Colt Bobbed Detective Special 4th Issue D1425CB 2″ Chrome DAO Revolver, Box & Paperwork MFD 1994-1995
SOLD FOR: $2,024.00
LSB#: 171106MS11
Make: Colt
Model: Bobbed Detective Special 4th Issue, D1425CB
Serial Number: 1236RD
Year of Manufacture: 1994 – 1995
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: Double Action Only Revolver with Six Shot Swing Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “DETECTIVE SPEC. / .38 SPECIAL CTG.”. The left sideplate is marked with the “Rampant Colt” logo. The crane flat is marked “1236RD”. The crane is marked “1236RD”. The right side of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT.F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.” and the right side of the barrel lug is marked “Trijicon / T H3 94”. The left front of the trigger guard is marked with a “VP” in a triangle and the rear with “G”. The left side of the grip frame under the grip is marked “S” and “RC”.
Barrel Length: The barrel is 2” in nominal length (2 1/8″ measured) with a full length underlug that shrouds the ejector rod.
Sights / Optics: The revolver is mounted with a square groove in the top strap for a rear sight. The front sight is a ramp that is integral to the barrel with a tritium lamp. The tritium lamp has dimmed severely and is barely visible even in low-no light.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The revolver has two-piece, smooth hard rubber grips which are longer than the grip frame and leave the backstrap exposed. Each panel has a silver rampant colt medallion. The left panel has an odd grid mark at the top and a light mark at the bottom. The right panel has a few light marks. There are no rips or tears. Overall, the grips are in Fine-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Chrome
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 98% of its metal finish. The sideplate has a couple of light marks under the cylinder latch and the cylinder has a couple of light, scattered marks. The cylinder does not have a turn line. There is no other notable wear or damage. The screw heads are sharp and the markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The cylinder lockup on this revolver is solid with no perceptible play on all six chambers (with trigger depressed), the double action pull is very smooth. The action functions correctly. We did not fire this revolver.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes in a Colt blue plastic carry case with cardboard sleeve which has a serial matching end-label which accurately describes the revolver as well as its instruction manual. The cardboard sleeve has prints of vintage Colt advertisements as well as the slogan “The Legend Lives”. The sleeve has light wear on corners and edges and is in about Fine-plus condition. The plastic case has little to no wear or damage and is in Excellent condition.
Our Assessment: Colt introduced the Detective Special in 1927 and it was one of the very first sub-compact revolvers with a modern swing-out cylinder allowing it to be loaded and unloaded quickly and easily. It quickly became popular with anyone who had a need to conceal a firearm. While slightly larger than Smith & Wesson’s J-Frame, the Detective Special’s larger frame also allowed it to carry 6 rounds rather than the 5 found in the Smith & Wesson. One extra round doesn’t seem like much, until you need it! With a similar lock-up system as other Colt revolvers in the snake series, the Detective Special gives a solid, positive lock-up when the trigger is depressed, allowing for better precision than many similar revolvers even with its fixed sights. The Bobbed Detective Special also has a bobbed hammer to prevent snagging when drawing from concealment and a honed action, making its trigger pull especially smooth. This example has an attractive, durable and corrosion-resistant chrome finish. With a replacement lamp for the front night-sight, this revolver will be ready to carry day or night. Given its Excellent condition and scarcity, though, it will likely attract Colt collectors who need to catch them all and don’t yet have one of these fantastic revolvers. Please view the pictures and good luck!
CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This revolver CANNOT be transferred as a dealer sale in California but CAN be sold to a California resident as a private party transaction (PPT) at our shop in Simi Valley. This does not apply to out of state buyers.
