i recently inherited, among several other firearms, a Colt Agent .38 special with a parkerized finish, the underlug barrel. The handgun was my uncle's carry piece while working overnights at a truck stop for several years, and has the associated wear one would expect...i'd say the gun was maybe 80 percent overall. I won't pretend otherwise.....as far as firearms go, I don't know much about revolvers. From some initial research, it seems there is some collector interest in even the ''lower-end'' Colt revolvers. That said, unless someone has a compelling reason otherwise, i do plan to shoot and possibly carry this gun at times. anyone have basic information about this gun i should know? Is this gun rated for ''plus p'' ammo? it would never see a steady diet of such ammo, but i'd liike to carry the best defensive loads possible, and at least shoot them enough to see where they impact relative to POA. I guess i'm just looking for any information i can get on the gun, please.
colt agent .38 snubnose
- Thread starter Davek1977
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bannockburn
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Davek1977
I had one of those Colt Agents when they first came out. Cosmetic issues aside (mine had a mixture of different finished parts; like some were parkerized and some had an extremely matte bluing), and the side plate was sticking out slightly. Biggest problem was the cylinder was a bit off center, so much so that it got stuck against the forcing cone of the barrel before it could make a complete rotation. Should have checked it out more thoroughly before I bought it but I was thinking "Hey it's a Colt, it must work okay". Ended up trading it in on a Ruger Speed Six.
I don't know about using +P loads on a regular basis with the Agent but I would think it would be okay on a limited basis. Might want to have a gunsmith check the gun out mechanically to make sure there aren't any worn parts and that the timing is still good.
I had one of those Colt Agents when they first came out. Cosmetic issues aside (mine had a mixture of different finished parts; like some were parkerized and some had an extremely matte bluing), and the side plate was sticking out slightly. Biggest problem was the cylinder was a bit off center, so much so that it got stuck against the forcing cone of the barrel before it could make a complete rotation. Should have checked it out more thoroughly before I bought it but I was thinking "Hey it's a Colt, it must work okay". Ended up trading it in on a Ruger Speed Six.
I don't know about using +P loads on a regular basis with the Agent but I would think it would be okay on a limited basis. Might want to have a gunsmith check the gun out mechanically to make sure there aren't any worn parts and that the timing is still good.
I would refrain from using +P in any small frame gun. You don't gain much in velocity in the 2" barrel, get more muzzle flash and recoil, and slower follow up shots.
I use factory wad cutters in small frame 38s. Sufficient penetration, bullet is already in an efficient shape, and easy on your gun and you.
Easy on the gun is important if you want it to last. Not many parts or people around for Colt revolvers.
I use factory wad cutters in small frame 38s. Sufficient penetration, bullet is already in an efficient shape, and easy on your gun and you.
Easy on the gun is important if you want it to last. Not many parts or people around for Colt revolvers.
ColtPythonElite
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I have one if those Agents that I sometimes carry. Mine has good fit and decent finish. A few cylinders of +P won't hurt it. Shoot a few get the feel and check the point of aim.
Gordon
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I'm on my 4th parkerized Agent since early 80s when I bought one new. I had unlimited access to the hot 110 grain +P+ LEO load and wore the first one out after a couple thousand of those in the ignorance of my youth 
I sent it back to Colt and they repaired it and I traded it to an officer . The second one I still carried and shot a few +P+ 110 grain loads and bobbed the hammer and had it coated in Birdsong T , I believe and carried it until around 1990 when I traded the slick as snot well used thing for most of a new fangalled Glock 17 I found another one in a LGS in mid 90s bobbed hammer and hung on to that one , shooting 158 grain Remington SWCHP Lead ammo , until my son became a CHP and I gave it to him as a back up. The last and one I have was NIB at a LGS and I paid $400 for it with it's Colt marked Pachy grips. They must have made it on a good day as it is the "nicest" finish and fitting of the bunch and buttery smooth action. Still use 158 grain LSWCHP Remington ammo which is not really +P but does 810FPS out of this one and shoots to the sights at 15 yards. It is a keeper One pound of 6 shot Colt .38 spl joy
I sent it back to Colt and they repaired it and I traded it to an officer . The second one I still carried and shot a few +P+ 110 grain loads and bobbed the hammer and had it coated in Birdsong T , I believe and carried it until around 1990 when I traded the slick as snot well used thing for most of a new fangalled Glock 17 I found another one in a LGS in mid 90s bobbed hammer and hung on to that one , shooting 158 grain Remington SWCHP Lead ammo , until my son became a CHP and I gave it to him as a back up. The last and one I have was NIB at a LGS and I paid $400 for it with it's Colt marked Pachy grips. They must have made it on a good day as it is the "nicest" finish and fitting of the bunch and buttery smooth action. Still use 158 grain LSWCHP Remington ammo which is not really +P but does 810FPS out of this one and shoots to the sights at 15 yards. It is a keeper One pound of 6 shot Colt .38 spl joy 
And is unpleasant to practice with, especially from close quarters retention position(s).
CPLofMARINES
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I remember that revolver well in the early 80's ; I wanted my
Dad to buy one. They were going for $220 at a local gun show.
A few months ago I saw an article on it; +p's are no problem.
Dad to buy one. They were going for $220 at a local gun show.
A few months ago I saw an article on it; +p's are no problem.
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