Colt detective at Gun show

[RevolverMan567]

Ok so I was at the gun show and it was the usual show...lotsof guns no one wants, lots of guns everyone wants but way overpriced and the occasional gun that met both criteria of want and price. So i found a colt detective special. not only is it a gorgeous gun but it fits well. However the gun was tagged at 300 and I have to take a closer look, The left hand side was a "patina " Brown from where It had been carried and not cared for. Timing was right on and The lock up was tight. Unfortunately I'm a S&W man and don't know if the old colt is worth it. I love the look and feel but don't want to be had. Is it worth 300 in good time and decent finish?

 

[panther22]

They go for $400 and up around here, especially at gun shows. I love S&W's too but the old Colts are sweet guns. They are the only revolvers that have a trigger that rivals the old S&W trigger.

 

[Ala Dan]

$300 ain't a bad price, as these old Colt Dick Specials are drying up. From
your report, I would probably buy it~?

 

[GunTech]

A good condition Dick Special can go from $400-500 here, depending on condition. I'd buy it and have it reblued if the finish is bad. There aren't going to be any more.

 

[Flame Red]

Gosh I passed on a Colt Agent (which is the alloy frame version of the DS) for $325. It was in great shape. Only reason was that I was out of $. Went back after hitting the ATM and it was GONE.

 

[JMag]

Flame, how do you sleep at night passing up that deal?

 

[Hawk72]

They are $400+ locally (in Colorado).

 

[Cougfan2]

A good condition Dick Special can go from $400-500 here, depending on condition. I'd buy it and have it reblued if the finish is bad. There aren't going to be any more.

+1

 

[flashman70]

Good info on value. guess I'll hang on to my nickel plated snubbie that I got back in '93 for $200.

 

[Ala Dan]

Colt Agent-

You folk's are gonna think I'm lying, but honestly this is the truth; so help me
GOD~!

While working in the gunshop one fall afternoon a year or so ago, an old
gentleman entered the business carrying an old bolt-action .22 caliber
rimfire rifle, a starter pistol, and something in a sock. It turned out that
the old sock contained a pristine 2nd (1973 and beyond) factory deep
blued, .38 Special Colt Agent. When I removed the little Colt from the
sock, I quickly asked the gentleman- "how much will you take for this"?
Without a response, I said- "I will give you $100 [cash] for it, right now!
He thought for a moment, and said- "will you go $120"? I said, SURE WILL
and whipped out my wallet and gave the old gentleman the requested
amount. I admit, that when I look at this pristine little Colt I feel guilty;
kind'a like I took advantage of the old gentleman, or something. But, I
gave him the amount he requested. We shook hands and parted ways;
now, I'm the proud owner of this little gem. Its in the inventory not
too ever be used; but rather passed down to my daughter as a very
valuable "keepsake", along with the 3 other 2nd series (1947-1972)
Colt Detective Specials one of which is a 1971 factory nickel model
that has only been test fired six times~!

 

[joplinsks]

Colt Detective Specials are $350-$400 at the gun shows around here... and they are usually less than perfect. I've been wanting one for years and would have seriously considered it for $300... even more if the seller could be dickered down a little.

 

[Cosmoline]

$300 is a very good price for one in good condition with good timing. They're sure not going DOWN in price.

 

[welldoya]

I wouldn't have even considered offering the old guy $100. I honestly couldn't sleep at night and I sure wouldn't tell anybody about it.
My grandfather's postman cheated him out of several of his possessions before he passed on and I get pissed everytime I think about it.
Your story reminds me of why I wouldn't even consider taking a firearm to a gunshop to sell.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Ala Dan,
It's bad enough you cheated a old man but you are telling us about it too? I can only imagine he was selling the few thing of value he had left to feed himself. Shame on you.

 

[cameron.personal]

I bought this one last night for $200...

 

[JMag]

Cameron, correction...you stole it for $200!

 

[4v50 Gary]

Cameron - @ $200 you've really got a great bargin. That's the older Python type lockwork on that Detective Special. Kudos to you.

 

[cameron.personal]

 

[jdomin]

should woulda coulda bought it

 

[GunTech]

Cameron, I thought I stole mine at $325. Nice deal!

 

[sixgunner455]

They're worth what people think they're worth, both buyer and seller. I have one I bought in 2004, made in 1970, for 189.00. Some minor holster wear on the edges.

It is very accurate, perhaps the most accurate revolver I have fired. It wears rubber Hogue monogrips because I didn't like the worn-out wood grips it came with. For hiking, I go back and forth between this gun and a 9mm. This one is easier to carry, but I doubt I would be able to replace it for less than twice what I paid for it.

 

[rdrancher]

I honestly couldn't sleep at night and I sure wouldn't tell anybody about it.

It's bad enough you cheated a old man but you are telling us about it too?

A little harsh there don't ya think?

rd

 

[countertop]

I honestly couldn't sleep at night and I sure wouldn't tell anybody about it.

It's bad enough you cheated a old man but you are telling us about it too?

Its not like he sought the guy out, this guy came to him and asked $120.

 

[tasco 74]

i notice all the great colts have a shrouded ejector rod. my wife has her dads old colt det. spl. that has a little round barrel and an exposed ejector rod. is it worth anything to anyone?

 

[Ala Dan]

Att: tasco 74

My three second series issue (1947-1972) Colt Detective Specials all have
the exposed ejector rods~!