Colt Agent .38 Special Revolver

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Colt has made many types of revolvers over the years, but the family of small, solid frame, simultaneous ejection swing-out cylinder revolvers known as the Detective Special, the Cobra and the Agent were among the most popular revolvers Colt ever made.

They are no longer made, but when found, are still very functional handguns for personal defense. Small of size, sights and caliber, they can to be used effectively by competent, range practicing owners. The inherent accuracy of these revolvers is remarkably good considering their short 2-inch barrels, especially when used with good ammunition. Mechanically, as a family of weapons, they are strong and very well made.

The Spy Gun, the Colt Agent is the smallest Colt package of this series of concealed carry revolvers, weighing 16 to 18 ounces. The Agent has an alloy frame and has the cut down frame in the grip area to make it even more concealable than its relatives. Carried as a second or third gun it is a deep concealment piece often carried in an ankle holster or coat pocket.

In the '70s, the old Colt format was replaced with a new model, which had a covered ejector rod, and larger stocks but even the new models couldn't survive, and they regretfully went under the bow of the boat.

In a world of scandium, titanium and florescent sighted eight-shot hand cannons, these old Colts seem to be archaic old war-horses. Then again, they are in fact the precursors to all of the technology we see today in the world of concealable handguns. Still often seen at gun shows and on the bottom shelves at the local gun stores, they are often passed over by the uninformed. These old Colts are still excellent tools for self-defense and truly deserve a second look. Many a bad guy has looked down the barrel of one of these little wheel guns, and more than one has gotten a dose of behavior modification by one of these three guns bearing the rampant pony etched on the side plate.

If one needed a personal defense tool, the wise would do well to look at these old guardians of law, order and personal defense.

By Clint Smith Originally Published in Guns Magazine November 2004