What would a .380 Gov't Pocketlite in LNIB condition fetch these days?
Does Colt still offer them?
Does Colt still offer them?
Price check on Colt Gov't Pocketlite
- Thread starter Marko Kloos
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Marko,
A quick check on Guns America shows 3 for sale ranging from $425-550. My copy of the 2002 Standard Catalog of Firearms gives a NIB price of $450 and the Blue Book of Gun Values lists $375 NIB. My experience is that the book prices are 10-30% below the actual market, for Colts in particular.
The gun was manufactured from 1991-97, with nickel/stainless guns from 92-93 only. Teflon Nickel guns were manufactured in 1997-98 and command a premium of $50.
As an aside--the triggers on these guns are well known to be anywhere from bad to "dragging a 2x4 through gravel". If you choose to buy one as a shooter, you might check out McDougal Firearms Specialties. Doug McDougal is pretty much acknowledged as THE Colt 380 Guru.
Good luck!
Peter
A quick check on Guns America shows 3 for sale ranging from $425-550. My copy of the 2002 Standard Catalog of Firearms gives a NIB price of $450 and the Blue Book of Gun Values lists $375 NIB. My experience is that the book prices are 10-30% below the actual market, for Colts in particular.
The gun was manufactured from 1991-97, with nickel/stainless guns from 92-93 only. Teflon Nickel guns were manufactured in 1997-98 and command a premium of $50.
As an aside--the triggers on these guns are well known to be anywhere from bad to "dragging a 2x4 through gravel". If you choose to buy one as a shooter, you might check out McDougal Firearms Specialties. Doug McDougal is pretty much acknowledged as THE Colt 380 Guru.
Good luck!
Peter
Badger Arms
Member
Rough guess of around $400. Good gun. You can still buy new Llama's for less, but the Colt is just a really nice gun even for that money. With guns like the P3AT and NAA Guardian 380 on the market, the Colts might seem a little larger than needed, but I'd still rather have the Pocketlite myself. Were it me, I'd go for the +2 grip and the shortened barrel. I haven't a clue why Colt Discontinued a good selling gun.
Those prices sound pretty much on the money. If you shop around though you may be able to do better (like I did for my wife`s!). True they`re bigger than many of the .380 offereings today but IMO they really make up for it in shootability. A shooting buddy of mine has 3 Kahrs and shoots them a fair amount. I let him try my wife`s Gov`t .380 and he cut his group sizes and splits in half doing fast close up work. He shot the Colt better from the bench as well. I`ll admit the same is true of me and my trusty P-11 vs. her Colt .380... 
Marcus
MarcusColt does not offer them anymore which is really quite sad. $400 to $500 is what a nice one is going for around here (Texas) when you can find one. I have been one the hunt because my gov 380 has a soft barrel and I am peening up the lugs. I like the gun so I am looking for another one as a backup.
The mustangs are more common then the gov's and the blued gov's are more common then the pocketlites or the stainless govs (read about only, never seen one in person).
The mustangs are more common then the gov's and the blued gov's are more common then the pocketlites or the stainless govs (read about only, never seen one in person).
Last couple of gunshows I have been to, the asking price has been $450.
I can't break down and fork over that much for one, now that the P3AT is available for $200 less. Mustang is a much nicer gun though, to be sure.
I can't break down and fork over that much for one, now that the P3AT is available for $200 less. Mustang is a much nicer gun though, to be sure.
I just saw a Gov`t Pocketlite today at a gunshow. It was pretty nice,say 95% and priced at $599!!!!!!! 
Marcus
MarcusI carried a Colt Mustang as a back-up before the advent of the Glock27.
I sold that gun and I deeply regret it.
It was a great gun and I shot it very, very well.
I suggest you get it and enjoy it.
I sold that gun and I deeply regret it.
It was a great gun and I shot it very, very well.
I suggest you get it and enjoy it.
Bought my Pony Like new for $300 with three extra mags from a gun shop that didn't the prices went up. Saw a Colt Goverment SS 380 the other day for $329, was gone the next time I was there. A dealer had a Pocketlite that was supose to be unfired, not, for $550. So, if you can find a nice one for $400, buy it.
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