Posted: 11/15/2009 6:24:07 PM EDT
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Anyone know about these? Are they pretty much a repackaging of the Detective Special? Or did Colt take the cheap road and sacrifice quality?
I have three Dick Specials and I love all three. I had a chance to pick up a DS II with a bobbed hammer and trigger work today and took it. I'd like to know what I've gotten myself into with it. |
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There are some differences in the original DS that Colt made previously to the DS 2. From what I remember the DS2 still uses the same mainspring, but uses a seperate return trigger spring. The lockwork was simplified from the previous DS innards. This doesn't mean it isn't a good gun, just one that was made a little more ecconomical to produce. |
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The Colt "SF" (Small Frame) frame was made in three versions.
The first was the Colt SF-VI, (Small Frame-Six Shot). A catchy name that lasted only one year. This was to prevent confusion with the original Detective Special until all the older DS guns were out of the pipeline. Second was the Colt DS-II. Most people take this as "Detective Special II" but its official Colt name was simply the DS-II. This model was nothing more then the SF-VI renamed. Last was the Colt Magnum Carry. This was the DS-II reworked and heat treated to handle .357 Magnum ammo. These were all built on a totally new frame and action known as the Colt "SF" action and was the replacement for the older "D" frame models. Externally, the "SF" models look like a stainless "D" frame, but are totally different internally. The SF guns were a completely new design with nothing in common with the older "D" frame guns. The "SF" was actually a reduced size version of the King Cobra, and has a transfer-bar action and the firing pin inside on the frame. There is virtually no parts interchangeability between the "SF" and the older "D" frame models. Grips "may" interchange but may not be a perfect fit on the frame, and the actual mainspring is very similar between the two designs, but isn't a true interchange part. Other than possibly a few screws and pins, nothing from the two guns is interchangeable. The stainless steel "SF" models were very high quality, well made guns but not up to the standards of the older models. The older models had to be extensively hand assembled due to the action design, but the "SF" guns were a "machine fitted" gun like the King Cobra and Anaconda. Not worse, just different. The external and internal finish was close to the older guns, but the design left some things to be desired to an old Colt shooter. As example, the front of the muzzle was square cut, and the edges were so sharp, it would quickly cut up a good leather holster unless the edges were rounded off. The ejector rod had no enlarged head and tight cases could be uncomfortable to eject. The Trigger was very possibly the lightest DA revolver trigger ever used on a factory gun. The DA pull was so light, some buyers had problems with trigger reset, so in early models Colt offered to install a heavier trigger spring for free. What many Colt buyers really wanted was a stainless steel Detective Special, but the cost to build them had priced them out of the market. Colt's answer was the newer transfer bar action "SF". It did everything the older "D" frames did, and cost less. The last version, The Magnum Carry was the only small frame Colt ever made in .357 Magnum, and the standard SF-VI and DS-II were built for unlimited use with +P ammo, something the older "D" guns couldn't do. Due to the short period of manufacture, the "SF" guns are collectible. |
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Quoted:
I have a DS II that I put a hammer shroud on. Great shooter, just wish it was as light as a smith airweight! Ahem....They DO(rather DID) make that.... 
Agent 
The extra bullet may make it weigh a bit more, but most will gladly accept the extra weight as an advantage. 
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