1962 Colt Detective Special Second Issue .38 Special, 2-inch, Blued, 6-Shot D-Frame Revolver
This 1962 Colt Detective Special Second Issue is a compact, six-shot .38 Special built on Colt's D-frame with polished blue steel and classic fixed sights. It features the heavy-profile 2-inch barrel with a flat, serrated rib and the full-length grip frame associated with early Second Issue production. It comes with its original box and owner's manual.
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. The ejector rod head (knob) is missing. Please refer to the photos for a complete view of the surfaces and markings.
What's Included
- Owner's manual
- Original box
Built in 1962 in the United States, this Detective Special represents the Second Issue configuration with a six-round cylinder and compact profile. It retains hallmark Colt D-frame features, including V-spring lockwork and clockwise cylinder rotation, valued by Colt enthusiasts for their distinct handling and timing characteristics.
The 2-inch carbon steel barrel has a heavy profile and a flat, longitudinally serrated rib. The top strap is matted/serrated to cut glare, complementing the fixed sighting arrangement for a clear, repeatable sight picture. The polished blue finish on the carbon steel frame and cylinder presents the classic Colt appearance.
Operating controls include a spurred hammer and a smooth-faced trigger in double-action/single-action configuration. The ejector rod is exposed and unshrouded, with the Second-Issue crane detent front lock that engages the frame (no under-barrel stud).
Sighting is straightforward and durable: a ramped front blade pairs with an integral square-notch rear in the top strap. Checkered walnut service stocks with inset silver Colt medallions sit on the full-length (pre-short-butt) grip frame, providing secure purchase and the traditional Detective Special feel.
Factory markings remain in their correct locations: "DETECTIVE SPEC." and ".38 SPECIAL CTG." on the left side of the barrel, Colt's Hartford address on the right, and the rampant Colt on the left sideplate. An inspector mark "6" appears beneath the serial on the crane/frame. Non-factory hand-scribed digits and a date are present on the butt, noted as a customization.