Colt Detective Special

[Lucky Derby]

I came across a Colt DS. Asking price is $800.
It's NIB with all papers etc. Mid 90's production, one of the last ones. Unfired. No turn ring. The blue isn't quite as shiny as the older ones, but it is in perfect shape. I haven't seen one of these in so many years, I have no idea what a fair price is.
What do you think? Fair price? I'm sure it's not a bargain, but one in this condition isn't easy to find either.

 

[frankiestoys]

Pretty close I bought mine for 750$ and its the same model .I've seen them on GB for more but you will rarely find a deal on there .

 

[Old Fuff]

What do you intend to do with it?

$800 represents current top prices for collectable guns in perfect condition (like new) in-the-box, with all papers and accessories. If you are going to pay that kind of money the wise course would be to keep it as a safe queen, although considering the number that were made I doubt it would go much higher in the short term.

On the other hand, If I was looking for a gun to carry or otherwise use, I'd seek out one that was made earlier (middle 1960's and backwards) when the necessary hand fitting was generally done better and Colt's labor troubles were still in the future. The perfect example would be one that had been slightly used, and was in perfect mechanical condition with perhaps no more then 10% or less finish wear. They are more likely to be found in the $550 to $650 range, and less if they're is more finish wear. These represent "carried much but shot little" examples that are still good for users, but not priced as collectables.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

That's good advice. I paid $300 for mine, which falls into the "carried a lot, shot very little" category. That's what I'd look for in a shooter. If I wanted a collector's item, I'd look elsewhere -- there are plenty of guns that have more potential to appreciate than the DS.

 

[BSA1]

I paid $450.00 for a third generation Colt Police Positive Special in 95%+ condition last Christmas. Of course the P.P.S. has 4" barrel which makes it a dandy shooter.

Collecting is a whole different field which I assume you are wanting it for. I certainly won't buy a gun in that condition if you are going to shoot it.

 

[pendennis]

I paid about $500 for my ca. 1993 in 2011. It came with the box and owner's manual. I thought I got a pretty good deal, since revolvers in general, have lost a bit of luster. So, from then to now, I don't think that $800 is a steal. But, as others have noted, it's just about par for them today.

The only downside to any of the Colt revolvers is the scarcity of parts. When the last ones were built, Colt had exhausted a lot of the spare parts just building new guns.

Colt only recommends up to 3K rounds of +P ammo before sending it back for a checkup. I haven't put a tenth of that number through either one of my Gen 3 guns.

I like the fact that the frame is bigger than the S&W J, and of course, six-round capacity vs five for the Smith J's.

 

[rswartsell]

I don't think revolvers with the prancing pony stamped on them have lost any "luster" at all. Quite the opposite in fact. If the seller can't get $800.00 today for the NIB example in question, it won't be long.

Today I would try to beat him down on the price or better yet follow the Old Fuff's advice for a shooter. You won't find a better choice for a shooter/carry piece. Venturing into Colt collector speculation is not a kind game for the novice of average means.

Mine is of the same era bought at $450.00 (plus shipping and FFL, 95% no box, no papers and I didn't think it was a screaming deal, instead I knew what I wanted and got it) 3 years ago and I made a fine choice for a carry piece but the Fuff is still right, older ones are slicker.

P.S. pendennis is also right about replacement parts, but I like my chances at this quality of a lifetime of educated use with no such problems. Subsequent generations can fend for themselves. I practice the philosophy of standard pressure for practice and casual use, +P for "social work" and the occasional familiarization cylinder. It works for me.

 

[pendennis]

I don't think revolvers with the prancing pony stamped on them have lost any "luster" at all...

I didn't imply that Colt revolvers had lost any of their luster. My DS's and "snake" guns are all very desirable.

Revolvers, in general, whether S&W, Ruger, or Colt, are not as popular with the advent of the less-expensive semi-autos favored by most folks.

 

[kdave21]

I dont think 800 is out of line for a 90's Colt DS in truly NIB condition.

If you want a shooter, yes, you could find one for considerably cheaper. If you want a NIB example from 90's I think you would be looking for a while to find one a lot cheaper. YMMV

 

[ljnowell]

I didn't imply that Colt revolvers had lost any of their luster. My DS's and "snake" guns are all very desirable.



Revolvers, in general, whether S&W, Ruger, or Colt, are not as popular with the advent of the less-expensive semi-autos favored by most folks.

The market would have to disagree with you. When demand goes up but supply doesn't prices go up. Revolver prices, specifically older S&W and colts, have continued to climb in recent years.

 

[pendennis]

The market would have to disagree with you. When demand goes up but supply doesn't prices go up. Revolver prices, specifically older S&W and colts, have continued to climb in recent years.

"Older" S&W's and Colts are up in value because of the scarcity of the two commodities; namely that those aren't produced any more. They've entered the realm of the collector market, and not the mass-produced market. Just a few years ago, a nice Python could be had for $500-$800. You can't touch one now for less than $1,500. S&W revolvers with pinned barrels, and recessed cylinders (magnums and .22's) have their own mystique. With the higher prices Pythons now demand, ordinary revolvers such as Diamond Backs, DS, Troopers, Official Police, etc. have stepped into the breach, getting more valuable in the market.

Modern-made revolvers by S&W and Ruger (the two major players) reflect the user demand, along with the scarcity of particular models (S&W Custom Shop, Classics, etc.). And prices are set accordingly.

The modern handgun market is also different than the one of even twenty years ago, since more women are demanding handguns which fit their demands.