Colt Detective Spcl value

[Quoheleth]

I saw a Colt Dick special in a local gun ad. Gun is the short, 2" barrel (I'm guestimating...did they have a 1.75" length?). Ad says the gun is in "fair" condition and based on the pictures, I would agree - several scratches and chips of bluing are gone. Not sure if the grips are original - they don't have Colt medallions. Gun is '77 manufacture.

Would like to have a snubby ..38 back in the stable and don't have any Colts. Would be a win-win if I can get the price where I want it.

He's asking $400. I'm thinking he's too high. Most recent info I found is about 5 years old and value of "fair" was in the $300 range. Is that still accurate?

Q

 

[earlthegoat2]

Decent Det Spls seem to go for around 500 give or take. If it is in the condition described as I am picturing it, then it really should be no more than 350.

They were made with 2" and 3" barrels. 3" barrel guns are quite rare.

 

[sixgunner455]

Not all of the original Colt grips had medallions. The ones my DS came with certainly don't.

 

[Ala Dan]

I Would Pass

Waaay too high Jon my friend; for the description you describe~! Looking
at the photos of that '77 model Colt Dick Special; I would not be interested
in it for more than $225. First off, its a later model and showing significant
signs of use/abuse [or both?] A $400 piece is going to be more perfect, as
the "seller" would want to get [top dollar] for his/her merchandise. This gun
is very typical of a "pawn shop find". My suggestion is to try and find an
individual with one for sale, that been taken better care of~! Hope this all
works out well for you, my friend.

 

[Guillermo]

In my part of Texas 400 w get you a good DS, 500 pristine.

That said, I have one that I am trying to sell and been having a tough time moving it. Is the market softening?

 

[Old Fuff]

Is the market softening?

I think it's more a case of the economy softening. The government and media keep telling us that things are getting better, but most of the improvement seems to be in the investment banking business. :banghead:

 

[LKB3rd]

This was a few years back, but I got one (a '64) in good condition, cosmetic/bluing wear and "Stag" grips for $287.
I think I got a good deal, but the same gun today I'd expect to pay maybe $350-400. I just actually picked up a Cobra last week for $385 out the door, in good condition, a 1957.
I'd try to get him down to $350 or less out the door assuming it was in good working condition. If it isn't, I'd pass.
$.02

 

[4v50 Gary]

FYI, that Det. Special is the older "D" frame with a Python like lockwork.

 

[Chindo18Z]

At a recent gun show I sampled several D-frame snubbies. The cheapest Detective Special (and in condition closest to the one you describe) was tagged at $325. Most others (in 90+ condition or better) ranged from $425 - $475. Nicely nickeled pristine 1st Issue version was $495.

I walked out of there with a 95% 2nd Issue (factory grips, blue, shrouded) 1971 Colt Cobra for $495 (out the door) and was happy with the price.

$400 is too high for the one you are considering. $300 is probably fair depending upon condition and assuming it's mechanically sound. Hard to say without photos...

 

[Ala Dan]

Att: 4v50 GARY my friend-

Would not a 1977 Colt DS be a newer model, with the enclosed ejector rod
housing~? I thought Colt discontinued the 2nd series (1947-1972); some
where between late '72 or very early '73~?

 

[earlthegoat2]

Your not going to get a Det Spl for 225 unless it is not firing or you roll an old widow.

If it is mechanically good it is worth 300 if not more.

 

[Quoheleth]

View attachment 141851

As you can see, the Colt does have a full underlug/shroud surrounding the ejector rod.

Are D-frames comparable to Smith K-frames, as far as backstrap-to-trigger reach goes?

(BTW: Thanks again, Dan...)

Q

 

[earlthegoat2]

FYI, that Det. Special is the older "D" frame with a Python like lockwork.

I was under the impression that 3rd Gen Det Specials had different lockwork from Pythons and DBs and was more along the lines of a MKIII.

I do see AlaDan has already pointed this out.

 

[rscalzo]

The Python trigger was unique and required extensive hand fitting. That was one reason for the expense.

The frame is larger than the Det. Spec. which is identical to the former Diamondback series. The Python frame is closer to the S&W L frame models.

 

[Old Fuff]

In 1908 Colt introduced the Army Special, Police Positive Special, Police Positive and Pocket Positive.

The design and lockwork in the Army Special eventually (with minor changes) ended up in the Python. This lockwork was scaled down, but not otherwise changed in the "Positive" series of revolvers.

So as noted, the internal parts look the same, and work the same, but don't interchange.

