919-388-1991
Appearing on the market in 1927, the Colt Detective Special was designed as a snub nosed 6 shot revolver for plainclothes detectives and off duty police officers. It was one of the first short barreled revolvers that offered a modern swing out frame that the cylinder was attached to.
The success of the larger barrel Colt Police Positive Special led Colt to cut the barrel down and introduce the Detective Special. From a size comparison standpoint, the Detective Special frame is slightly smaller than the popular S&W K frame series of revolvers, but larger that the S&W J Frame series. It terms of frame size, it's closer in size to the Ruger SP-101. The Det. Special is available in a 2” or 3” barrel, although the 2” version is much more common.
Over the years, the Detective Special has undergone a number of changes called series. Those include:
First Series – Manufactured from 1927 to 1946, and only available in a 2” barrel
Second Series – Manufactured from 1947 to 1972, this series included a 3” version and a number of other changes.
Third Series – Manufactured from 1973 to 1986, this series included a hammer shroud, ramp sight, and oversized grips. Production for the Det. Special was stopped in 1986.
Fourth Series – Manufactured from 1993 to 1995, this series included factory rubber grips and a blued or chrome. The Det. Special model was phased out of production in 1995.
Any of the models listed below are available in a Colt Detective Special holster version for the 2" barrel.