LSB#: 120504JK02
Make: Colt’s Manufacturing Co.
Model: Detective Special (2nd Issue)
Serial Number: 515786
Year of Manufacture: 1949
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: Single Action and Double Action Swing Out Cylinder Revolver
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “DETECTIVE SPEC. / .38 SPECIAL CTG.” The crane cut is marked “515786” and “5”.The crane is marked “515786”. At the top front of the left side trigger guard there is a mark that looks like a combined “V” “P” contained within a triangle. At the top rear of the left side trigger guard is an “F”. The left side plate is marked with a Rampant Colt. The left side of the grip frame is marked with a small triangle, an “O”, an upside down “V” and an “O”. The right side of the barrel is marked “COLT’S MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A”.
Barrel Length: 2”
Sights / Optics: This revolver is mounted with a fixed serrated ramped front sight and a square notch rear sight milled into a groove in the top strap. There are serrations along the edge of the top strap groove to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece grips are checkered wood with silver colored Colt medallions. There is a chip missing from the lower center checkering of the right grip panel. The left grip panel has some compression marks and it’s checkering is flattened near the bottom. Please see photos. The grips rate in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: All Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is almost sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 65% of its metal finish. The most notable scratches are located; across the bottom of the left side plate, on the top of the left grip frame, and at the back of the trigger guard (see photo). There are cylinder drag marks and the balance of the finish is a gray patina where the blue finish is worn. There is the slightest suggestion of the beginnings of erosion on the frame and sideplate behind the cylinder area (possibly where the gun was not protected by a holster.) The screw heads are still sharp, but clearly have been turned. The left side plate has not been reinstalled flush at the area above the trigger. There are several very tiny marks on the muzzle crown. The markings are clear. Overall, this gun rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly both single and double action, however, the cylinder does not lock up completely on one particular chamber. A gunsmith can cure this problem. We have not fired this revolver.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The Colt Detective special started out as a shortened barrel Police Positive, coming into its own with a rounded grip frame as the snubnose of choice for those who wanted six shots. The S&W Chiefs Special is only five shot. This particular example requires examination by a competent gunsmith.
CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This revolver can be transferred in California, and is C&R eligible and can be transferred to a California resident as a private party transaction (PPT)at our shop in Simi Valley.
Shipping:
USPS or UPS Insured shipping will cost $20.
Your item will be shipped within 1 week of receipt of good funds, usually the next day. You will receive an automatic notification with a tracking number upon shipment, to let you know that we have received funds. If you are in Southern California, you are welcome to pick your item up and complete the transfer at our shop in Simi Valley (M-F, 8-5).
This gun can only be shipped to an FFL or C&R, and it will be shipped from an FFL. It is your responsibility to ensure that the gun is legal to own and receive in your area. If you would like to be notified when we receive your payment, please obtain a tracking number from your carrier. We receive about 40 checks a day and do not have the staff required to email everyone when we receive checks.
Payment:
Full payment on non-layaway items is required within 14 days. We accept Cashiers Checks, Money Orders, Cash and Personal Checks. No Credit Cards or electronic payments are accepted. To help us properly apply your payment, please indicate what item you have purchased when payment and/or FFL are sent. If you would like to be notified when we receive your payment, please obtain a tracking number from your carrier. We receive about 40 checks a day and do not have the staff required to email everyone when we receive checks.
CA Sales tax applies to CA buyers (7.25%).
Layaways are offered on all items, requiring a 20% non refundable down payment within 7 days of the auction’s close and the balance within 60 days. We do not require prior notice to place an item on the layaway. No returns are accepted on layaway items and the item will be considered abandoned after 60 days.
Successful Bidder Instructions:
You will be invoiced by the morning following the sale. This invoice will include totals for the sale and all instructions.
If you win an item and are not willing or able to complete the sale, you will be liable for 5% of the sale price.
Returns (less shipping) are accepted within 3 days of when the item is delivered with signature confirmation. Returns are very costly for both the buyer and for us, so please ask all of your questions before bidding and please be sure you can legally purchase this item.
Please leave feedback when the gun is happily received, we will leave feedback in return. If you are not satisfied, for any reason, please contact us before leaving negative or neutral feedback. (805) 285-0715
No gun should be fired without being examined by a competent gunsmith.
Payment Methods:
Money Orders, Personal Checks, Cashiers Checks,
Ships Using:
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