{ "apiVersion": 1, "kind": "work-order", "purpose": "Taking the firearm apart for a job such as refinishing, and putting it back together to specification.", "firearm": { "slug": "colt-detective-special", "name": "Colt Detective Special", "manufacturer": { "id": "colt", "name": "Colt's Manufacturing Company" }, "category": "revolver", "action": "double-action-revolver", "calibers": [ ".38 Special" ], "alsoKnownAs": [ "Colt D-frame", "Cobra", "Agent" ], "coversAlso": [ "Colt Cobra (alloy frame)", "Colt Agent", "Colt D-frame revolvers generally" ], "page": "firearms/colt-detective-special.html", "bundle": "api/v1/firearms/colt-detective-special.json", "lastUpdated": "2026-10-29" }, "notices": [ "Colt's Manufacturing Company publishes no owner disassembly for this firearm. The procedures below are not the manufacturer's, and doing them may void a warranty or service agreement.", "This work order is written for the Colt Detective Special. It is reported to cover Colt Cobra (alloy frame); Colt Agent; Colt D-frame revolvers generally — if the firearm on the bench is one of those, check the torque notes: values do not always carry over.", "No torque values are recorded for this firearm. Get them from the manufacturer or a gunsmith; do not estimate." ], "disclaimer": { "headline": "Read this before you use anything here.", "points": [ "This is a guide, not an authority. Entries are compiled from manufacturer manuals, technical manuals, published references, and community knowledge. Some of it comes from sources that are not authoritative, and some of it may simply be wrong.", "Always consult the manufacturer's manual for your specific firearm and serial-number range. Manufacturers change designs mid-production without renaming the model. The manual that shipped with your firearm outranks anything on this site.", "Consult a licensed gunsmith for anything beyond routine field stripping and cleaning, for any firearm you are unsure about, and for any procedure marked as gunsmith-recommended here.", "Treat every firearm as loaded. Verify it is unloaded, with the magazine removed and the chamber physically and visually checked, before any procedure in this database. Point it in a safe direction the entire time.", "Disassembly can damage a firearm or injure you. Springs are under tension, parts can launch, and reassembling a firearm incorrectly can make it unsafe to fire in a way that is not obvious from the outside. If a reassembled firearm does not pass a function check, stop and see a gunsmith.", "Torque values are shown in two groups. Values from the manufacturer or the issuing military are shown as such, with the document they came from. Values reported by anyone else — parts makers, gunsmithing publishers, articles, forums — are shown separately with who said them, how reliable that source is, and their exact words. Those are not specifications. Confirm any torque value with the manufacturer or a licensed gunsmith before relying on it.", "Nothing here is legal advice. Firearms law varies by country, state, and city, and some modifications or configurations are regulated or prohibited. You are responsible for knowing and following the law where you are.", "No warranty of any kind. Contributors and maintainers accept no liability for damage, injury, or loss arising from use of this material." ], "page": "disclaimer.html", "legal": { "summary": "Legal notice: this material is third-party information compiled from sources of varying reliability and is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not gunsmithing, technical, safety or legal advice, it is not verified or endorsed by any manufacturer, and it must not be taken as fact. Any work on a firearm beyond the routine field stripping described in its own owner's manual should be performed only by a licensed and insured gunsmith. You use this material entirely at your own risk. Fundamental Build LLC and the project's contributors make no warranty of any kind and accept no liability for death, injury, damage or loss arising from its use. Full terms: LEGAL.md.", "page": "legal.html", "notice": "https://github.com/Fundamental-build-LLC/Pew-Takedown/blob/main/LEGAL.md" } }, "sourcing": { "confidence": "high", "verification": "manufacturer-manual-verified" }, "manufacturerDisassembly": { "status": "none", "limit": null, "statement": "Colt's double-action revolver manual tells owners not to field strip the revolver. Cleaning is the extent of owner maintenance; anything further goes to a competent gunsmith or back to Colt.", "source": { "title": "Colt Double Action Revolvers Owner's Manual (Detective Special, Commando Special, Diamondback, Police Positive, Agent, Cobra, Viper)", "publisher": "Colt's Manufacturing Company