Colt detective model circa late 40s early 50s. This old Colt sums up the thinking of a small self defense gun of its era, 38 special, short barrel, and small grips. Until the Smith & Wesson chief's special came out in 1950 the Colt was the only choice for anyone wanting to carry a small powerful gun concealed and remained popular until Colt stopped production a few years ago. I have carried this gun on occasion and with the exception of the small grips (they make rapid shooting a little harder) I had no problem with this gun, it is still a valuable defense tool today over 50 years after it left the factory in Connecticut.