1930s 40s handguns

Question
Hi there

I am working on a piece of digital art for a friends story set in 1930's/40's L.A. and I wanted to put in an image of a gun and I wondered what types of weapons Private Detectives would have generaly carried in the 1930's and 40's. Being in the UK I dont have a clue and I have tried searching on the net without any success. I know most people wouldnt notice if I put any gun in the picture but I want it to be authentic.  Also what would have been the standard police issue of the time as well.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Lynn

Answer
Lynn,

Hello and thanks for your question.  Most likely a private detective in the 1930-1940 era would have been carrying a Smith & Wesson or Colt snub nose revolver.  That was by far the most prevalent pistol used for concealed carry during that period.  The design has changed very little since that time, so if you were to search for an image of a Smith & Wesson Model 649 "Bodyguard" type revolver, that would probably be a good representation.

In terms of police firearms, the most frequently carried police revolvers during that period would most likely be the Colt Police Positive in .38 Special caliber.  Again, if you Google that name, you will find many images of those types of pistols.

This will get you correct for the period and while there were certainly others that were carried at that time, these were very representative of the era.

Best regards,

Doug