Colt Detective Special

JMC · July 9, 2001, 06:54 AM

I recently bought a very nice, used of course, older model (long grip frame) Colt Detective Special, 2", .38 Spl.

Does anyone have a reference site for serial number history?
I would like to determine when it was made and don't feel like paying Colt $75.00 for that info. The serial number is 8XXXX0.

Thanks in advance.

glockjeeper · July 9, 2001, 07:58 PM

Good Luck! I've tried before without much success. FWIW though, on GlockTalk, I posted a similiar question about my Dick Special like yours. My SN was 697XXX, I got one response from a guy that didn't list his source. But he did say it was made in 1957. So I would assume yours is at least newer than that. Mine was the older 2nd issue with exposed ejector rod and simi-circular front sight. Is yours similiar to what I described, or is yours a 3rd issue with the ejector rod shroud and ramp style front sight? If it is a 3rd issue then it was made at least as far back as the early 70s, since thats when they first appeared.

justinr1 · July 9, 2001, 09:11 PM

Give this thread some time. I'm sure someone here knows the answer to your question.

justinr1

**4V50 Gary** · July 9, 2001, 10:10 PM

maybe Harley does so off it goes to his forum.

Steven Mace · July 9, 2001, 11:57 PM

JMC, you Colt Detective Special was made in 1962 and would be considered a post-war or 2nd issue version. Hope this helps!

Steve Mace

JMC · July 10, 2001, 05:56 AM

Thanks everyone for your responses, this is great.

My DS is the exposed ejector rod and semi-circular front sight (slight ramp, serrrated).

It is the model two versions before the "newer" version w/the covered, heavy ejector rod housing. The one in between had an exposed rod but, the grip was reduced in length.

I've had a few over the years but this version is my favorite. I kind of figured it for the '60's.

I looked for an hour but finally, I came up with a set of real stag horn grips that I've had for nearly 35 years for the DS. It really set the gun off nicely.

The best part is that I got the DS for $100.

Thirties · January 17, 2005, 05:26 PM

Web site: http://www.proofhouse.com/colt/index.html

Scroll down the frame at the keft. The Colt Detective Special and the Police Positive share the same serial number sequence.

July 9, 2001, 06:54 AM	#1
JMC Senior Member Join Date: March 6, 1999 Location: FL Posts: 809	Colt Detective Special I recently bought a very nice, used of course, older model (long grip frame) Colt Detective Special, 2", .38 Spl. Does anyone have a reference site for serial number history? I would like to determine when it was made and don't feel like paying Colt $75.00 for that info. The serial number is 8XXXX0. Thanks in advance. __________________ Jim - NRA Life Member since '69.

July 9, 2001, 07:58 PM	#2
glockjeeper Senior Member Join Date: November 9, 2000 Location: Ashland, KY Posts: 226	Good Luck! I've tried before without much success. FWIW though, on GlockTalk, I posted a similiar question about my Dick Special like yours. My SN was 697XXX, I got one response from a guy that didn't list his source. But he did say it was made in 1957. So I would assume yours is at least newer than that. Mine was the older 2nd issue with exposed ejector rod and simi-circular front sight. Is yours similiar to what I described, or is yours a 3rd issue with the ejector rod shroud and ramp style front sight? If it is a 3rd issue then it was made at least as far back as the early 70s, since thats when they first appeared. __________________ REMEMBER WTC!!

July 9, 2001, 10:10 PM	#4
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 21,841	I don't, but maybe Harley does so off it goes to his forum. __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

July 9, 2001, 11:57 PM	#5
Steven Mace Senior Member Join Date: November 15, 1999 Location: Clifton, Colorado USA Posts: 724	JMC, you Colt Detective Special was made in 1962 and would be considered a post-war or 2nd issue version. Hope this helps! Steve Mace __________________ After today, its all historical

July 10, 2001, 05:56 AM	#6
JMC Senior Member Join Date: March 6, 1999 Location: FL Posts: 809	Thanks everyone for your responses, this is great. My DS is the exposed ejector rod and semi-circular front sight (slight ramp, serrrated). It is the model two versions before the "newer" version w/the covered, heavy ejector rod housing. The one in between had an exposed rod but, the grip was reduced in length. I've had a few over the years but this version is my favorite. I kind of figured it for the '60's. I looked for an hour but finally, I came up with a set of real stag horn grips that I've had for nearly 35 years for the DS. It really set the gun off nicely. The best part is that I got the DS for $100. __________________ Jim - NRA Life Member since '69.

July 9, 2001, 09:11 PM	#3
justinr1 Senior Member Join Date: July 6, 2001 Location: Northern Alabama Posts: 365	Give this thread some time. I'm sure someone here knows the answer to your question. justinr1

January 17, 2005, 05:26 PM	#7
Thirties Senior Member Join Date: April 29, 2001 Location: Where the Red Sox meet the Black Bears Posts: 561	Web site: http://www.proofhouse.com/colt/index.html Scroll down the frame at the keft. The Colt Detective Special and the Police Positive share the same serial number sequence.