Vladimir Berkov
Member
What is a good price for a 1903 Colt hammerless .32 in good/very good condition with an original magazine?
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Colt 1903 question
- Thread starter Vladimir Berkov
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It depends somewhat on: (1) condition, and (2) when it was made. The serial number will date the year of manufacture. In general, collectors like earlier guns in mint to near-mint condition while shooters tend to go for later production - particularly those with checkered walnut grips rather then back hard rubber. This however doesn't make a particular gun shoot any better.
Depending on when it was made, the original magazine will add to the collector's value, but if your looking for a shooter be sure the lips aren't cracked or bent, and you may want to replace the spring.
Be aware that many otherwise good guns have badly pitted bores. Replacement barrels are available, but if a new barrel is needed its cost should be factored into the price of the gun.
Depending on when it was made, the original magazine will add to the collector's value, but if your looking for a shooter be sure the lips aren't cracked or bent, and you may want to replace the spring.
Be aware that many otherwise good guns have badly pitted bores. Replacement barrels are available, but if a new barrel is needed its cost should be factored into the price of the gun.
Vladimir Berkov
Member
would you say this is a fair price for this particular one?
http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=9824369
http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=9824369
Mike Irwin
Member
Original finish, well used but doesn't appear to be abused, the finish appears to be starting to patina in a couple of areas.
Judgment call on whether you want to spend that much on one or not, I'd say.
Judgment call on whether you want to spend that much on one or not, I'd say.
Mine is in about the same condition as that one. I would say that $330 isn't out of line. I personally wouldn't pay much more than that, but it is an individual call. I always like that particular model, and kept my eyes open for one. I saw them regularly in Gun List for more than I wanted to spend, so I waited for the right deal to come along. For some reason, my local gun store get those in fairly frequently; several a year. He is a very small time operation and I can't explain why that is. But since I am one of his better customers, the next time an elderly lady came in and wanted to sell her deceased husbands 1903 Colt, he told her that he had a guy that would buy it. He gave me her number and I bought it as a private party sale. We were both happy with the price.
Vladimir Berkov
Member
I have tried locally, but only found one, which was reblued (nice looking though) with an aftermarket mag for $450. That is more than I am willing to spend. Especially for a non-factory mag.
No mention was made of the barrel's condition, and that could make a difference if you want a "shooter" as well as a collectable. I would say the price @ $330.00 is high, but perhaps not too high if you really want the gun. You could also inquire of the seller about the condition of the bore and magazine. I would.
You might also run a web-search with the key words: "Colt" and "1903" and see if anything turned up. A lot of these guns, particularly in better condition, are sold by small companies that specialize in them and other Colt automatics.
You might also run a web-search with the key words: "Colt" and "1903" and see if anything turned up. A lot of these guns, particularly in better condition, are sold by small companies that specialize in them and other Colt automatics.
Vladimir Berkov
Member
I tried that already. I found some sweet looking ones with original boxes and papers, of course they were like a grand each, but....
I’m not sure what you’re looking for ……
Some people want guns in perfect or near perfect condition. Unless lightning strikes these are going to be expensive. On the other hand I go for “builders†– guns in good mechanical condition with good barrels/bores but “distressed†finish (in other words a lot of blue wear but not serious dings and gouges). I recently got a S&W 10-5 that met this description for $150.00, which is a little high, but this revolver locked up like a bank vault and the action was smooth as butter. I can use it as it is or get it refinished and still be ahead in the game.
Right now I’m looking at a recent catalog from Old Town Station, LTD (Web site: www.armchairgunshow.com). Its run by Jim Supica, who is a well-known S&W authority and a fine gentleman too do business with. He has (or had) a Colt 1903 Pocket Model with about 60% original finish with a large “polished†spot on one side of the frame. Someone had apparently been using it as a trainer because some of the parts (safety, etc) had been painted with red or blue paint. This is inconsequential because the paint’s easy to remove. The mechanics and bore were O.K. He didn’t say, but I presume it comes with an original magazine – because if it didn’t he would say. In other words this is a satisfactory “user†but far from being a real collectable. If refinished it would be a nice gun. Price? $175.00, which I think, all things considered, is very fair. The gun you were looking at is (I think) $330.00 unless someone bids it up. Considering the pictures I’d say it was priced high for the condition, and way too high if the bore isn’t near perfect. But face it, classic handguns keep going up and I don’t think that’s going too change. Used guns though tend to sell (or not as the case may be) on the basis of cosmetics (call that “looksâ€) and if you’re willing to accept 50% or less of the original finish some less expensive guns can be found.
Some people want guns in perfect or near perfect condition. Unless lightning strikes these are going to be expensive. On the other hand I go for “builders†– guns in good mechanical condition with good barrels/bores but “distressed†finish (in other words a lot of blue wear but not serious dings and gouges). I recently got a S&W 10-5 that met this description for $150.00, which is a little high, but this revolver locked up like a bank vault and the action was smooth as butter. I can use it as it is or get it refinished and still be ahead in the game.
Right now I’m looking at a recent catalog from Old Town Station, LTD (Web site: www.armchairgunshow.com). Its run by Jim Supica, who is a well-known S&W authority and a fine gentleman too do business with. He has (or had) a Colt 1903 Pocket Model with about 60% original finish with a large “polished†spot on one side of the frame. Someone had apparently been using it as a trainer because some of the parts (safety, etc) had been painted with red or blue paint. This is inconsequential because the paint’s easy to remove. The mechanics and bore were O.K. He didn’t say, but I presume it comes with an original magazine – because if it didn’t he would say. In other words this is a satisfactory “user†but far from being a real collectable. If refinished it would be a nice gun. Price? $175.00, which I think, all things considered, is very fair. The gun you were looking at is (I think) $330.00 unless someone bids it up. Considering the pictures I’d say it was priced high for the condition, and way too high if the bore isn’t near perfect. But face it, classic handguns keep going up and I don’t think that’s going too change. Used guns though tend to sell (or not as the case may be) on the basis of cosmetics (call that “looksâ€) and if you’re willing to accept 50% or less of the original finish some less expensive guns can be found.
Vladimir Berkov
Member
Cosmetics really don't matter that much to me either, if the price is right. I am looking for a shooter, not a collectors piece, and it can always be refinished.
The problem is finding one with finish problems which is not all pitted on the outside (or the bore for that matter.)
That one auction is no good anyway, because the guy isn't responding to any of my questions and I am not interested in buying the thing unless I have a lot more info.
The problem is finding one with finish problems which is not all pitted on the outside (or the bore for that matter.)
That one auction is no good anyway, because the guy isn't responding to any of my questions and I am not interested in buying the thing unless I have a lot more info.
I think you are wise .....
Check out: Old Town Station, Ltd.
P.O. Box 14040
Lenexa, KA. 66285
(913) 492-3000
[email protected]
www.arrmchairgunshow.com
They may still have the gun I mentioned, and yes - they will answer your questions.
If it's been sold don't worry. They tend to get them in from time to time.
Check out: Old Town Station, Ltd.
P.O. Box 14040
Lenexa, KA. 66285
(913) 492-3000
[email protected]
www.arrmchairgunshow.com
They may still have the gun I mentioned, and yes - they will answer your questions.
If it's been sold don't worry. They tend to get them in from time to time.
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