Colt Detective Special Second Issue .38 Special Revolver, 2-inch, 6-shot, Blued (1970)
This Colt Detective Special Second Issue is a compact D-frame revolver chambered in .38 Special and manufactured in 1970. It features a 2-inch barrel, six-round capacity, polished blued carbon-steel construction, and fixed sights. Notable Second Issue details include the unshrouded ejector rod, serrated top rib, and checkered walnut service stocks that extend below the shortened post-1966 frame.
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. Refer to the pictures for close-ups of the finish and markings.
What's Included
- Tex Shoemaker & Sons leather belt holster (stamped '1 PL')
The Second Issue configuration retains the unshrouded ejector rod and adds a serrated top rib for glare reduction. Fixed sights consist of a ramped front blade and a square-notch rear milled into the topstrap, providing a simple, durable sight picture well suited to a 2-inch barrel.
Built on Colt's compact D-frame, this six-shot revolver uses a double-action/single-action system with a spurred, serrated hammer for confident control. The frame and cylinder are carbon steel with a polished blued finish, giving it the classic Detective Special appearance.
The checkered walnut service stocks are round-butt and extend below the shortened frame introduced after 1966, offering a secure purchase in a compact footprint. The Rampant Colt logo is present, along with barrel rollmarks reading "DETECTIVE SPEC. .38 SPECIAL CTG." and "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG.
CO. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A."
Manufactured in the United States in 1970, this example aligns with the Second Issue's period features and bears a P-prefix serial observed on the frame and crane. A Tex Shoemaker & Sons leather belt holster (stamped '1 PL') is included.