NRA Gun of the Week: Colt Detective Special

Published on May 24, 2018
Duration: 3:39

This expert review from NRApubs, featuring Mark Keefe, provides a comprehensive look at the Colt Detective Special. Keefe, as Editor of American Rifleman, details its historical context, design evolution from the Police Positive Special, and its iconic status in law enforcement and popular culture. The review highlights its mechanical nuances, such as the unique rearward cylinder release, and its place in the snub-nose revolver market, acknowledging competition from Smith & Wesson.

Quick Summary

The Colt Detective Special is an iconic snub-nose revolver produced from 1927-1990s, evolving from the Police Positive Special to handle the .38 Special cartridge. It popularized the compact revolver category, featured rounded butts for concealment, and became a staple in law enforcement and film noir, known for its unique rearward cylinder release.

Chapters

  1. 00:19Introduction to Colt Detective Special
  2. 00:44Origins and Design Evolution
  3. 01:11Snub-Nose Features and Concealment
  4. 01:34Cultural and Professional Use
  5. 01:57Evolution and Variations (Fitz Special)
  6. 02:19Mechanical Operation (Cylinder Release)
  7. 02:41Legacy and Competition

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Colt Detective Special and when was it produced?

The Colt Detective Special is a classic snub-nose revolver, produced by Colt from 1927 through the 1990s. It gained popularity for its compact size, making it ideal for concealed carry and use by plainclothes officers.

How did the Colt Detective Special evolve from previous models?

The Detective Special evolved from the Colt Police Positive Special. It was specifically designed to handle the .38 Special cartridge, requiring a longer cylinder and frame than earlier Colt models chambered for less powerful .38 rounds.

What are some unique features of the Colt Detective Special?

A key feature is its role in popularizing the snub-nose category. Later models improved concealment with rounded butts. Mechanically, it's a DA/SA revolver with Colt's distinctive rearward-pulling cylinder release.

What cultural impact did the Colt Detective Special have?

The Detective Special became an icon, widely used by detectives and prominently featured in film noir and 20th-century police dramas, cementing its place in popular culture.

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from NRApubs

View all →