 

[kenhwind]

Those Detective Specials and Cobras get good money around here, really nice ones are between $500-$600. Decent ones with honest wear around $400.
The one described in the OP is probably a $300 +or- gun.

 

[Ala Dan]

Att: earlthegoat2, my friend-

Not too many moons ago, I acquired a 2nd series Agent (shrouded ejector rod
housing) from an old gentleman for a mere $120. Yes, that's right - $120. The
weapon (having been well cared for) had been stored in an old sock, inside
of a non-operating wood stove; by his wife. She was terrified of guns, and wanted
it out of the house. The weapon had one tiny mark on the [steel] cylinder, but
otherwise was pristine. Note that a S/N trace put this firearm as being made
between late 1972, or very early 1973; as it is of the high polished blued
finish, rather rare for late model Colt Agents as most are parkerized. I still
have it in my Colt D-frame collection~!

 

[ColtPythonElite]

This one was $425 a few months ago... It's pretty darn nice, but I don't think it was a bargain.

 

[Checkman]

That is a nice DS. I'm not too sure there are too many Colt revolvers for sale that are bargains anymore. Oh I know there is always someone who is quick to post how they found their rare single action Colt Officer Model Army Match with a 8.5" barrel in 32 S&W for only $225 dollars at a local garage sale, However it's my belief that dealers and folks looking to sale surf the Internet and have realized that Colt rvolvers are now in great demand and consequently raise their prices.

 

[gym]

Guns have 2 values, the book value and what it's worth to you value. Usually it's someware in between, unless you sell guns for a living. If you think it's worth it then by all means buy it, if you look on Gunbroker, you may find one that is nicer for less or a lot mor for pristine never fired or fired very little, good luck, it's a personel decision you need to make,
gym

 

[Old Fuff]

Because of it's original 1908 design, which was labor intensive, buyers of Detective Special revolvers (and others that are similar) often have the choice of buying an expensive one that it in excellent condition or better, and therefore unlikely to have mechanical problems; or to buy one that obviously has some mileage on it. In exchange for a lower price, which can be substantial, they may have have to send it in for a tune-up, which adds to the cost. Buyers of used cars sometimes face the same issues.

For those that want to use and carry the revolver, the best of worlds is one that has cosmetic wear (that lowers the price) but was seldom shot and is mechanically sound. These may be difficult to find, but they are out there.

Read Jim March's check list, that is largely Colt-specific, posted at the top of THR's revolver sub-forum, and then go forth.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I agree with Old Fluff on sometimes it's better to pay more and hope that equals "better"....However, the thing with DS's and most of the other D frame snubs is that the vast majority of them get carried way more miles than they get bullets shot. I've bought a decent sized pile of them and never gotten one that had mechanical issues.

 

[Old Fuff]

I've bought a decent sized pile of them and never gotten one that had mechanical issues.

I should have mentioned that most "issues" are the result of abusive handling by previous owners, or tinkering in the way of improving the action , not shooting or normal wear & tear. Be that as it may, if something does need to be fixed, competent fixers don't grow on trees.

 

[Guillermo]

competent fixers don't grow on trees

The Fuffster has always been an advocate of sending a broken double action Colt back to the factory.

But one wonders where he would send his...

Do his powers include Colt gunsmithing?
Does he have a connection at the factory?
A red phone that rings on a famous Colt gunsmith's desk?

Inquiring minds want to know

 

[Old Fuff]

But one wonders where he would send his...

Understand that if I reveal this highly classified information I will be forced to kill you.

Oh well…

1. When the Old Fuff runs across a desirable Colt (or any other firearm he might buy) he carefully examines it to detect any serious flaws before he touches any cash.

2. If minor problems are discovered he uses them as a hammer to drive the sellers proposed price down. If a deal is made he has enough skill to take care of whatever needs to be done. Timing problems in a Colt are usually fixed with his “big hammer,” and of course there is always the bench grinder.

(Seriously, two hammers, one with a hard plastic head, and the other with a rubber one, will often be the only tools needed to make a Colt behave),

3. So far he hasn’t had to send a gun to anyone because he hasn’t encountered anything he couldn’t handle (see #1 and #2). If something did come up I’d first consider the Colt Service Department, unless the revolver was so old they wouldn’t work on it. After that I’d check out the better custom ‘smiths, depending on who was still available.

4. The Old Fuff’s Colt’s, as well as other elderly guns, are handled with care commensurate with their age. Abuse is never tolerated so if they are good-to-go they stay that way. Contrary to what some believe they are not fragile.