Colt Detective Special Second Issue .38 Special, 2 inch, 6-shot, Polished Blued DA/SA Revolver
This Colt Detective Special Second Issue is a compact D-frame, six-shot .38 Special with a 2 inch barrel and polished blued carbon-steel construction. Hallmark Second Issue features include the unshrouded ejector rod, fixed iron sights, and a serrated anti-glare topstrap. It wears checkered walnut service stocks and carries classic Colt barrel rollmarks.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Fouling: Mild Fouling - Light buildup of fouling or dirt.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: This firearm is in solid shape. There are some scratches and blemishes present. The bore is clean and shiny.
What’s Included
- Colt Detective Special Second Issue .38 Special revolver
The Detective Special Second Issue pairs a 2 inch barrel with a six-round D-frame, delivering the classic Colt snubnose profile. The unshrouded ejector rod is a defining Second Issue trait, and the revolver uses Colt’s pull-to-the-rear cylinder latch. It is chambered in .38 Special and operates in double-action/single-action with an exposed hammer.
Built from carbon steel throughout, this revolver features a polished blued finish on the frame, barrel, and cylinder. The round-butt grip frame is fitted with checkered walnut service stocks in a two-piece, single-screw configuration with no medallions. The compact size contributes to the Detective Special’s well-known handling.
Controls and safety are straightforward and robust. The Colt Positive Safety (internal hammer block) provides an added layer of security while maintaining the revolver’s traditional DA/SA manual of arms. The cylinder latch is the familiar Colt rearward-pull style for positive operation.
Sighting equipment is fixed and purposeful: an integral ramped front sight and a fixed square-notch rear cut into the topstrap. The topstrap itself is serrated to reduce glare, aiding sight picture clarity under varied lighting.
Markings include the barrel rollmarks “DETECTIVE SPEC. / .38 SPECIAL CTG.” on one side and “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO.
/ HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.” on the other. Manufactured in the United States, this example reflects the Second Issue pattern details collectors and enthusiasts look for.