Colt Detective Special ... fair market value

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jad0110
May 13, 2009, 08:58 PM
I know a gentleman who is looking at a Colt Detective Special that is apparently in it's original box in excellent, unused condition. The S/N is B490xx, if that helps. I don't have any other information than this at the moment, but I'm working on getting some more details. I am trying to find out some additional info. I know the 2" barrel and 38 Spl is the most common, but I'd like to confirm that with him. I'd also like to find out what generation/series it comes from, but some of you may be able to tell anyway by the S/N.

Given this info, what would be a fair price for a gun like this in today's market?
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Jim K
May 13, 2009, 09:11 PM
That gun was made in 1971 or 1972 (below B49001 is 1971). It is called the second issue.

If absolutely new in the box, value (retail) could go over $700, but there were a lot of them and anything less than perfect takes a value drop. Even a 95% gun will bring only about $375, a 70% about $200.

Jim
jad0110
May 13, 2009, 09:50 PM
Yeah, mid $400s seems to about the norm in my area for L-NIB Colt Detective Specials in my area. Thank you for the info!
doc540
May 13, 2009, 10:49 PM
"Even a 95% gun will bring only about $375, a 70% about $200"

At that price I'll buy three of those tonight if you can direct me to them.:neener:
KyJim
May 13, 2009, 11:03 PM
A 95% DS here would go for $500. Local market is everything.
lanternlad1
May 14, 2009, 12:23 AM
I've seen collector's prices average around $700 here, (Houston) even though book price says $450.
evan price
May 14, 2009, 05:18 AM
If Gunbroker is any indication, Dick's Specials in 70% go for over $450 routinely. Odd, considering they were made for many many years and there is no shortage.
doc540
May 14, 2009, 10:53 AM
"Even a 95% gun will bring only about $375, a 70% about $200"

still waiting here with cash;)
hinton03
May 14, 2009, 12:18 PM
Recently paid $800 for my unfired 2nd issue DS.
22-rimfire
May 14, 2009, 01:30 PM
I would be quite comfortable with a $450 price for one that is 95%+. I believe they are selling for more now based on my show visits.
bhp9mm
May 16, 2009, 12:34 AM
id like to no wear u find them for $200 i have never seen one for less then $300 and up if u can tell us wear to get them for that id get me 5 or so
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