Colt Detective Special

[AMT8951]

I recently took my 1st issue Det Spl to the range for the first time. While I was surprised by the accuraccy and "shootablity" of the gun, there was a small problem. I found that the gun "shifted" in my hand as I fired it, especially one handed. By the time I fired the 4th or 5th round, I found the web between my thumb and fore finger getting pinched by the hammer. Not only does this hurt a little, it also makes it harder to keep the weapon on target.
So, how do I remedy this problem? I'm guessing that I need new grips, but I don't know what kind. Right now the gun wears the original, checkered (but very worn) wood grips. I'll be using the gun as an on-duty BUG, so I don't want to put a huge set of grips on the gun. However, I'm not too concerned by how the gun looks, so they don't need to be anything exotic. Thanks!
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[Woofdog]

I've had the same experience shooting my small Smith Airweight revolver.

So I prefer my Ruger SP101 when a small revolver is useful. Much more comfortable shooting, accurate & durable.

[SRT936]

I too carry a Det Spl off duty and have had the same problem with the factory grips in the past. I swapped them out with Pachmyer grips and the problem is gone. The grips are very nice, not that pricey, and look great. They do add a little bit of bulk to the gun, but no so much that its been a problem.

[The Rabbi]

Dick Special? You must be ancient. I don't think I've heard of an LEO carrying one for probably 20 years or more. Heck, they haven't made the gun for well over 20 years.
Anyway. A cheap solution to try is some electrical tape or something on the backstrap to keep your hand from moving up. Next move is to wrap the tape. I would guess the grip is too narrow for your hand and you're not getting enough to grab on to.

ETA: As I was thinking about this at 3AM (tells you what kind of life I have) I thought the solution might be a Tyler-T grip. They arent made anymore but I see them around on eBay etc. Fits between the trigger guard and grip, increases grip space. I would first try the tape and then the Tyler T.

[AMT8951]

Rabbi.
The T-Grip is a good Idea. I found a couple on Ebay and will be getting one soon. Thanks! BTW, I'm not that ancient. I'm 40 but I've only been on the job for 8yrs.

[The Rabbi]

Well, I'm 45 so you're a kid to me.
If you've never seen it, I would recommend a book called "the snubby revolver" by Ed Lovette. Actually the cover pic is a Colt Dick (old style) with Tyler Ts. He talks about the advantages of the snubby and techniques for using it and so on. A really good book and interesting read.
But you have yourself a good reliable bottom line insurance policy. Stoke it with the FBI Load (158 gr +P LHP) and you'll be good to go.

[Fastsheriff]

Tyler T grips are still made, by the same company. Have them on most of my revolvers

[RR_Security]

Ah, the old "New York Reload" backup gun. I guess I'm really ancient, with a 1967 Python and a 1976 Det. Spl.
The DS came with the rubber grips that the later ones wore when they left the factory. I think those were made by Pachmayr, at least at one time. I like 'em.
The "FBI load" mentioned above is good ammo. Also getting good reviews by those who have tested it is the Speer 135 gr. "Gold Dot Short Barrel" load.

[The Rabbi]

RR,
Don't you know you don't stand a chance against bad guys with those guns? You need HI CAP semis to have a chance on the street. 15 rounds of .40 S&W and 3 or 4 "clips". And that's just for the back-up gun.

Seriously. A very standard combo, from what I've read, was a Smith (Mdl 19 or similar k-frame) and a Smith J-frame. Officers carried something like that for probably 40-50 years and I doubt too many felt under-gunned.
I personally carry a Smith 19 and a bodyguard.

[AMT8951]

I carry a Glock 21 as a primary duty weapon and have just recently started carrying the Det Spl as a back-up. Haven't really decided how I'm going to carry it yet. I have been carring it my front pocket, but I think I'll need a pocket holster if I intend to keep doing this. I guess I could get an ankle holster but I've never been to big a fan of that method. Maybe I could get one of thoses IWB holsters that lets you tuck your shirt in. Any suggestions?

[SRT936]

I always found the Det Spl a bit bulky for ankle carry. A nice vest strap holster should do the trick effectively though.

[AMT8951]

SRT
What do you mean by "Vest strap holster". Who makes them? I used to have a cheap Uncle Mikes holster that stuck to the velcro on my vest. I carried a Kahr 9mm in it for a while. One day I was in a foot pursuit and the thing came loose. I had to chase this dude with my BUG flooping around between my vest and my uniform shirt!
I could see the same thing happening with a ankle holster. Except in that case the gun would probably go skidding across the pavement!

[RR_Security]

The DS conceals fairly well with a good ankle holster. But I found that even with the well-made DeSantis Apache I have for mine, carrying it that way can be kinda uncomfortable after several hours. Takes some getting used to, and plenty of unloaded (Snap Cap) practice and/or range time, too. An ankle holster could be easier to draw from than a hip holster if you were seated, or if you fell onto your back.

I ordered an Ace Case bellyband from Cheaper Than Dirt. I may try it with a long-sleeved shirt and tie, too, using the tie to hide the one shirt button left undone for faster access.

[SRT936]

Ill have to do some looking for the one I'm thinking of. It was soft leather with a sheepskin backing for comfort. I agree that the Uncle Mike's leaves alot to be desired. I don't carry the Det Spl as a BUG, only an off duty piece on occasion.

[RR_Security]

Ill have to do some looking for the one I'm thinking of. It was soft leather with a sheepskin backing for comfort.

Galco Ankle Gloveâ„¢? (Leather on neoprene.)

The Apache has a "genuine sheep-skin padded lining," too, but it's otherwise made of all synthetic(s).