LLC", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://www.colt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/detectivecommandospecialdiamondbackpolicepositiveagentcobraviper.pdf", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": null } }, "recalls": [], "shopTier": { "tier": 3, "group": "revolver", "rating": "Pew-Takedown editorial rating (1 easy – 3 hardest), not the manufacturer's", "reason": "Colt D-frame with the same V-mainspring, rebound lever, hand and safety-lever lockwork as the Python (55 line items in Colt’s list); parts are installed by Colt repair stations and the timing interactions decide it.", "confidence": "medium", "partCount": null, "painPoints": [ { "issue": "Colt says even available spare parts should be installed at a Colt Authorized Repair Service Station.", "during": "both", "source": { "title": "Colt Double Action Revolvers Owner's Manual (Detective Special, Commando Special, Diamondback, Police Positive, Agent, Cobra, Viper)", "publisher": "Colt's Manufacturing Company LLC", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://www.colt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/detectivecommandospecialdiamondbackpolicepositiveagentcobraviper.pdf", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "Those parts which are available should be installed at a Colt Authorized Repair Service Station." } }, { "issue": "The V-mainspring has to be slid onto the stirrup and then levered onto the rebound lever, with the hand seated by pressing the rebound lever up (same Colt DA lockwork layout as the Python).", "during": "reassembly", "source": { "title": "Colt Python Revolver (exploded view and disassembly)", "publisher": "American Rifleman (NRA)", "reliability": "secondary", "url": "https://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2014/2/21/colt-python-revolver/", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "When the stirrup and mainspring have been engaged, lift the bottom of the spring onto the rebound lever (44) with thumb of right hand." } }, { "issue": "Timing depends on the bolt riding the rebound lever cam and is easily upset on Colt V-spring guns.", "during": "reassembly", "source": { "title": "Colt V-spring Adventures: Fixing my dad's 357 trooper", "publisher": "Colt V-spring Adventures (blog)", "reliability": "anecdotal", "url": "https://coltpython.blogspot.com/2009/11/fixing-my-dads-357-trooper.html", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "Removing metal from the rebound cam has to be done extremely carefully --- remove too much material and the bolt won't be able to touch this cam" } }, { "issue": "The bolt spring is small and loose once the bolt screw is out.", "during": "disassembly", "source": { "title": "Colt Python Revolver (exploded view and disassembly)", "publisher": "American Rifleman (NRA)", "reliability": "secondary", "url": "https://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2014/2/21/colt-python-revolver/", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "Remove the bolt screw (3) and remove the bolt (2), using care not to lose the bolt spring (4)." } } ], "minutes": { "strip": 45, "rebuild": 75, "basis": "estimated", "note": "Estimated for a tech experienced on Colt V-spring guns; slightly shorter than the Python (fixed sights, smaller frame). Rebuild driven by the mainspring/rebound lever/hand step and the timing check.", "source": null }, "stripScope": [ { "assembly": "Crane and cylinder", "removes": [ "crane lock screw and crane lock assembly (detent and spring)", "cylinder and crane forward out of the frame", "ejector rod, ratchet and spring only if the cylinder is coated (gunsmith step per American Rifleman)" ], "tools": [ "fitted hollow-ground screwdrivers" ] }, { "assembly": "Sideplate (left side)", "removes": [ "stock screw and stocks", "sideplate screws, sideplate (tapped free)", "latch, latch spring and guide from the sideplate" ], "tools": [ "wooden tool handle / nylon mallet" ] }, { "assembly": "Lockwork", "removes": [ "V-mainspring (pressed off the stirrup)", "hand", "rebound lever (pin driven out)", "trigger", "hammer with strut, strut spring and stirrup", "safety lever and safety", "bolt, bolt screw and bolt spring", "latch pin" ], "tools": [ "pin punches / drift" ] }, { "assembly": "Frame", "removes": [ "fixed front sight is part of the barrel; ramp/blade pins where fitted", "barrel, firing pin, recoil plate, hammer and trigger pins left in place" ], "tools": [ "pin punch" ] } ], "hardware": null, "specialTools": [ { "tool": "Fitted hollow-ground screwdrivers", "usedFor": "Crane lock, sideplate, bolt and stock screws" }, { "tool": "Pin punches / drift", "usedFor": "Rebound lever pin, hammer strut and stirrup pins" }, { "tool": "Small screwdriver as a mainspring lever", "usedFor": "Pressing the V-mainspring off the stirrup and back onto the