[ruger357]

Is $450 too much? Saw one at my local gun shop in 100 % conditition. Looks unfired, but with no box. It is the early type with no barrel shroud.

[ruger357]

Just called my dealer and he dropped it to $425.

[Old Fuff]

An "early type" Detective Special could be anything from 1927 when they were introduced, to the early 1970's when Colt went to the heavy shouded barrel. I'd say a pre-war revolver in 100% condition would be worth the asking price, but it a bit high for a post-war gun. The true value of a used gun is what someone will pay for it. What it boils down to now is. are you willing to pay the asking price. A partial serial number would help date the gun, and that's something which is important to know.

[ruger357]

Old Fuff

Made in 1962.

[BigG]

Old Fuff is the authority but I think a 1962 DS is hardly "early" unless you were born after that? :o $450 is plenty. I would think $350 for nearly immaculate would be close to right in my area. YMMV

[Cosmoline]

The price sounds great to me. Locally at least these are going up and up in price. In prime condition they fetch over $500.

[Old Fuff]

BigG:

I agree, 1962 isn't early, nor is it late. It's sort of in the middle. That's why I was non-specific about the value until more information became available.

That said, 1962 era Detective Specials are considered to be better then some later production. Colt still had people who knew how to build them and the company could still afford to use skilled labor on the assembly line. On a case by case basis I might consider paying $425.00 for a truely mint gun. While the price is high (some might say too high) I think the true value will catch up before long if it hasn't already. Prices on very fine, top quality, name brand revolvers has been going up for some time, and I don't expect that too change.

(Sob) I can't steal them anymore ...

[Standing Wolf]

I've seen them with sucker price tags as high as $600. I'd go as high as $400 or $450 if it were in tip-top shape and hadn't been refinished.

[Mike Irwin]

That price makes me wish I hadn't traded the 1967ish DS with factory hammer shroud that I got for $275 about 10 years ago.

[schromf]

Xmas brought one for me, $375. Not the old style, but a early 70's in cherry condition. Prices are going up on these, and there are regional variances. I just saw one in California, that wasn't in near as good of shape as mine for $475.00

If it is cherry condition I would say its worth it, as these are getting hard to find in that condition. Plus they are so nice:) :) :)

[Ala Dan]

Agreed, $425 isn't a bad price for a '62 edition Colt
DS in pristine 99.9% condiiton. In my neck of these
woods, the old model Colt DS along with the Cobra
and Agent; prices are skyrocketing! Find one in this
(99.9%) condition reasonable; and you had better
jump on it! :uhoh: :cool: :D

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[ruger357]

Ala Dan
Jumped on it. Went to my dealer after work yesterday and bought it. I let too many of these go by in the past, so I wasn't going to let this one go.

[ruger357]

While we are on the subject, does anyone know where I can get grips for this model. Looking for either pearlete, or imitation ivory. Thanks for any help.