User Panel
User Panel
User Panel
|
Posted: 1/13/2021 2:02:23 AM EDT
[#1]
Quoted: Today I stumbled upon a bunch of colt revolvers, mainly Detective Specials, in a chain-type store that sells used guns. I didn’t handle any of them, but I could they were all well used (they looked like some sort of department/agency trade-ins?).Some had ejector shrouds and some did not. They were all priced in the $400-500 range. I have an d python and I know their prices are astronomical, but I know very little about the Detective Specials. Are these priced accordingly or should I look into them further? They're probably worth $500-600 if they're decent trade-ins. The non-shrouded ones are 1st/2nd generation and are from the late 60s/early 70s at the latest. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/13/2021 3:21:25 AM EDT
[#2]
Condition is everything. But Detective Specials, Agents and Police Positives aren't as nice or as collectible as the Snake Guns.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/13/2021 3:36:47 AM EDT
[#3]
On the up side the cylinder turns the correct direction. The cylinder stop cut does not lay directly over the chamber which is a stronger design than the J frame S&W and they hold 6 rounds. I haven't had one since the 80s but they are great pistols I would pick the newer one with the shroud over the ejector just make sure it cycles the timeing correctly which means the cylinder should lock in place with the cylinder stop pin at the bottom before the hammer drops. Good find.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/13/2021 10:16:22 AM EDT
[#4]
Depending on condition could be a good deal. Possibly great deal. I doubt they last long. Dec Specials almost never turn up on the trade in market.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/13/2021 10:22:39 AM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Depending on condition could be a good deal. Possibly great deal. I doubt they last long. Dec Specials almost never turn up on the trade in market. This. They seem fairly priced IMO. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/13/2021 10:43:49 AM EDT
[#6]
Quoted:
Today I stumbled upon a bunch of colt revolvers, mainly Detective Specials, in a chain-type store that sells used guns. I didn’t handle any of them, but I could they were all well used (they looked like some sort of department/agency trade-ins?).Some had ejector shrouds and some did not. They were all priced in the $400-500 range. I have an d python and I know their prices are astronomical, but I know very little about the Detective Specials. Are these priced accordingly or should I look into them further? 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/13/2021 10:49:37 AM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryQuoted: They're probably worth $500-600 if they're decent trade-ins. The non-shrouded ones are 1st/2nd generation and are from the late 60s/early 70s at the latest. The 1st gens were introduced in the 20s. I have a 2nd gen from 1959 and I paid about 5-something for it around 6-7 years ago. Maybe even longer ago. If they look decent and lock up tight, hell, I'd buy all they had for that price! 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/13/2021 11:57:41 AM EDT
[#8]
Be very curious to see which agency hung on to Dec Specials this long.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/13/2021 12:00:59 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted: The 1st gens were introduced in the 20s. I have a 2nd gen from 1959 and I paid about 5-something for it around 6-7 years ago. Maybe even longer ago. If they look decent and lock up tight, hell, I'd buy all they had for that price! I've got two. A 1944 lettered to the OSS and a 1966. The 1944 I bought five or six years ago, just as a used gun. I suspected at the time it was at least mil issue and the letter confirmed. The 1966 is almost new, bought it from a friend needing money. I think I paid 550 or so for it. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/13/2021 1:14:03 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Be very curious to see which agency hung on to Dec Specials this long. I would be interested to know that, too. Given the number of them and the shape they were in, they almost have to be department trade-ins. They had a variety of “odd” revolvers. Two old SW 29s, both 4”, one nickel plated, that were very used and very neglected looking. I’m talking bottom of the evidence locker or under the seat of a pickup for 20 years looking. A J-frame with a 3” barrel and adjustable sights, a snub nose adj sight SW19, a nickel colt Police Positive, etc. All in similar condition. Thanks for the responses everyone. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/13/2021 4:34:38 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I've got two. A 1944 lettered to the OSS and a 1966. The 1944 I bought five or six years ago, just as a used gun. I suspected at the time it was at least mil issue and the letter confirmed. The 1966 is almost new, bought it from a friend needing money. I think I paid 550 or so for it. That's really cool about the OSS one. 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/13/2021 5:48:01 PM EDT
[#12]
I was able to find them listed online, so apparently they DO have a bunch of them.
