1959 U.S. Naval Ordnance Testing Station Colt Detective Special 2nd Issue .38 Special Revolver Our Assessment: The Colt Detective Special was in many ways the same revolver as the Police Positive Special, except it was limited to a 2" barrel (very few were produced with 3" barrels). The Colt Detective Special and its aluminum-framed cousin, the Colt Cobra, were very popular with police detectives because they held six cartridges versus the five cartridges of the Smith & Wesson J-frames. The Detective Special had a long production run, from 1927 to 1995, a testament to its popularity. This example was MANUFACTURED in 1959, the butt of the grip frame is marked "U.S.N.O.T.S." which we believe may correspond to the U.S. Naval Ordnance Testing Station in California. There is no U.S. flaming bomb proof. The revolver is chambered in .38 Special with a 2" barrel, it has been refinished and has now has a gray parkerized finish. This Colt is in Good condition, appearing to have spent more time in the field rather than in a safe. This will make for a good carry revolver but also will be a nice addition to a Colt revolver collection. Please see our photos, good luck and happy bidding! Robert
Make: Colt
Model: Detective Special 2nd Issue (U.S. Naval Ordnance Testing Station)
Serial Number: 726157
Year of Manufacture: 1959
Caliber: .32 Colt New Police (.32 S&W Long)
Action Type: Double Action SA/DA Revolver with Swing Out Cylinder
Barrel Length: 2"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade that is integral to a raised base. The rear sight is a square notch grooved into the top strap. The top strap is serrated to help reduce glare.
Grip Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut featuring silver-colored Colt medallions. The checkering is mostly sharp, there are a couple of worn spots. The wood shows some light handling and storage marks. These grips rate in about Very Good to Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is some minor fouling in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates a 9.5 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. Showing some light contact and operational wear, minor handling marks. There is erosion and mild pitting showing through the refinish. The screw heads are sharp, some show light tool marks. Most markings are legible. Overall, this handgun rates in about Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions Correctly. The cylinder locks with a little play on each chamber. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
CA LEGALITY: C&R: YES, CA DEALER Transferable: YES, CA PPT: YES.
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