Colt Detective Special Second Issue .38 Special, 2-inch, Bright Nickel, 6-Shot (1972)
This Colt Detective Special Second Issue is a compact, six-shot D-frame revolver chambered in .38 Spl., built in 1972 and finished in bright nickel. It features the classic Second-Issue configuration with an exposed ejector rod and finely serrated topstrap, plus matching serial numbers on the crane and inside the frame window. Clear factory rollmarks and inspection stamps complement its period-correct walnut service panels and fixed sights.
Condition
Overall Condition: Very good condition, showing only light, superficial signs of prior handling or use.
Bore Overall Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The revolver presents in great shape with some scattered scratches and small blemishes consistent with light handling. The bore is clean and shiny.
What’s Included
- Colt Detective Special Second Issue .38 Spl. revolver
This Second-Issue Detective Special pairs a 2-inch steel barrel with a bright nickel finish across the frame and cylinder for a classic snub-nose profile. Built on Colt’s D-frame with a six-round capacity, it retains the exposed, unshrouded ejector rod that defines this generation. The 1972 manufacture date places it at the end of the Second-Issue production run.
Sighting is straightforward and durable, with a serrated ramp front sight integral to the barrel and a square-notch rear milled into the topstrap. The topstrap is finely serrated to reduce glare. Controls include a Colt-pattern serrated cylinder latch and a knurled ejector-rod head for positive manipulation.
The action is double-action/single-action with a smooth-face trigger and a wide, checkered spur hammer for secure cocking. The rounded-butt grip frame wears checkered walnut service panels retained by a single screw, matching the period-correct service configuration.
Factory markings are crisp: left barrel rollmark reads "DETECTIVE SPEC." over ".38 SPECIAL – CTG", the right barrel shows "COLT’S PT. F. A. MFG. CO.
HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.", and the Rampant Colt logo appears on the frame. Additional inspection marks "8" and "89" are present. Matching serial numbers are observed on the crane and inside the frame window, underscoring the revolver’s originality.