Colt Detective Special

This is a look at a cool little snub nose revolver. The Colt Detective Special

[@erictalkington5674]

You definitely know your stuff on the old guns. I usually hear people saying incorrect stuff all the time, but you are pretty much spot on with everything. Great review and great gun.

[@wayartio]

When my mom got her CCW in 1996 I picked up a 4th Gen Detective Special. I paid $200 at a Pawn Shop in Florida. I inherited it when she passed and was offered $650 for it recently. A good purchase and a fine CCW weapon! I will not sell it and love it!!!

[@TheYankeeMarshal]

That is one sweet looking little Colt revolver. You have a real gem there. I just restored one of the later stainless models last week. I am going to start using it as my EDC.

[@michaeloladepo]

Sup gaylord

[@CCM2361-]

My father in law had a 2nd generation Detective special. My Brother in law has it now. Love the detective special, really want to get one.

[@Snubnoze38]

I picked up a 4th gen with black rubber grip at the Gun and Knife show last year. I was my first revolver purchase, but when I saw it and held it I knew I wasnt leaving without it. I still love it. Thanx for the vid

[@erictalkington5674]

I have finally gotten my first Colt revolver. It's a 1st issue Colt Agent. It is basically a Colt Cobra with shorter grips. I put a full sized set of panel grips on it and it looks just like a Cobra. Has the exposed ejector rod too. It's from the late 60's. I absolutely love it! I wanted a Detective Special with the exposed rod, but this is about as close as I could get so far. I have a video if you care to check it out. It's mint condition, blued, and has box and all. Very nice piece you got there sir. I would've had one just like it, but the guy at my local shop who let's me know when old snubbies come in, but he wanted it so he bought it. Can't be mad at him haha, him and another guy always let me know when old Smiths and Colts come in! Just throwing this out there. I've seen the DS's like your's with the shrouded ejector rod that has the panel grips on it like the older DS's had and it looks so damn cool with those grips on it. No one I've told that to seems to like the idea, but after the pictures I've seen, once I get DS's and Cobras with the shrouded rod, I'm putting the panel grips on it for sure. There are pictures online you can find, but you just have to Google colt cobra or DS and look through images. You'll find them eventually.

[@necessaryevilzero1885]

A fabulous revolver you have there. I have just acquired one with a Nickel frame and a stainless cylinder made in 1976. It is like brand new, mint condition. It came fitted with Pachmayr grips and the original grips in the box. The action is like glass super smooth and it shoots superbly. I love it !

[@noBuzzkillin]

What a beautiful firearm. Classic! I can't wait to get my revolver soon.. Thanks for sharing.

[@Lawrence64]

What a gem. Sir, you surprise me at every video! Congrats!

[@erictalkington5674]

These with the shrouded ejector rods look absolutely AMAZING with the 2nd issue style stocks. I mean wow, it's an entirely different looking gun with those on.

[@erictalkington5674]

Very nice piece. I want a first issue badly, but I want one of these too. I want the panel grips like on the previous issue DS's. I've seen some pictures and they look beautiful. Gives them an even more classic look.

[@frodo70444]

that thing is beautiful man! i love the thick wood handle

[@TheDishD]

Beautiful side arm there GnG! thanks for sharing

[@Mr45Bullitt]

Van that is an awesome find my friend. Great video I really enjoyed it thanks.

[@GunznGear]

@TheEnglishRedneck45 Thanks bro! The 357magnum was developed much later. It's a longer cartridge, and a lot more powerful. The cylinder of older 38's in some cases is too short, and the frames were not designed to handle the kind of pressure 357mag generates. After the popularity of the 357 grew, many manufactures began to drop their 38 frames, especially their duty sized guns, and just made the 357 sized guns. Metalergy is another consideration, some makers used to harness the 357mag.

[@GunznGear]

@Snubnoze38 Excellent! That was a completly redesigned revolver! I have the Colt Magnum Carry (357magnum version), but I haven't picked up a Detective Special SFVI yet... Thanks for sharing

[@matthewrobinson4323]

Hornaday makes a Critical Defense in both standard and in Plus P.

