Colt Detective Special .38 Special, 2-inch D-Frame Revolver, Bright Nickel, 1974
Manufactured in 1974, this Colt Detective Special is a D-frame, 2-inch, six-shot .38 Special revolver with a bright nickel-plated finish. It features matching numbers on the crane and frame cut, fixed sights, and classic Colt rollmarks. The configuration includes an unshrouded ejector rod with a knurled head, serrated barrel rib and topstrap, and checkered walnut service stocks.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Details: The revolver is in solid shape. It shows some scratches and blemishes from prior handling and use. The bore is clean and shiny.
What’s Included
- Black basketweave leather belt holster with thumb-break retention strap
This Detective Special presents the classic Colt snub configuration with a 2-inch carbon steel barrel and a swing-out, fluted six-shot cylinder. It uses a double-action/single-action system with a smooth trigger and an exposed hammer featuring a serrated spur.
The revolver’s bright nickel-plated carbon steel frame and cylinder give it a distinctive, period-correct finish. Serrations on the topstrap and barrel rib complement the fixed sight picture, aiding alignment under varied lighting.
Sighting consists of an integral ramped front sight and a fixed square-notch rear cut into the topstrap channel. The unshrouded ejector rod with a knurled head reflects the model’s traditional layout and provides positive purchase during ejection.
Grips are two-piece checkered walnut service stocks secured by a single screw, without Colt medallions. Markings include the Colt Rampant Pony on the left side of the frame, "DETECTIVE SPEC." over ".38 SPECIAL CTG." on the left side of the barrel, and "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO.
/ HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A." on the right. Matching numbers on the crane and frame cut and the F-prefix serial indicate MFG. 1974 in the United States.