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Make: Colt
Model: Detective Special
Serial Number: 661607
Year of Manufacture: 1954 (
COLT Serial Number Database)
Caliber: .32 Colt New Police (.32 S&W Long)
Action Type: DA/SA Double and Single Action 6-Shot Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “DETECTIVE SPEC. / .32 COLT N.P. CTG.”. The right side of the barrel is marked “COLT’S MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A ”. The side plate is marked with a Rampant Colt. The crane and cut are marked “661607”.
Barrel Length: 2”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramp fixed to the top of the barrel. The rear sight is a rectangular notch “gutter” sight in the top strap. The top strap is serrated for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut panels with silver-colored Colt medallions at their tops. The checkering is semi-smooth, and there is light handling wear on the butt. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good Condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows very light operation wear. There is no pitting on the cylinder. There are very light burn marks on the cylinder face. There is light thinning around the edges. The frame has turned to a nice plum color. The barrel, cylinder, and side-plate have retained their blue. The cylinder shows signs of carry as there is color thinning on some chambers. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Excellent Condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder produces solid full lockup on all six chambers. The double action trigger pull is smooth. The single action pull is crisp. We did not fire this revolver. As with all previously owned firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The Colt Detective Special was in many ways the same revolver as the Police Positive Special, except for the barrel length, which was reduced to 2” (very few were produced with 3” barrels). The Colt Detective Special was a favorite among “plain clothes” police detectives, as the Colt “snub nose” held 6 cartridges, as opposed to only 5 in a Smith & Wesson J-frame piece. The Detective Special had a long production run from 1927-1995, a testament to its popularity.
This Colt Detective Special Snub Nose Revolver was made in 1954 and is in Excellent Condition. The .32 Colt New Police cartridge is the same as .32 S&W Long, but Colt was never a fan of marking their guns with their chief competitor's name. This revolver features a 2” snub nose barrel, 98% of its crisp, original blued finish, with the frame having turned to a pleasing plum color, classic two-piece checkered walnut grips with silver-colored Colt medallions, strong mechanics, and a brilliantly bright bore with sharp rifling and no erosion. Whether you're looking for a revolver for concealed carry or want to add to a Colt collection, this will make a great pony for your stable.