[@koukinshouyu]

When my father was little he got a detective kit from Marx toys and it came with a snub nose. He let me play with it when I was little and I fell in love with it. I first thought it was modeled after the smith & wesson but after looking at the colts I am sure that it was based off of them. If I ever get a handgun I really think I'll get one of these. Good video with good info & history!

[@urbancowboy9511]

Dang THAT is so beautiful!...

[@MPGunther1]

Liked your vid, beautiful Colt

[@erictalkington5674]

Beautiful gun!

[@lskw1]

def a fine piece!!

[@RickOAA]

Later owners manuals state that gunsmith inspection is recommended after 1k rounds of +p in the alloy frames and 3k in the steel with the D frames. Beautiful gun. I'm a Smith revolver man but do like the D frames.

[@erictalkington5674]

Same dude. The Detective Specials and Diamondbacks are about the only 2 Colts I like and they are both D frame. I also like the Pocket Positive snub as well. I'm definitely a Smith guy though if I had to pick sides.

[@Mr45Bullitt]

Had to watch this again!!! Awesome! Not you the gun!LOL!

[@RAdams]

Great review

[@GunznGear]

@wheelchairmaster21 It is a great little gun! Thanks for sharing

[@GunznGear]

@koukinshouyu I think I had that same kit!! That just brought back some fond memories!!! Thanks for the kind words, and the trip down memory lane!!!

[@GunznGear]

@ammohead73 They are nice little guns. There are many guns I wish I still had!!! Thanks Bro

[@GunznGear]

@TheYankeeMarshal Great little revolvers!! Thanks

[@GunznGear]

They are nice little snubbies

[@josephd27]

ive never really been a fan of snub nose revolvers but colt does make a nice gun. my grandpa had one of them and it did shoot pretty good, airweight revolvers i really dont like. great video

[@GunznGear]

@armed2theteethH420 Congratulations! They are great little handguns. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I have mine. The gen3 and 4 have a full underlug, (like mine) and the gen1 and 2 have exposed ejector rods.

[@TheEnglishRedneck45]

@GunznGear Cheers man - greatly appreciated.

[@GunznGear]

@lhusby Thanks, it's a great little piece!!

[@GunznGear]

@eagle1053 Thanks, I love the Colts too!!

[@GunznGear]

@bobiscool308 I'm sure the price will depend on which generation, condition, etc. Just google it, and start from there.

[@GunznGear]

@23mrcowboys They, like many other firearms, vary greatly in price. One such as this, and is around the $700 - $800 mark.

[@GunznGear]

@GunzAndGear Hi Tom, thanks for the comment!! I added your response vid. Take care Bro

[@GunznGear]

@FireArmsResQ Yeah, most gun designs that stand the test of time, usually encounter modifications along the way. Glock has only been around for 25+ yrs. and they're already on their fourth generation. Thanks for the kind words Bro, I always appreciate our interaction. 38 cal snubbies may not have the "latest and greatest", but they're still cool!!!

[@JCunningham21]

I havent received my NOS 1981 Detective Special yet but the online manual says 38+P is safe in the Detective Special. manual says 2002 copywrite but does list Detective Special.

[@GunznGear]

@63gstone Mine is a third edition, or generation. Sounds like yours is probably 1st or 2nd. You could probably call Colt and give them you serial# and they could tell you exactly what you have. The Dective Special is a great little gun.

[@GunznGear]

Don't worry, this little gun is a keeper!! Thanks

[@GunznGear]

@josephd27 I can't really say I'm a big fan either. I do appreciate their role, and they are functional. I do really like this one because it's a classic, and it reminds me of the old movies. Thanks

[@GunznGear]

@1dabirdman Barney Miller!! I used to love that show. Thanks

[@GunznGear]

@noBuzzkillin I appreciate the comment, thanks!

[@armed2theteethH420]

@GunznGear awesome. to be honest with you when i put the firearm on layaway i really didnt know much about the colt detective line... or much about revolvers in general. i have several autos but this will be my first revolver. all i knew was that it felt awesome to hold, it looks great and.....ITS A COLT! now that i have done alot of research on these i am even more pleased with my purchase. are you sure it is a steel frame? some folks say the cobra's are alloy frame

[@ls1dragracer]

Very nice....

