1929 Colt Detective Special @ LGS

[milemaker13]

My lgs has a detective special in the case circa 1929. I have not seen it in person yet. They are asking $649. There is likely a little wiggle room on that.
I've always admired the detective's guns. And add to that its a Colt from about 1929 and I get all warm and fuzzy on the inside. Just one of those unnecessary things that I want.
What should I look at in particular when I go tomorrow to check it out? How does the asking price strike you guys? Too high? Way too high? Just about right?

 

[Maia007]

It's all about condition. In very good to excellent condition, I think the price is more than reasonable. Colt's revolvers made in this era were without equal. Remember, it is all about condition. Don't buy anything used unless it is in at least good condition.

As a help in determining condition, go to the Revolver Checkout (it is in the Stickeys located at the top of this subforum. Pay close attention to the timing. Also go to Colt Fever (google it) and do some reading there.

 

[.455_Hunter]

Square butt?

 

[Waveski]

Very desirable revolver. Price ...? Condition.
Certainly worth looking in to at that price , I would say.

 

[milemaker13]

Yes, square butt. I'm going to check it out tomorrow and Ill report back. I will read the suggested sticky b4 going. Thanks.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

650 would be reasonable for a near-mint example with original finish. Watch out to make sure it is chambered in .38spl, not .32 or .38 New Police (S&W), unless you are willing to accept the rarer and more expensive ammo.

Note that Colts achieve full lock when the trigger is pulled. Pull the hammer back six times while putting a light drag on the cylinder with your thumb. Pull the trigger on each hole, then try to rotate/ wiggle the cylinder while holding the trigger back- there should be little or no cylinder movement at this point.

Good luck, we expect pics if you get it.

 

[bannockburn]

milemaker

Sounds like a decent price given that the gun's condition, in terms of both finish and function, check out okay. And most definitely photos if you get it. Good luck and hope you score yourself an early Christmas present!

 

[Waveski]

A note on lock up --- the Colt has a very precise and tight lock.
"Pretty good" for a Smith & Wesson would be sloppy and worn by Colt standards.
I don't know if you have any Colt experience , so I thought that it would be good to point out that a Smith and a Colt are two very different animals.

 

[milemaker13]

 

[milemaker13]

It looks at least a little beat up I guess.

 

[.455_Hunter]

Grips are definitely later replacements.

 

[John Joseph]

Has Elliot Ness written all over

 

[Dframe]

Looks very nice. I'd be checking my funding sources

 

[milemaker13]

Looks very nice. I'd be checking my funding sources

Think so? I have not made it there yet .. assuming theyre open today.

I read the revolver check out post. I think I understand most of it. The colt from this era should lock up real tight, correct?
Now when checking the trigger, post mentioned using a bic pen in front of the hammer... got any better details how to do this safely ? Pen resting on frame or hammer?
I'm guessing this will have a hammer mounted FP. Ive never had one of these before, but I know they really really should not be dry fired. Like ever. But is it ok with snap caps?

 

[Waveski]

"lock up real tight" is correct.
Bic pen technique - nothing unsafe about that , you are just checking trigger break. Pen resting on frame.
Yes , hammer mounted firing pin. As to dry shooting , excessive reps are certainly discouraged , but the occasional 1-2 dry fires for function test is harmless , IMO. Your thread prompted me to dig my 1943 Official Police out of the safe for the first time in a long time ; I dry fired it twice in the course of inspection. Some folks may disagree. Certainly nothing wrong with using snap caps , removes any worry. From that 1 photo , I would be very careful in the function inspection ; that Colt looks like it has some miles on it. If it is good and tight , use cosmetics and after market grips (I am going on the comment #11 - personally I don't know) as bargaining chips.

"Has Elliot Ness written all over" YES - sure does!

It would make me feel good to own that one - Keep us posted .

 

[milemaker13]

Theyre closed today and tomorrow. Whats this world coming to? Spending time with family at christmas? Walmart is open 24 hrs straight thru christmas!

Thursday I will go check it out as well as others in the case. Little guy or big guy? Hmmm... decisions decisions....

 

[indy1919a4]

Has Elliot Ness written all over

I was going to say Elliot Ness nothing... Joe Friday... But then I found out he carried a S&W model 10



Maybe you can still pretend to be Joe Friday

To OP, I like the pistol..I like it alot...

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

I just lower the hammer with my thumb while pulling the trigger.....

Ya, from the one picture, the condition looks to be more "shooter" grade than "collector." Assuming the mechanicals are good, thats fine, but at the moment Im thinking its more like a $450-500 DS.

 

[hannstv]

In the DFW area the ink wouldn't dry on the price tag before that little pony had a new home.