Colt Detective Special price check please

[MR.G]

I am looking at two Colt Detective Special revolvers. Both in excellent condition. One is an early 1950's alloy frame,(Cobra I think) and the other is about a 1975 all steel. The owner is taking offers. What would be a fair price to pay for these guns?

 

[Lloyd Smale]

sold one last year good shape with a little bluing wear for $250

 

[Standing Wolf]

I'm completely ignorant of Cobra prices, but I've seen Detective Specials being sold from $250–$450 and up, depending on age, condition, and the willingness of people to pay a premium for the Colt name.

 

[Majic]

I would say no more than $300 for the Cobra and $350 for the DS. Check to see if the Cobra is not an Agent. The Agent should probably sell for a bit more. Also the prices of DS has been on the rise like most colts.

 

[SouthpawShootr]

I'm sure this will come up, but, other than the markings, what were the differences between the Agent and Cobra? I've seen a few each here and there over the years, most with significant bluing wear and sporting somewhere in the neighborhood of $400. I'm not particularly interested in aquiring one, since I've always harbored a certain weariness towards aluminum frame revolvers.

I do have a Det Special that I got last year in unfired condition from a guy in CA that was liquidating his collection (I think they had a new law go into effect that prohibited sales of these gun except to FFLs - I know the auction clearly stated that the gun was not for sale within CA). He would have been grandfathered, but also would have been stuck with what he had. This gun is so nice, I'm really reluctant to shoot it. I ended up paying $375 ($350+Ship+transfer fee at my FFL).

 

[Majic]

The Agent has a shorter grip frame. Later editions of the DS and Cobra went to the same short grip frame also.

 

[ruger357]

I paid $400 for a like new 1962 steel DS about a year ago. I saw a 1976 DS at my dealer with about 90% blueing for $325.

 

[MR.G]

Thank You for the responses. I purchased both guns today for $450.00. I have known the seller for some time, and he said that he wanted me to be the one to get them. He is liquidating his small collection. They turned out to be in better condition, and a better buy, than I had expected.

 

[BluesBear]

$450

Dude you made out like a bandit.

 

[Majic]

$450 for both is like highway robbery.
Congrats.