Colt Detective Special Third Issue .38 Special, 2 inch, High-Polish Blue, Heavy Barrel, Shrouded Ejector, 6-Shot (1974)
This Colt Detective Special Third Issue stands out as a 1974 production example with the heavy barrel and full ejector-rod shroud that define this series (1973–1986). It is a compact, six-shot Colt D-frame revolver in .38 Special with a high-polish blued finish, fixed sights, and factory anti-glare barrel serrations. The revolver wears checkered wood grips without Colt medallions and features the Rampant Colt logo on the sideplate.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: There are markings from previous handling and use. Please refer to the photos for a detailed view of surfaces and markings.
What’s Included
- Holster
Built on Colt's compact D-frame, this Third Issue Detective Special carries six rounds of .38 Special and uses a double-action/single-action system. The 2 inch heavy barrel with a full shroud over the ejector rod adds durability and balances the compact profile. The anti-glare serrations along the barrel help cut reflections at the sighting plane.
The carbon steel frame wears a high-polish blued finish. Sighting is straightforward with a fixed square-notch rear cut into the topstrap and an integral ramped front sight with red paint applied for visibility. The revolver retains an exposed hammer with a checkered spur and a smooth trigger.
Grip panels are checkered wood without Colt medallions, offering a secure hold while maintaining the clean Third Issue aesthetic. Factory markings include the Rampant Colt logo on the sideplate, consistent with period production.
This example is confirmed as a 1974 manufacture within the F-series range noted for the Third Issue (1973–1986). It reflects the configuration that made the Detective Special a notable American-made snubnose: compact size, six-shot capacity, durable construction, and fixed, no-nonsense sights.