You all know the story....

jbirds1210 · #1

Like everyone else here at one time or another I became the proud papa to this old Colt Detective Special from a friend that needed the money more than he needed the gun. I paid a very fair price for it and hope that it shoots well. Does anyone have any recommendation for a good defense load? I have read that these old .38's are not recommended for +P. Thanks in advance.

gigag04 · #2

It sure is pretty.

Nice catch.

-nick

HighVelocity · #3

Ohhhh that's nice.

Nothing brings that warm and fuzzy feeling like an old blue Colt.
I think a tiny bit of +P would be ok but honestly, I wouldn't shoot it much. I'd test fire it with some light loads and clean the heck out of it. Then I'd just stare at it for a while and put it away.

Old Colts have been going up faster than the price of gasoline.

longtooth · #4

Yes beautiful. But then I never saw an ugly gun. Well at least before plastic & the G word

. You will never regret the helping of a friend. No expertice on loads for it past reading so I will deferr to Stevie D or some of the other balistic prophessors.

Diode · #5

Man, I wish I had one of those. Sharp looking firearm

Kalrog · #6

Non +P huh?

Try a 158Gr Lead semi wadcutter.

JLaw · #7

Ohhhhhhh, I need one of those! Good find.

JLaw

Charlie T · #8

Jason, Thanks for making me aware of Texas CHL Forum, 1st post.
I have a late 60's era Colt Agent Airweight since @1973.
Great carry Gun. Have always used +P for defense load.
I do agree with Kalrog, 158 Gr Lead Semi-Wad Cutters for Range use.
Enjoy....
Charlie T

PS... Love the Knife

jbirds1210 · #9

Nice to see you on the board!!!

It was wonderful to mee you and I think you will enjoy yourself here among some really fine people.

I took this old Colt out today and put 50 rounds through her. Accurate and comfortable are an understatement...I am afraid they just don't make them like this anymore.

The grips appear to be aftermarket and I don't care for them. They are really slippery....I would like to replace them with factory originals if anyone runs into some for a good price. This gun has some holster wear and I would say the finish is around 80%.....I really did not need another snubbie, but adding a Pony to the safe doesn't hurt my feelings a bit. My Father gave me an old review of this pistol that he had saved from a 1981 Gun Tests magazine...I will post a picture of the mag later, it is really neat. Take care.
Jason

longtooth · #10

Welcome Charlie T. If jbirds says you are OK that is good enough for us. Glad you quit lurking & started posting. Welcome