[@stevenacarter77]

...liked the video, but for a better speedloader is the safariland comp 11 in s&w k frame size it works perfect in Colt D frame 38 spc guns and thanks for the tip on the holster...

[@GunznGear]

@majorcrash84 Great!! I hope you enjoy it!!

[@AlbertoJorgeSoares]

You don't need to use +P cartridges on that beauty. There're today some very good ammo in standard .38 spl for self defense.

[@steveobee3488]

mine has a broken part that locks the cyl and turns the cyl she is a gen 2 former police det firearm i bought it from him hes been long retired and pastaway since it broke i havent shot it the cyl goes in both directions if you turn it my favorite ammo is semi wad cutters and reg ball rounds

[@CurtisL8.3066]

Steve Obee I’ll buy it from you brother

[@GunznGear]

@TheGoodOlBoyzChannel Yeah, she's a sweet piece!! Thanks

[@GunznGear]

@brotherskeepers111 Thanks Bro, It certainly is a classic.

[@GunznGear]

@FireArmsResQ Actually your vids on your Armscor inspired me to do this vid. I'm always interested in the reasons people like certain types of guns, and I've learned those reasons are as diverse as we are. These guns are very numerious (1.5 million) so there is a good supply on the used market. If you stay away from special editions, and engraved pieces, you can probably find a nice one for a little more than what you paid for your Armscor. It wouldn't be new, but it would be a Colt.

[@armed2theteethH420]

i cant wait to pick mine up wednesday!! i saw it in the gun store for $380 and couldnt pass it up. its in great shape too. i just wish my grip was a darker wood like your. mine is more of a blonde... probably gonna get the pachmyer grip for it. great vid! how do u tell the gen 2 from the gen 3?

[@GunznGear]

@jimothy183 I agree!!! Thanks

[@GunznGear]

@frodo70444 Thanks bro, yeah she's a beauty!!

[@CAJUNAFOL]

@GunznGear Definately! I Don't get why they stopped making double action revolvers I know they would probably still sellextremely well.

[@GunznGear]

@CelticArmory I used to have a 4" 357mag King Cobra, I wish I still had it.

[@GunznGear]

@TheDishD Thank you Bro!

[@GunznGear]

@SecretService80 I love the Colt revolvers! I just put a vid showing the 3" Detective Special I just acquired. Thanks

[@GunznGear]

@NeptuneBlueZ Thanks!

[@mr2bmw]

Just bought the same gun (1981) in mint condition!

[@GunznGear]

Outstanding!

[@FireArmsResQ]

The video game Mafia is based on all the well Dressed Gangsters and all that good stuff. Infact thats when I started reading about that era. I know you're not a video gamer but Mafia was a good one! I had to go back to my video and make sure I said GanSTER not STA. I said it properly! I love these guns. I dont have a Colt but I'm glad I have a copy and that there still is a copy being made in 2011.

[@deerhunter1495]

Man that is one nice looking handgun, I just love those old colt revolvers, do you think you could make a shooting video of this?

[@marryson123]

I have this firearm with both colt medallian grips and the wood grips like u have there. HKS speed loaders dont fit welll with wood grip. :(

[@srspower]

That is the most beautiful revolver I think I have ever seen. If it was legal here and it would handle .38 +p I would carry it every day :)

[@mike129995]

this and the Colt Python are my favorite revolvers.

[@srspower]

Well that is the big brother ...

[@leerx7015]

srspower I hear the cobra is coming back for shot show 2017...?!

[@Socrates3001]

I have one in 32 caliber. It's about 60 yrs old. It's not my EDC but I take it to the range all of the time.

[@GunznGear]

@eagle1053 Colt Pythons often fetch a premium price, for sure. Thanks

[@GunznGear]

@Mr1911guy I wish Colt would make more of these!! Thanks

[@GunznGear]

@deerhunter1495 There's a lot of shooting vids I would like to do. As soon as I get things sorted out, I would love to post a few . Thanks

[@GunznGear]

@lskw1 Thanks for watching Bro!!

