Colt Detective Special Third Issue .38 Special Revolver, 2-inch, 6-Shot, 1981, Polished Blue
This Third Issue Colt Detective Special is a compact, six-shot D-frame revolver documented to 1981 manufacture. It features the heavy 2-inch barrel with full ejector-rod shroud, a polished blued steel finish, and fixed sights with a serrated topstrap channel. This example is notable for having a 9mm threaded barrel installed, and the Third-Issue design is rated for limited use with .38 Special +P.
Condition
Overall Condition: Very good condition, showing only light, superficial signs of prior handling or use.
Bore Overall Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: A 9mm threaded barrel has been installed.
What’s Included
- Small leather pocket/IWB holster
The Third Issue Detective Special retains the classic six-shot D-frame layout with a 2-inch heavy barrel and full ejector-rod shroud. It is chambered in .38 Special, with fixed sights consisting of an integral ramp front and a square-notch rear cut into a serrated topstrap channel for a clear sight picture.
Construction is carbon steel with a polished blued finish on the frame and cylinder. It uses a double-action/single-action system with an exposed spur hammer. Details include a knurled ejector-rod tip, a six-flute cylinder, and the Rampant Colt logo on the left sideplate. The checkered wood stocks are the two-piece, single-screw style.
This revolver is documented as 1981 manufacture and aligns with Third Issue features. The P-prefix serial is matching on the crane. The design is rated by Colt for limited use with .38 Special +P ammunition.
Additional notes specific to this example include a 9mm threaded barrel installed. The bore is described as excellent, with a clean mirror finish and sharp rifling. The stocks show hand-scratched initials on the butt.