Colt Detective Special Second Issue .38 Special, 2-inch, 6-shot, Blued (1972) with Pachmayr Grips
This Colt Detective Special Second Issue stands out as a last-year (1972) Second-Series example with classic D-frame snubnose configuration and factory blued finish. It features the period-correct unshrouded ejector rod, an integral ramped front sight, and a top-strap groove rear sight. The B-prefix serial range aligns with 1972 production, and the revolver wears aftermarket Pachmayr wraparound grips with gold Colt medallions.
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 handling marks from prior use. Please refer to the photos for a complete view of condition.
What’s Included
- Colt Detective Special Second Issue revolver
- Aftermarket Pachmayr Presentation/Compac wraparound rubber grips with gold Colt medallions (installed)
The Second Issue configuration delivers hallmark Detective Special features from this era: an unshrouded ejector rod, an integral ramped front sight, and a fixed top-strap groove rear. The result is a compact, six-shot .38 Special built on Colt’s D-frame with a 2-inch barrel.
This example was manufactured in 1972, the final year of Second-Series production, and falls in the B-prefix serial range associated with that year. It retains the standard Colt push-to-the-rear cylinder latch and factory blued finish across its carbon steel frame and blued steel cylinder.
The revolver is double action/single action with a smooth curved trigger and an exposed hammer for precise DA or SA use. Factory rollmarks include “DETECTIVE SPEC.” over “.38 SPECIAL CTG.” on the left side of the barrel, the maker/address on the right, and the Colt prancing pony on the left frame.
Aftermarket Pachmayr Presentation/Compac wraparound rubber grips with gold Colt medallions provide a secure, comfortable hold while complementing the compact profile. Sight picture is clean and straightforward with the ramped front and groove rear pairing.