Colt Detective Spl. s/n ??

[RUT]

Howdy all,

Am in the process of buying a mint later Det. Spl., but notice all the serial# listings I've found end in 1978. Would anyone have an inkling as to the age of this one.... s/n P423xx?

Thanks much,

RUT

 

[RUT]

Never mind... called Colt... 1982.

 

[Old Fuff]

The problem is that Colt serial numbers after 1978 have not been published, but as you discovered if you call the factory you can find out about "a" particular gun. Part of the company's business is selling high-priced historical letters that contain much more detailed information in exchange for $$$.

 

[RUT]

Well, after doing a bit of research, I decided I didn't want to get involved in the "timing issues" that have plagued Colt revolvers over the years. I've been an S&W/Ruger guy all my life, so why get into something that could be a potential problem down the road? So, I guess I'll pass on this one.

 

[Old Fuff]

I can understand why you feel that way, but I have an old 1950's era Detective Special that's well used, not abused, and has no timing problems. It locks up as tight as a good safe door, and is deadly accurate out to 100 yards or a bit more. I can't ask for much more then that.

 

[Guillermo]

don't bother Old Fuff. The fallacy of the

"timing issues" that have plagued Colt revolvers

might help to keep prices from going up too much more.

 

[Old Fuff]

You have a good point...

The big problem with these Colt revolvers is that they mostly went out of production some 30 to 40 years ago, and people that understand them, can fix them and the availability of parts has gone downhill. Older examples in good condition that haven't been abused tend to stay that way with reasonable care. Those that have issues need to go back to the factory or a Colt-experienced gunsmith for a tune-up, which often does not require any parts replacement.

While the easy solution is to buy some other make, a few of us are well aware that they can be exceptionally good shooters. Thus we see skyrocketing prices on mint to excellent guns, while depressed prices on most of the others. I have bought "troubled" Colt's for as little as $140.00, and fixed them in under a half-hour with no new parts, or possibly nothing more then a new hand.

One time I was at a gunshow when a vendor I knew as a good friend showed me a Colt that didn't work (cylinder wouldn't carry-up on 4 out of 6 chambers), and ask if I'd be interested in buying it for parts. Seeing that he was a friend I fixed it while seated at his table within a few minutes. He was absolutely shocked!

 

[Guillermo]

One time I was at a gunshow when a vendor I knew as a good friend showed me a Colt that didn't work (cylinder wouldn't carry-up on 4 out of 6 chambers), and ask if I'd be interested in buying it for parts. Seeing that he was a friend I fixed it while seated at his table within a few minutes. He was absolutely shocked!

musta been a good friend for the Fuff-ster to let a screaming deal slip through your fingers!!!

You are, of course, correct that the lack of understanding and the age of the subject the guns are a huge factor in the silly ideas people have. Of course there is "brandism" too.

Looking back over the years I have had problems with Smith (twice), Taurus (once) and Ruger revolvers (once). Never Colt.

 

[MMCSRET]

I just picked up a New Service for a very good price simply because the owner had pulled the side plate and removed the hand while cleaning and lubing and did not get the rebound lever up on the cam when he put the hand back in. I've done that!!!!!!! The side plate would bind the hand and lock everything up if it was tightened down. I tried to explain it to him but he "knew it all" and didn't listen so I made an offer of less than half what I was willing to pay and he jumped at it. I was right, fixed it while seated in my pick up and took it back in and showed him. He got red in the face, "jaws all jacked out of battery", and called me a liar. I just grinned and said thanks and asked him to let me know when he found some more "junk" Colts.

 

[Guillermo]

I just grinned and said thanks and asked him to let me know when he found some more "junk" Colts.

that is just mean

 

[Old Fuff]

musta been a good friend for the Fuff-ster to let a screaming deal slip through your fingers!!!

Understand that I wouldn't of done what I did for just anyone, but it paid off. Thereafter I did get some "screaming deals" from or through him.