Colt Detective Special Cylinder Latch Question

Icopy1 · April 3, 2010, 10:08 AM

I just purchased a mint Colt Detective Special made in 1995. When I brought it home, I noticed there is what appears to be a semi-clear piece of plastic behind the cylinder latch where it meets the frame. Is this supposed to be there?

Scorch · April 3, 2010, 12:01 PM

Yes, it keeps the latch from rubbing on the sideplate.

James K · April 5, 2010, 02:40 PM

That plastic was put on purely to prevent a cosmetic problem in new guns as they were handled in a gun shop. It was normally removed by the purchaser. If it doesn't bother you, there is no reason not to leave it.

Jim

Dfariswheel · April 5, 2010, 07:36 PM

Assuming you mean the white nylon stud on the underside of the cylinder latch, it's there to prevent the latch from scratching the bluing.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE IT.
It's not removable without disassembling the gun and is a necessary part.

James K · April 5, 2010, 09:30 PM

Sorry, I was referring to a little flat plastic tab that some dealers used to insert for the same purpose. The nylon stub is factory and should be left alone, as Dfariswheel says. Actually, nothing is really needed except for cosmetic reasons. Those latches marked the bluing for about 80 years without anyone becoming upset.

Jim

April 3, 2010, 10:08 AM	#1
Icopy1 Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2004 Location: Ohio Posts: 415	Colt Detective Special Cylinder Latch Question I just purchased a mint Colt Detective Special made in 1995. When I brought it home, I noticed there is what appears to be a semi-clear piece of plastic behind the cylinder latch where it meets the frame. Is this supposed to be there?

April 3, 2010, 12:01 PM	#2
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	Yes, it keeps the latch from rubbing on the sideplate. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

April 5, 2010, 02:40 PM	#3
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	That plastic was put on purely to prevent a cosmetic problem in new guns as they were handled in a gun shop. It was normally removed by the purchaser. If it doesn't bother you, there is no reason not to leave it. Jim

April 5, 2010, 07:36 PM	#4
Dfariswheel Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2001 Posts: 7,478	Assuming you mean the white nylon stud on the underside of the cylinder latch, it's there to prevent the latch from scratching the bluing. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE IT. It's not removable without disassembling the gun and is a necessary part.

April 5, 2010, 09:30 PM	#5
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	Sorry, I was referring to a little flat plastic tab that some dealers used to insert for the same purpose. The nylon stub is factory and should be left alone, as Dfariswheel says. Actually, nothing is really needed except for cosmetic reasons. Those latches marked the bluing for about 80 years without anyone becoming upset. Jim