The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - +P recommended for Colt Detective Special?

Dfariswheel · June 25, 2006, 11:36 PM

Your Detective Special is a pre-1972 model.
In '72 Colt changed to the heavy barrel with the shroud over the ejector rod.

In 1972 with the new barrel, Colt first authorized "some" use of +P ammo in the DS, "up to" 3000 rounds, at which point the gun was to be returned to Colt for inspection and possible frame replacement.

In the earlier guns like yours, Colt did NOT rate the gun for ANY +P ammo.
However, a limited amount of +P will not wreck the gun, and 50 rounds or so should do no harm.
Keep in mind that shooting +P ammo will increase wear of the gun.

It was common to shoot standard .38 Special ammo for practice, then to load up with +P ammo for "business".

June 25, 2006, 11:36 PM	#3
Dfariswheel Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2001 Posts: 7,478	Your Detective Special is a pre-1972 model. In '72 Colt changed to the heavy barrel with the shroud over the ejector rod. In 1972 with the new barrel, Colt first authorized "some" use of +P ammo in the DS, "up to" 3000 rounds, at which point the gun was to be returned to Colt for inspection and possible frame replacement. In the earlier guns like yours, Colt did NOT rate the gun for ANY +P ammo. However, a limited amount of +P will not wreck the gun, and 50 rounds or so should do no harm. Keep in mind that shooting +P ammo will increase wear of the gun. It was common to shoot standard .38 Special ammo for practice, then to load up with +P ammo for "business".