Colt Detective Special 3rd Issue .38 Special Revolver, 2-Inch Barrel (1981)
Produced in 1981, this third-issue Colt Detective Special offers the classic six-shot, snub-nose profile that made the model a favorite with plain-clothes officers for decades. The heavy 2-inch barrel with integral ejector-rod shroud, high-polish blued finish, and wrap-around checkered walnut stocks mark it as the final evolution of Colt’s storied D-Frame revolver line.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair – shows extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Fair – generally clean with some residue, slight corrosion, and worn rifling.
Specific Condition Notes: Mechanically solid; action cycles smoothly and lockup is tight. The exterior displays scattered scratches, blemishes, and areas of rust and pitting.
What’s Included
- Colt Detective Special 3rd Issue revolver
This third-issue variant was built from 1973 to 1986 and is immediately identifiable by its heavy profile barrel and full shroud protecting the ejector rod. Those changes added weight up front, helping control recoil in a compact frame.
The revolver retains its factory high-polish blued finish on the carbon-steel frame, cylinder, and barrel. While the finish shows honest carry wear, it still highlights the smooth contours and tight Colt machining.
Colt’s D-Frame lockwork is renowned for a smooth double-action pull, and this example maintains that characteristic feel. The exposed hammer allows single-action firing for precise shot placement when desired.
Wrap-around walnut combat grips provide a secure, hand-filling hold on the short-butt frame. Fine diamond checkering offers traction without adding bulk, keeping the revolver easy to conceal.
Rated for limited use with .38 Special +P loads, the Detective Special delivers six rounds—one more than most contemporary snub-nose revolvers—while preserving a compact, easily carried package.