Colt model 357 price check

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wnycollector

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I ran across a 4" Colt model 357 revolver yesterday afternoon. The colt is in ok shape, mainly finish wear (~80%, mostly legitimate carry wear) and is wearing NON colt aftermarket target grips. I checked out the timing as best I could...but I am not a colt expert. As I pulled back the hammer, the bolt dropped cleanly, the cylinder rotated and the bolt dropped back into the lock notch before the hammer was fully back...I think that how it should work?

The gun store wants $425 for it so after tax we are @~$460. I would have bought it yesterday, if it had the fully checkered original grips. I know that I am going to pay between $100-150 to get replacements...so I am thinking of offering $350. Any thoughts/suggestions?
 
Well it would help to first know what model it is?
Click to expand...

As I stated in my post it is a Model 357. Sometime in the mid 60's the name was chaged to "Colt Trooper". This not to be confused with the Trooper MKIII...that is a different frame and internals.
 
357 is the model. Colt called its first DA 357 revolver simply "The 357 Magnum." I think these were made from 1953 until 1961 or so and were then combined with the Trooper.

These are very nice revolvers. But an 80% example will not excite collectors. The incorrect stocks are a big problem. Prices on early Colt stocks are through the roof. The ones that came on this gun will sell for $300+ and many sellers part out their guns because they can get more by selling the stocks separately. Often they try to get the same amount for the gun after removing the stocks but they don't get it from me as they have reduced the value by $200 or more.

IMO, an 80% 357 with incorrect stocks is worth about $350. The seller may not agree and you will have to decide if you want to overpay for the gun and own it, or walk away. The same gun with the right wood is worth $500 (IMO). A 95% example with correct handles will fetch $600-$700.
 
Agree, but IS a great revolver , as good as a Python without the rib and shroud and a little less final polish than the early Pythons.
 
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