Being a Colt aficionado, I find it interesting to learn a bit about these older revolvers that unfortunately are no longer being made. While their values continue to increase, it is fun to keep a watchful eye out when a nice one pops up. Here is a brief history of the Colt SF-VI, otherwise known as the Colt Detective Special Two. My thanks to the Colt guru DFariswheel for the information.
"Other than the Python, the "D" frame Colt Detective Special and Cobra was the last of the old style action Colt revolvers. Needing a cheaper to make small revolver to stay competitive, Colt designed a new gun, loosely based on the modern transfer-bar action they pioneered with the Trooper Mark III. This new gun was built on a frame Colt named the "SF" or Small Frame and was catchingly named the Colt SF-VI, or Colt Small Frame-Six Shot.
The reason for the odd name was to prevent confusion with the Detective Special, which was still in the Wholesaler-Dealer pipeline. As soon as the last of the Detective Specials were sold, Colt renamed the gun as the Colt DS-II, or Detective Special Two.
Colt made small runs of limited production models of the DS-II, including a "Special Lady" polished and "hammerless" model for women, a few 3" barreled DS-II's, and a VERY few 4" barreled versions. Colt soon brought the gun out in .357 Magnum, and called this version, the Colt Magnum Carry. Shortly after introducing the Magnum Carry, Colt made the decision to drop most revolver production, and along with the King Cobra, the "SF" framed guns were discontinued.
The early SF-VI model had probably the lightest double action trigger ever on a revolver. The pull was so light, some users had problems with the trigger failing to reset.
The SF guns had a mixed reception. Many people were disappointed, having believed we were finally going to get an old style Detective Special in stainless, not a totally different design.
There were a number of design features on the SF guns that were specifically to reduce production costs. The end of the barrel was deeply counter sunk, and the outer muzzle was left squared off. The muzzle edges were so sharp, it was possible to actually get cut, and holsters got damaged quickly by the sharp edges.
On the plus side, the SF guns were VERY sturdy, held a full six shots, and were nearly as accurate as the older "D" framed guns. Trigger action was light and very smooth. Although the short front sight design appears strange to those used to the older shrouded Colt Detective Special, it gave an excellent sight picture.
As a successor to the "D" frame Colt's the "SF" framed guns may have disappointed older Colt owners, but they were an excellent value for the money and quite popular to those who bought them. Other than some quality control problems with accuracy on a few guns, these were excellent pistols that were prime CCW guns.
It's a shame Colt had to discontinue the "SF" series, and it looks like it will stay discontinued, as Colt has pretty well said that the "SF" will never be made again.
Due to the low production numbers, and the limited numbers produced, the "SF" guns are being actively hunted by collectors. The prime collectibles are the limited production versions like the Special Lady, the introduction versions, and the odd barrel length 3" and 4" versions.
In addition, smart shooters are hunting for these for CCW guns, especially the Magnum Carry.
As in all Colt's, and especially in limited production models, prices are going UP and FAST. Due to collector and shooter interest, these models are coming on the marker rarely, and quickly disappear into collections or holsters when they do.
A smart shopper will grab these "SF" guns whenever the price is reasonable, and hold them for the usual skyrocketing of the price Colt's have."
Colt SF-VI (stainless steel with stock grips)
I prefer wood grips on my revolvers
The SF-VI with it's earlier cousins in nickel and royal blue
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