[@davidkeetz]

better comparison to S&W would be to a snub nose version model 10. I do like shooting the detective special a little more though.

[@CelticArmory]

I love my Colt revolver. I have the King Cobra.

[@bobiscool308]

@GunznGear i cant find anything but do you know what the difference is between the 1st and 2nd generation.

[@GunznGear]

@stickamvamp Cool, thanks

[@TheEnglishRedneck45]

@frodo70444 Now that makes no sense to me at all, I could understand .357 out of a .38, given the smaller width bullet would fit, but surely a .38 is wider than the .357? Or is it to do with the length of cartridge?

[@63gstone]

Just got mine the other day. It was my grandfather's and my mother gave it to me. It was given to him by the chef of police waaay back. It is nickle plated and does not have the shroud over the ejector rod. The barrel is "skinner" than yours and the grip is smaller. Any idea in what years it may have been made. I do remember it from back in the early 70s/late 60s.

[@GunznGear]

@krazy45cat Thanks Gerry!!

[@LacerdaGeorge]

Very good! I liked very much! I've a Taurus PT 138 Pro Millennium in .380ACP (15+1 rounds) and I think that I going to buy a Rossi Revolver 636 model, caliber .38SPL, with 6 rounds (identical to your Colt Detective Special Snub Nose) and I pretend carry it. Do you think that will to be a good buy? Thank you.

[@bobiscool308]

@GunznGear o thanks. i want this gun in .32 colt, do you know how much it might cost

[@TheEnglishRedneck45]

Beautiful blueing on that revolver man, proper old school firearm. Please forgive my ignorance, but can you shoot .357mag out of a .38, or must it be a .38 special? And what are the reasons for that?

[@GunznGear]

@whatever7x7 Thanks!!

[@leerx7015]

I hear the cobra is coming back for shot show 2017...?!

[@GunznGear]

@armed2theteethH420 I do not have a Cobra, I have the plain ole Detective Special and they are steel. I know they also made the Agent and the Cobra, and some of those had alloy frames.

[@thomaswetherall]

nice one dude i would looka t getting somehting liek that as my 2nd gun after a 22 luger

[@koukinshouyu]

@GunznGear no problem :)

[@GunznGear]

@Mr45Bullitt I agree!!! LOL

[@GunznGear]

@ls1dragracer Thanks Bro

[@bobiscool308]

@GunznGear so did you get a price

[@bobiscool308]

is this double or single action

[@jimothy183]

sucks how colt doesn't make these any more.

[@Dragonfire1911]

Does anyone know if the colt detective is the smallest 6 shot .38 revolver?

[@Butwhat1776]

megrayo111 i believe it is. I also think the colt magnum carry is the smallest 6 shot 357 mag. don't quote me on that

[@kylewood8327]

They’re nice for sure...but I’ll take the S&W model 10 snubby, IMO the action is much better.

[@RangerMcDanger357]

i want one so bad...

[@leerx7015]

Ranger McDanger I hear the cobra is coming back for shot show 2017...?!

[@GunznGear]

@AriesSoprano I can see James Cagney slipping this gun in his waistband now! Thanks

[@GunznGear]

@Mr45Bullitt We'll have to get them together for a sleepover! LMAO

[@CAJUNAFOL]

I wish s&w make a 6 shot snubbie.

[@ramonlopez5872]

Hi mister how you doing? I own the detective special 38 all nikel i think the last edicion.

[@GunznGear]

@LacerdaGeorge Sorry I missed this comment. I'm not very knowledgeable of many Rossi revolvers. I do know they are a less expensive option. Like any firearm, if you are looking to buy a used one, I would suggest having a competent person checking it out first.

[@FireArmsResQ]

I've seen several reviews of this. Tim10231290358290 whatever the fuck the numbers are by his name! Has one and his didn't have the ejector rod shroud. Learned something new it's a Generational thing. Great review man! One of your best, I favorited it. I love MY AK-47,357 Magnum and Shotgun. I technically shouldn't like these guns as much as I do because it's just a 38 special but I dont care. I have my Snubnose next to me a lot when I'm on YT just watching videos.