Colt Agent vs. Ruger LCR

[Fat Boy]

Looking to add a lightweight revolver to my collection-

Option #1. Colt Agent or Cobra? don't have serial #, but it is an unshrouded ejector rod gun which makes me think it is older- excellent condition/bank vault lock up, decent blue and aftermarket (nice wood - custom?) grips -$519 price

Option #2. Ruger LCR- new. Cost $489.

Weight is roughly equal, quality of construction is good but the Colt is older and repairs/parts could be problematic if (when) they occur. The Colt offers S/A as opposed to the Ruger which is D/A only, my preference is to have the S/A available-

Purpose is to be used, possibly CCW when license is obtained- intent is to practice/shoot regularly-

I want the Colt, but the Ruger seems more practical-

I would welcome any thoughts/ideas- Thanks!

 

[Axel Larson]

GO for the Colt. I doubt it will break on you and it has more resale value than the LCR.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I'd go for a Colt as well, but not at $519 for a finish worn gun minus it's stock grips. The gun you describe should be more like $350.

 

[Guillermo]

if it checks out buy the Colt.

You can always get a Ruger...Colts are a diminishing resource.

 

[Stumper]

If at all possible buy BOTH. The LCR is delightfully light yet shootable the Agent...well it is a COLT for pity's sake!

 

[Ala Dan]

COLT

 

[Gordon]

I know plastic can work, but do people actually enjoy it?
This post is a few down from yours, check it out!
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=628899

 

[moxie]

You said you might want to carry it. In that case go for the LCR. Great sights and trigger. It's also rated for +P ammo which the Agent is not. If you don't care about carrying it but want a gun that is neat, cool, and maybe has resale value, by all means go for the Agent. Keep in mind that an Agent is an el-cheapo version of the Cobra.

 

[PabloJ]

Looked over old blued 4" Ruger Police revolver .357 with fixed rear sight and 4" barrel. I was about to get it because price was $300 but could not do close examination like check timing because when I closed cylinder and tried to open it again the button got stuck and cylinder could not be moved or opened again. I really wanted to buy it so this incident truly sucked. I would buy Colt if I were you.

 

[weisse52]

A Colt is always the right answer!

I would buy the Colt now, but look to add the Ruger later. Those Colts are not getting any easier to find.

 

[Gordon]

I love Colts but would hold out for a later shrouded barrel one because they balance better and all I've come across shoot like a rifle! The lightweight Colts are rated for 1000 rounds of + p ammo BTW. When I was a federal narc I had access to all the +p+ 110 grain .38 ammo I wanted to shoot and shot it in a couple Colts (and S&Ws) . I put thousands of really hot +p+ thru a mid 70s shrouded barrel Agent before it started getting loose and sold it! I did so to another early 80s parkerized Agent as a reservist and sent it to Colt where they tightened it up and then to a Smith (Birdsong I think) for dehorning and an early high tech finish.Not much 110 grain +p+ treasury ammo after that, just Rem 158 LSWCHP+p which isn't that abusive IMHO. Sold that one too in the early 90s and have another currently as a CCW gun.

 

[5-SHOTS]

Since the Ruger is a new firearm and you can buy it later if you want, get the Colt, expecially if it is in the good condition you described. A couple years ago I had an occasion to buy a good Cobra and I regret to not purchased it.

 

[oldfool]

agree with CPE
in this case I would do the LCR

 

[SwampWolf]

20% more ammunition capacity (six vs five shots) in a revolver being carried for self-defense is a salient point in favor of the Colt. Resale value will also favor the Colt over time if it is purchased right initially.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Colt if you are collecting and carrying. Ruger if its JUST a carry gun.

 

[harvester]

Buy the Colt. Save and then buy another gun for range use and back up carry, or even the Ruger.

 

[Remllez]

There's nothing special about a used Colt Agent or a used Cobra for that matter especially at $500.00 plus. The finish was poor and they shot loose fairly quick for a .38 caliber revolver, plus parts and knowledgable people to work on them are already difficult to find.

The LCR's are fine guns for the money they are plus P rated with excellent triggers from the factory. The warranty is top notch and service is first rate! It's a no- brained for me.
Good luck on your purchase and have fun shooting!

 

[ColtPythonElite]

There's nothing special about a used Colt Agent or a used Cobra for that matter especially at $500.00 plus. The finish was poor and they shot loose fairly quick for a .38 caliber revolver, plus parts and knowledgable people to work on them are already difficult to find.

I'll give it to you that one of the last Agent's made had a poor finish, but is not true for the earlier guns. As far as shooting loose quickly, that is debateable. Colt works on 'em everyday.

I find these old girls to be pretty special. I wouldn't trade any of them for a pair of brand new LCR's...And FWIW, I'm not a Ruger hater. I carry a SP101 more than anything else.

 

[Guillermo]

CPE has some very nice toys.

It is VERY hard not to be envious


(thou shall not covet...thou shall not covet...thou shall not covet...)

 

[skidder]

Whatever one is not plastic.

 

[TJx]

Colt for all the above reasons. I have a LCR and pretty much hate shooting it, the pad area of my trigger finger takes a pounding even with standard 38's. (maybe I'm doing something wrong)
It's light, well made, and if I can't sell it for a good price, it will serve a purpose as a BUG but I don't look forward to the next time I shoot it.
That price you listed for the LCR seems a little high also especially without the night sight.
Just my 2 cents.

 

[ironhead7544]

The difference between the Agent and Cobra is the length of the grip frame. The Agent is shorter. Had a shrouded Agent I carried for backup as a LEO. OK in that role but I didnt shoot it much. Nasty recoil. Even with factory wadcutters. Would have lasted me a lifetime.

There were some Agents made in the late 70ties that had a parkerized type finish. Poor fit on most that you will notice right away.

I would get the Colt. JMHO.