rebound lever" } ], "fitOnRebuild": [ { "check": "Timing: hand carry-up, bolt drop and bolt pickup on the rebound lever cam, in single and double action", "why": "Colt V-spring actions are hand-fitted; the bolt rides the rebound lever cam and small changes upset timing.", "source": { "title": "Colt V-spring Adventures: Fixing my dad's 357 trooper", "publisher": "Colt V-spring Adventures (blog)", "reliability": "anecdotal", "url": "https://coltpython.blogspot.com/2009/11/fixing-my-dads-357-trooper.html", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "Removing metal from the rebound cam has to be done extremely carefully --- remove too much material and the bolt won't be able to touch this cam" } }, { "check": "Hand seated in the trigger with the rebound lever pressed up", "why": "The hand only seats fully with the rebound lever held up.", "source": { "title": "Colt Python Revolver (exploded view and disassembly)", "publisher": "American Rifleman (NRA)", "reliability": "secondary", "url": "https://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2014/2/21/colt-python-revolver/", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "Replace hand (27) in its hole in the trigger and press upward on the rebound lever (44) to allow the hand to be fully seated." } }, { "check": "Safety and safety lever operate smoothly and the safety is fully up with the trigger forward", "why": "American Rifleman’s reassembly test for the Colt hammer-block safety.", "source": { "title": "Colt Python Revolver (exploded view and disassembly)", "publisher": "American Rifleman (NRA)", "reliability": "secondary", "url": "https://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2014/2/21/colt-python-revolver/", "page": null, "pdfPage": null, "pageUrl": null, "quote": "The safety lever (47) should be placed back on its pivot with the slot in its short end engaging the stud on the safety (46)." } }, { "check": "Cylinder gap, end shake and crane lock", "why": "Standard check after the crane has been out.", "source": null } ], "assessed": "2026-10-29" }, "videos": [], "configurations": [], "tools": [ { "name": "Hollow-ground gunsmith screwdriver", "required": true, "usedFor": "The yoke retaining screw. Colt screws are soft and burr easily." } ], "phases": [ { "id": "clear", "title": "Clear and make safe", "steps": [ { "n": 1, "instruction": "Point the muzzle in a safe direction and keep your finger off the trigger." }, { "n": 2, "instruction": "Pull the cylinder release latch rearward and swing the cylinder out." }, { "n": 3, "instruction": "Press the ejector rod firmly to eject all cartridges or cases.", "partsFreed": [ "Cartridges or cases" ] }, { "n": 4, "instruction": "Look through every chamber, one at a time, and confirm each is empty.", "warning": "Every chamber, counted." }, { "n": 5, "instruction": "Confirm the bore is clear and remove all live ammunition from the work area." } ], "videos": [] }, { "id": "disassemble", "title": "Disassemble", "videos": [], "procedures": [ { "procedure": "field-strip", "title": "Routine cleaning (what Colt documents)", "level": "field-strip", "configuration": false, "steps": [ { "n": 1, "instruction": "Complete the Clear and Make Safe procedure and put on safety glasses. Colt asks for them in case you lose control of a spring-loaded component." }, { "n": 2, "instruction": "Keep your finger off the trigger and outside the trigger guard, and make sure the hammer is NOT cocked.", "warning": "Never force the cylinder open with the hammer cocked — Colt states this could damage the revolver mechanism." }, { "n": 3, "instruction": "Open the revolver by pulling the cylinder latch to the rear and pushing the cylinder out to the left." }, { "n": 4, "instruction": "Push the ejector rod rearward to force out any rounds or cases, then let it return.", "tip": "The ejector rod spring should return the rod to its seated position under its own force. If it does not, that is a fault, not a technique problem." }, { "n": 5, "instruction": "Clean the bore, using a bore brush or patch according to how dirty it is.", "tip": "Avoid contact between the cleaning rod and the muzzle — the resulting wear reduces accuracy." }, { "n": 6, "instruction": "Clean each chamber in the cylinder with a chamber brush or patch." }, { "n": 7, "instruction": "Take care not to strike the rear frame with the cleaning rod.", "warning": "Colt warns that severe cases burr the metal around the firing pin hole, which can contribute to eventual firing failures." }, { "n": 8, "instruction": "In freezing conditions, below 32 °F / 0 °C, avoid oil for lubrication — apply a dry lubricant sparingly instead." }, { "n": 9, "instruction": "Lightly oil a patch and pass it through each chamber, leaving a thin film.", "tip": "Before firing, pass a dry patch