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barrel lengths and models that shrouded the hammer spur to lessen the potential for snagging clothes when it was withdrawn from concealment.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
NRA Launches "ARC Across America" National Challenge
The National Rifle Association is inviting Americans, coast-to-coast, to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States—and the freedom for which it stands—by exercising their rights by participating in the "ARC Across America" National Challenge.
New for 2026: Sightmark Strikon Prism Optics
Sightmark now offers two different prismatic optics for carbines and shotguns.
Q&A: Getting the Lead Out of Revolver Cylinders & Barrels
One American Rifleman reader wrote in, asking how to clean lead build-up out of his Colt revolver and also prevent lead from building up with his cast bullets.
Affordable, Full-Auto Fun: The Crosman Raiden BB Gun
Over the past two decades, the world of BB guns has gotten way more sophisticated than the simple muscle-powered models of our youth. A case in point is Crosman’s new-for-2026 Raiden.
New Dragons: Managing Muzzle Flash From Today's Suppressors
Muzzle flash has always been an issue for those who employ firearms seriously, and with today's crop of suppressors, there are design elements to be aware of.
Gun of the Week: Mossberg 590R Chisel
For those who are seeking a shotgun that's a bit more heavy-duty, Mossberg's 590 line offers plenty of options, and one of the latest is the striking 590R Chisel.
Interests
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
