Questions for a Colt expert. (detective special 2nd issue?)

[Leadfarmer]

I just picked up a Colt Detective Special today. Everything looks to be in order, I checked the serial number and it shows to be manufactured in 1971; making it a 2nd series. But there is something weird about it.....it’s got a square butt. I’ve never seen a 2nd series with a square butt before, only pre-war 1st series. It’s got the rest of the 2nd series identifiers, long extractor rod, half ramp front sight, slick cylinder release, non-checkered hammer spur.
So........what the hell do I have??

It also has some markings on the frame just under the cylinder that read, "G-860" "OPWC-3" Maybe issued out from an armory or something?? And it has proof marks on the frame, in front of the trigger guard and behind the trigger guard on the left side.

I’m gonna try to upload some pics, but be warned, it’s my first time so I’m bound to screw this up.

Any help is appreciated.

-Justin

 

[Leadfarmer]

Jesus, those close ups make this thing look filthy......brb I'm gonna go clean it.

 

[ldp4570]

Thats the "new" normal short grip that started with the 2nd series an remained with the 3rd an 4th. This was so folks could put shorter grips for concealment, or larger ones to suit their liking.

 

[Leadfarmer]

Ok, I have never seen one like that. So its not that unusual?

 

[aeropb]

2nd 3rd and 4th gen's all came with that frame.

 

[AKguy1985]

could be retired police gun maybe?

 

[Leadfarmer]

That's what I was hoping. It'd be neat to find out its story.