Colt Detective Special Third Issue .38 Special, 2-inch Heavy Barrel, High-Polish Blue, 1979 D-Frame Revolver
This Colt Detective Special is a 1979 Third Issue D-frame revolver in .38 Special with the distinctive 2-inch heavy barrel and forward ejector-rod shroud. It features a high-polish blued finish, fixed sights with an integral ramped front blade, and a six-shot, six-flute cylinder. A compact, steel-framed Colt with clean markings and classic Third Issue configuration details.
Condition
Overall Condition: Very good condition, showing only light, superficial signs of prior handling or use.
Bore Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: Light handling marks are present from prior use. The bore is bright and clean. Please refer to the photos for a complete view of the surfaces and finish.
What’s Included
- Soft case
This Third Issue Detective Special (1973–1986 configuration) carries the hallmark updates of its era: a 2-inch heavy-profile barrel with a forward ejector-rod shroud and an integral, serrated ramp front sight. The barrel is roll-marked "DETECTIVE SPEC." and ".38 SPECIAL CTG." for clear chambering identification.
Built on Colt’s compact D-frame and finished in high-polish blue, this revolver uses an exposed spur hammer and DA/SA action. It retains the Colt-pattern rearward-pull cylinder latch, a six-shot, six-flute cylinder, and the Rampant Colt logo on the frame.
Sighting is straightforward and durable with a fixed rear notch in the topstrap enhanced by anti-glare serrations, paired with the integral ramped and serrated front sight. The checkered wood grips show a traditional pattern with no medallions visible.
Manufactured in the USA in 1979, this example shows inspector stamp(s) on the crane and the serial number location on the crane, consistent with Colt practice for this period. Steel construction is used throughout the frame, barrel, and cylinder, all finished to a high-polish blue.