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8/13/2020 12:08:11 PM

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Section 8: Handguns
Subject: 1961 Colt Detective Special Msg# 1093828

From:

Harvey Goldman

Joined 1/9/2001

To:

Mark Freburg (Read) Forum Manager

Joined 4/3/2000

I have thought long and hard about getting a 3" barrel for this Colt, but so far inertia is involved. Since I have no reason to carry a snub, and since it isn't all that much fun at the range, I've just put it off. In the meantime, it has taken its place of honor on my desk, where, like the M37, it will likely gather dust (but prepared to do what might become necessary).

Especially for any of us who grew up anytime in the first three quarters of the 20th Century as these appeared in popular media from film to paperback fiction so regularly.

Earliest fond movie memory of a Detective Special is with Kirk Douglas in (appropriately named) Detective Story.

At least you (sometimes) carry your Taurus. Thumbs Up

Harvey

For reference, the above message is a reply to a message where:
I've always loved these, all variants, long butt, short butt, blued, Parkerized, etc., but never owned one. I guess I realized early on in my gungeek career that I have little practical use for a snubnose revolver--partly, I imagine, because I don't shoot them as well as the slightly longer barrelled versions.

I do think great part of the draw with snubs is their visual appeal. Especially for any of us who grew up anytime in the first three quarters of the 20th Century as these appeared in popular media from film to paperback fiction so regularly.

I've owned several snubs over the years, even tho' never a Dick Special (and I may someday succumb just because it's so handsome), but all I have today is my Taurus 905i 9mm, strictly for utility, and my medium-frame Ruger Speed-six, which is the smallest magnum-powered revolver I own, and earns its place in the safe for hat reason alone--even though I also find it quite good looking.

Gratuitous photos below. Wink

Pre-war Detective Special from my Colt article here in the forum:

Taurus 905i, still the smallest snub going:

Image below from Mark Freburg - Image Title: Full cock
Image Info: This shows the M905I just before hammer fall. Note that the highest possible grip still won't interfere with the hammer--or vice versa.

Ruger Speed-six, just a handsome piece:

Image below from Mark Freburg - Image Title: Speed-six
Image Info: Ruger long since discontinued the once popular "six" series revolvers, but there are still many excellent condition examples on the market. For the man or woman who appreciates the simplicity and power of a .357 Magnum revolver, it doesn't get a lot better than this 2.75" stainless Speed-six along with a couple of loaders full of Federal 125gr JHPs.

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