Colt Agent

[camper]

Got a nice Colt Agent with hammer shroud the other day for the wife. I know it is not rated for plus P ammo, but what are some recommended commercial loads some of you might use. I plan to start with 148 grain HBWC rounds.

 

[Matthew Temkin]

I used to have one of those.
Nothing wrong with carrying it with +p ammo, but I would not shoot it much with the hot stuff.
Standard velocity SWCHP's are another option and they can be shot a lot in your new gun.

 

[Haywood]

+p in Colt Agent

Colt claimed moderate use of +p was OK. The gun should be checked after 1000 rounds.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Post-1972 models (identified by the barrel lug enclosing the ejector rod and a gradually sloping ramped front sight) are OKed for limited use of +P ammo. I have one myself - even with a hammer shroud - made in 1974. I would still rather use a standard pressure hollowpoint. I have shot the Federal 110-gr. "Personal Defense" HydraShok with good accuracy. I assume Speer is making that new "short barrel" load in .38 standard pressure; this also sounds like a good choice.

 

[camper]

Thanks for the info to date. I have a pre 1974 and do not plan to use any +P in the revolver.

 

[Gordon]

Actually, I hate to open a can of worms BUT: I am on my third Agent. I wore the first two out, I shot issued +p+ in the first in late 70's and had it rebuilt at Colt, I wore the second pretty much just shooting it, then sold it for my last one (a parkerized rough finish one) I bought new in 1984 I carry Remington +p 158grain LSWCHP in it as the Rem version has softer lead and higher velocity. The new Speer 135 grain snubby load shoots well too, as does the Winchester 129 grain personal defense load. HOWEVER if it was my wife shooting it I would also use the 148 grain Hollowbase wadcutter without a doubt. They hit to the sights VERY accurately, you can fire them fast, they don't intimidate an experience challenged shooter AND they crush about the same amount of tissue to the same depth as anything else. Obviously somebody shared that FACT with you, and believe this old boy that has shot lots of living things and seen quite a few people shot; it's TRUE!

 

[camper]

Gordon, thanks for your input. I'll stick with the 148 HBWC rounds.

 

[Ala Dan]

I have a solid 99 per center, very early '72 Colt Agent (polished blue finish)
that I DO NOT plan to shoot at all; certainly not with any type of
+P ammo, as its been relegated too "safe queen" duties.

 

[camper]

Ala Dan,

The Agent I picked up has an excellent blue satin finish with Badger over size three finger groove silver-black grips. Plan to give it some light use with the wife at the range.

 

[GRIZ22]

You do not gain a lot (maybe 100 fps at most) uisng +P in a 2" revolver. I'd just use standard loads.

I agree with Gordon about using 148 wadcutters as a non +P load. Bullet is already in an efficient shape, low recoil and muzzle blast. My wife likes revolvers and that's what she likes to shoot.

 

[Ala Dan]

Colt Agents (especially the 2nd series) make interesting conversation
pieces. Also, with its shortened grip frame its an out-standing carry
piece. Here is the "Deep South", its rare when you find any Colt D-
frames for sale. Enjoy~!

 

[camper]

Ala Dan, Saw four D frames yesterday in a shop in Wagrum, NC. Prices ranged from $3-400.00 and condition varied.

 

[Ala Dan]

Actually, I have less than $700 in all of my Colt D-frames that I have
pictuered here on THR many times; with the 2nd series (1947-1972) factory
nickel Detective Special having only been test fired a total of six times~!