Colt Detective Special Third Issue .38 Spl., 2-inch, Bright Nickel (1973) — DA/SA 6-Shot Revolver
This 1973 Colt Detective Special Third Issue presents as a compact, six-shot .38 Spl. revolver with a bright nickel finish and the hallmark Third Issue heavy-profile 2-inch barrel with a full-length ejector-rod shroud. It features fixed sights with an integral ramped front, fine anti-glare serrations, and aftermarket smooth finger-groove hardwood stocks. The bore condition is excellent, supporting both collectability and confident function for a classic Colt snub.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore 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 on the exterior surfaces. Please refer to the photos for close-up views of these areas.
What’s Included
- Colt Detective Special Third Issue .38 Spl. revolver (1973), bright nickel finish
- Aftermarket smooth finger-groove hardwood stocks (installed; no Colt medallions)
The Third Issue Detective Special is defined by its heavy-profile 2-inch carbon-steel barrel with a full-length ejector-rod shroud. This example retains the integral ramped front sight and fine longitudinal anti-glare serrations on the top strap and barrel rib, paired with a rear sighting groove in the top strap for a clean, snag-resistant sight picture.
Built on a carbon-steel frame with a bright nickel finish, the revolver includes a bright nickel-finished, six-shot fluted cylinder. It uses Colt’s rearward-pull cylinder latch and a knurled ejector-rod tip with a star extractor for positive, intuitive operation.
The action is double-action/single-action with a smooth-face trigger and an exposed hammer. Colt’s Positive Safety Lock (internal hammer block) is present, consistent with factory safety engineering of the period.
Factory markings include the Colt Rampant Colt logo on the left side of the frame and barrel rollmarks with the Colt Hartford address, “DETECTIVE SPEC.”, and “.38 SPECIAL CTG.” An inspection/proof mark in a triangular form appears below the serial number location. Inside the crane/yoke recess, “Curly” is hand-scribed. Country of origin is the USA, with this example manufactured in 1973.
The revolver wears aftermarket smooth finger-groove hardwood stocks without Colt medallions, offering a distinctive look and a secure hold while preserving the compact profile that defines the Detective Special line.