In The American Rifleman, July 1926, Colt’s Detective Special (DS) made its first appearance, and had a production life that continued into the 21st century. The carbon-steel, double-action revolver features a swing-out cylinder designed around the .38 Spl. cartridge. Its size, as the moniker suggests, quickly led to the gun finding its way into the pockets of police detectives around the county, providing a concealable option for undercover, or plain-clothes, officers where duty-size revolvers, such as the Police Positive, were not appropriate. As the DS revolver’s production evolved, Colt made running changes, including alterations to the frame, ejector rod, cylinder latch, trigger shoe, hammer spur and stocks. The Detective Special began to be available in nickel- and chrome-plated finishes, along with various barrel lengths and models that shrouded the hammer spur to lessen the potential for snagging clothes when it was withdrawn from concealment. Colt filed for bankruptcy protection in 1992, and in 1995 the Detective Special was phased out. To learn more about Colt’s Detective Special, check out our latest NRA Gun of the Week video hosted by American Rifleman's Mark Keefe.
Additional Reading:
Sheriff's Tips: The Fitz Special--A Defense Gun From Yesteryear
Editors' Picks: 2018 Colt Night Cobra Revolver
Wiley Clapp: this Colt Python Business 
NRA Gun of the Week: Colt’s Detective Special
More like this from around the NRA
Latest
Review: Kahr Arms X9
When Kahr introduced the 10-round X9, it was first a matter of “about time.” However, after examining the pistol, it’s apparent that the company found a way to catch up with its competitors in a hurry.
Frugal Tactical: Retay USA's RA1522 Line
Largely known for its line of imported shotguns, Retay USA is moving into the tactical rimfire field with its collection of .22 LR-chambered RA1522 guns.
The Armed Citizen® March 9, 2026
Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.
Firearm Industry Rebound on the Horizon?
Several industry developments indicate the post-pandemic decline in gun sales may finally be coming to a halt. Here's what that means for consumers.
Preview: Adapteur & Silencieux Silencer Adapter
Cleverly designed and precisely made in France by Adaptateur & Silencieux, the Ruger Mark IV, III and II Silencer Adapter allows those classic models to accept suppressors.
Review: Yankee Hill Machine Victra-12 Shotgun Suppressor
Yankee Hill Machine has recently released its Victra-12 shotgun suppressor, which promises to quiet the report of a 12-gauge shotgun while adding less weight than ever before.
Interests
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