through the barrel and each chamber to remove as much oil as possible." }, { "n": 10, "instruction": "Close the cylinder by pushing it into the frame until the latch moves forward into its closed position, then wipe all external surfaces with a lightly oiled cloth." } ] }, { "procedure": "yoke-removal", "title": "Yoke and cylinder removal (not documented by Colt)", "level": "detail-strip", "configuration": false, "steps": [ { "n": 1, "instruction": "Read this first: Colt does not publish this procedure, and the current manual explicitly tells owners not to field strip the revolver. It is recorded here as gunsmith and armorer practice, not as manufacturer guidance.", "warning": "Colt's instruction is blunt: do not field strip this revolver. The 2020 Python manual adds that doing so voids the service agreement. Anything beyond cleaning goes to a competent gunsmith or back to Colt." }, { "n": 2, "instruction": "Complete the Clear and Make Safe procedure and leave the cylinder open." }, { "n": 3, "instruction": "Remove the yoke retaining screw from the right side of the frame, using a properly fitting hollow-ground screwdriver.", "tip": "Screw positions differ across Colt models and eras. Check a parts diagram for your exact revolver first.", "partsFreed": [ "Yoke retaining screw" ] }, { "n": 4, "instruction": "Draw the yoke and cylinder assembly forward and out of the frame.", "partsFreed": [ "Yoke and cylinder assembly" ] }, { "n": 5, "instruction": "Clean the yoke bearing surfaces, then reverse to reassemble." }, { "n": 6, "instruction": "Go no further. On a Colt the sideplate is on the LEFT, and the lockwork behind it is specialist territory — Colt's own answer is to send it to them." } ] } ] }, { "id": "refinish", "title": "Refinish", "components": [ { "name": "Yoke retaining screw", "procedure": "yoke-removal", "level": "detail-strip", "step": 3 }, { "name": "Yoke and cylinder assembly", "procedure": "yoke-removal", "level": "detail-strip", "step": 4 } ], "manufacturerPartsList": null, "partsDiagrams": [], "materials": [], "note": "The components the procedures above separate. Coating, masking and cure are outside this database; follow your coating system's instructions. A part the manufacturer marks \"factory fit\" should not be swapped or reworked." }, { "id": "reassemble", "title": "Reassemble", "videos": [], "procedures": [ { "procedure": "yoke-removal", "title": "Yoke and cylinder removal (not documented by Colt)", "configuration": false, "steps": null, "instruction": "Reverse the steps of \"Yoke and cylinder removal (not documented by Colt)\"." }, { "procedure": "reassembly", "title": "Reassembly", "configuration": false, "steps": [ { "n": 1, "instruction": "Slide the yoke and cylinder assembly back into the frame." }, { "n": 2, "instruction": "Install and snug the yoke retaining screw." }, { "n": 3, "instruction": "Close the cylinder gently by hand.", "warning": "Never flick it closed." }, { "n": 4, "instruction": "Perform the function check." } ], "instruction": null } ] }, { "id": "torque", "title": "Torque", "coverage": "none-recorded", "manufacturer": [], "reported": [], "notes": null }, { "id": "function-check", "title": "Function check", "checks": [ "Verify every chamber is empty before each check.", "Cock the hammer slowly and confirm the cylinder locks up at each chamber before full cock.", "With the hammer at full cock, confirm the cylinder is locked with minimal play.", "Press the trigger in single action and confirm a clean hammer fall.", "Cycle the action in double action through every chamber.", "Confirm the cylinder latches closed securely.", "On older Colt actions, confirm the cylinder locks up tight at the instant the hammer reaches full cock." ], "videos": [] } ], "troubleshooting": [], "sources": [ { "n": 1, "id": "colt-da-manual", "title": "Colt Double Action Revolvers Owner's Manual (Detective Special, Commando Special, Diamondback, Police Positive, Agent, Cobra, Viper)", "publisher": "Colt's Manufacturing Company LLC", "reliability": "primary", "url": "https://www.colt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/detectivecommandospecialdiamondbackpolicepositiveagentcobraviper.pdf", "accessed": "2026-09-15" }, { "n": 2, "id": "tier-8b9b1182", "title": "Colt Python Revolver (exploded view and disassembly)", "publisher": "American Rifleman (NRA)", "reliability": "secondary", "url": "https://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2014/2/21/colt-python-revolver/", "accessed": "2026-10-29" }, { "n": 3, "id": "tier-5e1a1b1d", "title": "Colt V-spring Adventures: Fixing my dad's 357 trooper", "publisher": "Colt V-spring Adventures (blog)", "reliability": "anecdotal", "url": "https://coltpython.blogspot.com/2009/11/fixing-my-dads-357-trooper.html", "accessed": "2026-10-29" } ] }