I’m pretty confident that some of the Detective Specials I saw where in the $449-489 range, so in store price might be a little different. Detective Specials Detective Specials (Nickel) Police Positives Army Specials |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/13/2021 5:49:55 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted: That's really cool about the OSS one. It was a fluke. I was pretty sure is was USGI when I bought it but it took a few years, a very good book, and a letter to Colt to confirm it. The OSS guns have a unique stamp, not a stamp really but simply a pin punch on the upper left frame. For some reason OSS used a lot of revolvers. It was a gun show find. I go to a lot of shows, the circuit is still very good in Iowa, and I live to find stuff like this. Only happens about once a year, but often enough to make it worth my while. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/13/2021 5:52:15 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I was able to find them listed online, so apparently they DO have a bunch of them. I’m pretty confident that some of the Detective Specials I saw where in the $449-489 range, so in store price might be a little different. Detective Specials Detective Specials (Nickel) Police Positives Army Specials Those are good and used. Still a fair price if the timing is good. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/13/2021 6:23:29 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted: It was a fluke. I was pretty sure is was USGI when I bought it but it took a few years, a very good book, and a letter to Colt to confirm it. The OSS guns have a unique stamp, not a stamp really but simply a pin punch on the upper left frame. For some reason OSS used a lot of revolvers. It was a gun show find. I go to a lot of shows, the circuit is still very good in Iowa, and I live to find stuff like this. Only happens about once a year, but often enough to make it worth my while. Wow, that is going to rekindle my interest in gunshows now. I mostly hit pawn shops because i like looking for older guns and stuff and been pretty lucky finding older 3rd gen S&W autos and older revolvers. Colt's aren't really around here. It's pretty rare to find one in good condition and price. My little DS looks about 95% so I jumped on it. Did you see the Army Specials in the link above? i don't think I've ever seen a Colt with a bbl/sight shroud like that. Interesting. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/14/2021 4:17:08 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Wow, that is going to rekindle my interest in gunshows now. I mostly hit pawn shops because i like looking for older guns and stuff and been pretty lucky finding older 3rd gen S&W autos and older revolvers. Colt's aren't really around here. It's pretty rare to find one in good condition and price. My little DS looks about 95% so I jumped on it. Did you see the Army Specials in the link above? i don't think I've ever seen a Colt with a bbl/sight shroud like that. Interesting. The Army Special is definitely odd. Those never came in two inch, the grips should be hard rubber and not wood (tho later Official Police grips fit), and the barrel shroud/sight thing is a new one on me. The Police Positive has been buffed and reblued at some point in it's (likely very) hard life. Strange bunch. Looks like they spent time in the tropics or at least the southern US. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/31/2021 2:11:07 AM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted: On the up side the cylinder turns the correct direction. The cylinder stop cut does not lay directly over the chamber which is a stronger design than the J frame S&W and they hold 6 rounds. I haven't had one since the 80s but they are great pistols I would pick the newer one with the shroud over the ejector just make sure it cycles the timeing correctly which means the cylinder should lock in place with the cylinder stop pin at the bottom before the hammer drops. Good find. No 5 shot J frame has a cylinder stop notch over a charge hole, they're lined up with the flute. And all the .38s and .357s are 5 shot. All things equal, a S&W J frame .38 is stronger than a Colt DS. More steel in the cylinder for sure. I like DSes, that extra round for just a tiny bit more size is great, but let's not spread incorrect info. |
|
|
Win a FREE Membership!
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.
AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types.
From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm.
Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more.
Copyright © 1996-2024 AR15.COM LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.
AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own.
