 2nd issue, but no luck yet. I want a blued and a nickel 1st or 2nd issue and a blued and nickel 3rd issue with fake pearl on the nickel and walnut on the blued models. One day I'll complete that set. Very cool guns. I'm more of a Smith guy if I had to pick because I like far more Smith models than I do Colt models, but there are a handful of Colts I will buy one day. A blued Diamondback snubby I want one day because of Bullitt. It was Steve McQueen's gun in that movie. Wouldn't mind a 4 inch blued as well, but it has to have the Detective Special style walnut grips in it. That looks so cool. Thanks for sharing.
So the Rock Island is a decent revolver? I've looked at 'em,but because it was so cheap I had my doubts. My Rock Island mil-spec 1911 is awesome good for around $385,so I guess these must be the same. Always loved the old style "belly guns",. The Detective Special is a Police Positive with a short barrel, Cobra has an aluminum frame. The Agent has a shorter grip. If I had lots of money,I'd own them all.
I thought your DS had the shorter grip frame, but it looks as though it is full sized. Am I right on that? I thought the stocks wrapped underneath, but maybe I saw it wrong. Very nice.
And the snobs pull their heads out of their back sides and bash the compairison. Good video. Just picked one of these beaters up. Nice to see the two side by side regardless to that the dinks say.
I have the Rock M206 and Ready Holster makes a nylon holster for it. Has a thumb brake & fits fine. find it at ReadyHolster.com. Its my EDC gun. Very happy with it.
Just showed the similarities, and differences slick. For $200. you can have something similar that you can throw in a camping kit and not give a shit about beating up. From the wear it's clear he uses the M206 and the Colt is probably a collection piece.
I haven't had an issue when shooting double action.. single action with wood grips yes it will reach web of hand..but with black plastic grips no issues either way.. just my experience.. the new colt cobra has a much tighter lockup but this and the m200 seem to be good shooters so far
It is not done frequently in my opinion or to the best of my knowledge and memory, but during his comments he makes I suppose a smacking sound with his mouth . I think it appears a bit effeminate . A bad habit for a man .
