New to revolvers, Colt Detective Spl.

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YammyMonkey

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I'm a dyed in the wool auto guy (1911's) who just received a well used Colt Detective Special .38 from my mother-in-law.

I don't know a thing about revolvers, just wondering if there's anything I should know about this stubby gun, any suggestions for it and is there anything I can do to make the stock wood grips less miserable to hold onto?

Thanks.
 
I had one a long time ago. A fine pistol..one of the best lock-ups I've seen; but then Colts usually do lock up tight. I sanded the grips down to suit me but I would think Brownell's or others must carry some of the rubber type grips if that would suit you better.
 
Yammy, the best place to get the rubber grips is eBay. There are two "models" of Pachmayr that will fit. The Pachmayr Compac, which is a one-piece that opens at the front strap and has either a Pachmayr or Colt medalion, and their other "compac"-sized grip which is in two pieces (no medalion). Both types need a screw which should be supplied by the seller. Both feel the same in my hands.

These little guns will still feel more snappy than a larger revolver. But the Colt DS is an easier shooting gun than any other 2" snubnose, other than the K-frame S&W 2" barrels (a larger gun).

Here is a photo of my two Det-Specs, with both types of grips.

ds6.jpg



Here is a link to an eBay search for "Colt" under "pistol -> grips". There were 397 items when I posted this. Most of them are for semiautos, but there are grips for the DS, which is the "D" frame. If your gun is from the mid-60s or newer, you will have the short square butt frame, which is the typical configuration, and you will have an easy time finding grips. If your gun is the older type: long frame or round frame, you must search harder. (mine are '66 and '74, both short square butt).

eBay search:

http://search.ebay.com/Colt_Grips_W...0QQsargnZQ2d1QQsaslcZ2QQsbrftogZ1QQsofocusZbs


Here are examples of the two-piece Pachmayrs:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=39425&item=7149775133&rd=1
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=39425&item=7149705050&rd=1


Here are some Compac style 1-piece grips:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=39425&item=7148465915&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW


There are retail sources, but they all charge more for shipping, and you never know when they have any in stock. I bought mine through eBay with no problens whatsoever.

Enjoy your lil' Colt DS. You will find many here and elsewhere who have one.

.
 
Okay, I went to the Proofhouse page for these guns, my SN is 950XXX so it looks like it was a 1976 gun, but there isn't a D in front of the SN. Under the 0 on the frame there's a J, but that's it. Just checking to see if I got that right.

The finish is pretty well worn, would a hard chroming or something similar be appropriate for this gun?

I'll definitely look into those grips, I don't know what kind of hand the Colt grip engineer had, but good Lord! :barf:
 
you may find yourself turning into a revolver person
Click to expand...

Kinda doubt it, but if I could talk Simonich into making some gunner grips for this thing that'd be a good start. :what:

Any input on +P in this gun? I found another thread on .38 +P but I took away a very vague, Kerry-esque (wishy-washy) answer.
 
A 1967 model would be a 2nd issue gun (non shrouded barrel). It's best to practice with standard pressure rounds and save the +P loads for SD. Judging by the wear (and the fact that you have no idea of how much usage the revolver has went thru) you may want to use just standard pressure rounds since Colt advised a limited number of +P loads usage before returning the revolver to the factory for frame inspection. If you stretch the frame then it's history as there are no replacements left.
As to the finish just use whatever you deem appropiate since it has no collectors value. Hard Chrome would be the most durable finish.
 
950XXX shows as a 1967 vintige. The year started at D926000, and went to D958499.
Colt didn't always put the "D" in the serial number in the earlier transition Detective Specials.

+P ammo depends on the vintage.

The post-1972 Colt Detectives Special's with the shrouded barrel were rated for "limited" amounts of +P ammo.

You were supposed to send the gun back to Colt for inspection every 2000 rounds or so.

The earlier Post-WWII Colts like yours weren't rated, but MANY people practice with standard .38 Special ammo, and load up with +P for "business".

The use of +P will accellerate wear of the small Colt's, but limited amounts will be OK.

The Colt factory Detective Special grips aren't too great, either the "service" or later wrap-around "combat" grips.

Pachmayr makes the Compac as shown above, and an excellent, but slightly larger "Gripper" model.

Hogue makes really nice wood grips that feel very good.
 
A. These guns are worthless. I highly suggest you send to Old Fuff or myself. :D

B. Even tho the damn things are "backwards" ( from what I grew up with) they sure do make me look good when I shoot one. Even good enough to take small game... ;)

C. If'n Preacherman finds a gun, or puts one up for sale - get it. I don't know - Divine Direction or Preacherman is just that smart - anyway the guns are nice and shoot soooo well... :D

Still think option A is the best one... :neener:
 
Grips for Colt DS

www.Badgergrips.com has some very nice grips for the DS. I have looked at several manufacturers of grips and the walnut grips (boot) Badger makes for the DS looks very good, and the price is reasonable.

I think the grips are made of "laminatewood" or one of it's "whateverwood brothers", but that's ok with me.

Best Wishes. :)
 
Thanks for the info guys. I'll probably try to make a trip to a gunstore and see if I can feel out some grips. I have what you might call "The hands of a 12 year old girl" so I'm pretty picky when it comes to grip size.

sm, I'll get right on that option A. I highly suggest both of you hold your breath and see who gets it first. :evil:

This will most likely be sort of a fun gun for me; it has some family history as well. It was originally owed by an Alaska State Trooper who was a friend of my father-in-law who was a Superior Court Judge in Fairbanks. Apparently AK judges have to do rotations up to the bush areas and the trooper gave this gun to my mother-in-law to keep for protection when my FIL was away. Apparently she never needed it, although I hear the OLD Remington model 4 22 rifle did a good job of delivering birdshot on feral dogs.
 
CDNN grips fit my PPS?

Can anyone tell me if the grips Preacherman linked from CDNN will fit my (1913) Police Positive Special?

Thanks
 
Expect this to be confusing …

When Colt introduced the Police Positive in 1905 it was chambered in .38 caliber and had a wide 1.76†(measured from the front to back at the bottom of the frame) butt. Serial numbers started at #1.

Then in 1907 the came up with a .32 version that had similar butt, but was about .125†narrower when measured the same way. These were numbered from 495,500 and up in their own range, separate from the .38’s.

In 1927 Colt dropped the “32 frame†and thereafter made both .32’s and .38’s on the “38 frame.†The .32’s made on the larger-gripped .38 frame were numbered from 300,000 and up.

So to determine when a .32 caliber Police Positive was made you must first determine if it was made on the “38 frame,†or “32 frame†because each is numbered in its own series. The difference may be critical because each took a different size grip.

The .38 Police Positive Special’s (including the Detective Special) used the same grips as the “38 frame†Police Positives.

Now aren’t you sorry you ask???
 
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