Colt Detective Special
The first snubnose revolver, designed for plainclothes detectives.
The Colt Detective Special is a six-shot, carbon steel framed, double-action revolver with a 2-inch or 3-inch barrel. It was the first example of a class of firearms known as 'snubnose revolvers'.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- United States
- Is Ranged
- yes
- Manufacturer
- Colt
- Production Date
- First Series: 1927–1946 / Second Series: 1947–1972 / Third Series: 1973–1986 / Fourth Series: 1992–1996
- Variants
- Fitz Special / Banker's Special / Commando Special / SF-VI/DS-II / Colt Magnum Carry
- Weight
- 21 oz
- Length
- 6+3/4 in for the 2 in barrel / 7+3/4 in for the 3 in barrel
- Part Length
- 2 in / 3 in
- Cartridge
- .32 New Police / .38 New Police / .38 Special
- Action
- Double-action
- Feed
- 6-round cylinder
- Sights
- Fixed open sights
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The Detective Special was inspired by the Fitz Special, a custom revolver created by John Henry Fitzgerald, a Colt employee, around the mid-1920s. Colt was impressed and produced a less radical version, the Detective Special, which was a shortened and streamlined Colt Police Positive Special. It proved an instant success and was manufactured until 1996, when lackluster sales ended production.
The revolver went through several series. The First Series (1927–1946) had a narrower frame, shorter ejector rod, checkered hammer spur, and wooden grips. The Second Series (1947–1972) introduced a longer ejector rod, a 3-inch barrel option, and a serrated trigger spur; grip panels were initially plastic, then wood from 1955. The Third Series (1973–1986) added an ejector rod shroud, full ramp front sight, and oversize wood grips. The Fourth Series (1992–1996) featured composite rubber grips and was offered in blue or hard chrome finish.
Colt's Positive Safety Lock (hammer block) prevented accidental discharge if the hammer was struck. The standard barrel was 2 inches, with a rare 3-inch option in the Second and Third Series. Finishes included bright blue, nickel, and later stainless steel.
Reader's Guide
The Colt Detective Special holds a significant place in firearms history as the first snubnose revolver, introduced in 1927. It was designed from the outset for higher-powered cartridges like the .38 Special, making it a powerful yet concealable pocket revolver. Its compact size and reliability made it a favored weapon for plainclothes police detectives, as well as an off-duty and backup firearm for uniformed officers. The Detective Special was widely used before semi-automatic pistols replaced revolvers in many police departments and military forces. Collectors today seek First and early Second Series models, especially those in prime condition with the Colt 'Royal Blue' finish. The revolver's legacy includes variants like the Banker's Special, Commando Special, and DAO Detective Special. Colt later attempted to revive the line with the stainless-steel SF-VI/DS-II, but production of Colt revolvers (excluding the Python) ceased in 2000, ending the Detective Special lineage.
Did You Know?
- John Henry Fitzgerald, a Colt employee, created the Fitz Special that inspired the Detective Special.
- The Detective Special was produced from 1927 to 1996, with a brief revival from 1992 to 1996.
- A rare 3-inch barrel variant was offered during the Second and Third Series.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Colt Detective Special?
It is a six-round, double-action revolver built on a carbon steel frame, offered with either a 2-inch or 3-inch barrel. It holds the distinction of being the very first revolver classified as a "snubnose" design.
Who was the Colt Detective Special designed for?
The model was created specifically for plainclothes detectives who needed a compact sidearm that concealed easily under a jacket. Its short barrel and slim profile made it practical for undercover carry.
What calibers can the Colt Detective Special fire?
Depending on the series, it was chambered in .32 New Police, .38 New Police, and .38 Special. The .38 Special variants were further split into a "Second Series" and other series designations.
How long was the Colt Detective Special in production?
Colt manufactured the model from 1927 through 1996, a run spanning nearly seven decades. That longevity made it one of Colt's most enduring revolver lines.
What does "snubnose" mean in the context of the Detective Special?
The term refers to the shortened barrel and compact cylinder profile that set it apart from full-sized revolvers. The Detective Special essentially established this entire subcategory of concealed-carry revolvers.
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