Colt Officers Model Match

[biogenic]

A friend has an old (50's ) Colt Offices Model Match for sale. He's asking $500.00 but the timing is a little off. Can that be corrected and is the asking price reasonable ? He also has a pre 27 s&w nickel plated 8 3/8 that I am considering for 650.00... Is the asking price a fair market value and the fact that the pre 27 was nickel plated decreases the value ? Thanks in advance.

 

[SaxonPig]

How is the timing off? You mean when you slowly cock the hammer the cylinder stops a hair short of alignment? That's not how the gun is designed to be used and the cylinder locks properly when the trigger is pulled so it's meaningless. Not uncommon with Colts. Don't slowly cock it and you won't have that problem.

If the pre-27 is original nickel it may add a bit of value as these are less common than blue.

 

[dfariswheel]

Colt can correct the timing easily.
The "fix" may be a simple matter of adjusting a part.
Colt charges about $75.00 per hour for labor, and they can repair almost any problem in less than that.

While they have it, they'll give it a total check out and internal cleaning.

 

[Remllez]

Unless the Colt has had many many rounds through it the timing should be fine, like Saxon said Colts don't lock up until the hammer is pulled. The actions on those Officer Model Match are very nice for double action shooting. If the timing is off you've got a good $150.00 into it to make it right. So the price is high to me unless the revolver is in very good condition.

The Smith seems on the high side to me as well, depending on the condition. Of course if you really want the 2 guns shoot him a price you think is reasonable and let him counter.
Neither one of those guns are common these days so that may factor in your decision. It sounds like you have a chance to score a couple nice pieces, but it's your money...

 

[Guillermo]

check the gun

check the gun again

pull the hammer back

let the hammer down WHILE HOLDING THE TRIGGER BACK

there should be ZERO rotation.

Also note that shooting some soft lead rounds and looking at the forcing cone will tell you if it is lined up right.

If it is in nice shape it is worth 500

 

[biogenic]

Anyone has an approximate blue book or street value on these?

 

[Guillermo]

go to gunbroker and sign up (if you aren't a member)

look at closed auctions

 

[rcmodel]

Auctionarms will let you look at 90 day old closed auctions without being a member.
http://www.gunauction.com/

There are a few OMM's that sold on there now.

rc

 

[Old Fuff]

Hey Guillermo...

Watched an auction in California about 3 weeks ago. (No it wasn't Gunbroker).

Anyway they had 2 Officers Models:

1. An older one, 1930's era, in great mechanical condition. Did have some finish wear, but mostly on the barrel. I'd call it a 85 to 90% gun.

Went for $240.00 (plus 18% house fee, shipping etc.)

2. This one was in the original box, even had a 1950 dated bill-of-sale. The revolver was perfect, and perhaps unfired.

Went for $450.00, plus fees and charges.

Thought you might want to know.

Oh, almost forgot. a post-war .22/32 Kit gun with 4" barrel, like new for $360.00. There was a similar snubby, but I didn't get the particulars. :banghead:

 

[Guillermo]

Thought you might want to know.

would have been nice if my old buddy had PMed me if he didn't intend on bidding

 

[biogenic]

Watched an auction in California about 3 weeks ago. (No it wasn't Gunbroker).

Anyway they had 2 Officers Models:

1. An older one, 1930's era, in great mechanical condition. Did have some finish wear, but mostly on the barrel. I'd call it a 85 to 90% gun.

Went for $240.00 (plus 18% house fee, shipping etc.)

2. This one was in the original box, even had a 1950 dated bill-of-sale. The revolver was perfect, and perhaps unfired.

Went for $450.00, plus fees and charges.

Thought you might want to know.

Oh, almost forgot. a post-war .22/32 Kit gun with 4" barrel, like new for $360.00. There was a similar snubby, but I didn't get the particulars.

Are you going to share the auction site ?

 

[22-rimfire]

$500 is good on the OMM if it is in good shape. I would only buy it if you are willing to do what it takes to make it right whether there is noting wrong with the timing or it needs a trip to Colt for some maintenance.

The Model 27 is about right. I like the 8 3/8" N-frames for hunting or range use.

 

[biogenic]

The Model 27 is about right. I like the 8 3/8" N-frames for hunting or range use.

Thanks all for your advice. The Smith a pre model 27...

 

[22-rimfire]

Are you saying the Pre-Model 27 is refinished? Factory nickel adds additional value. Refinish is a big negative. I would be hesitant to buy it if it were refinished at that price.

 

[biogenic]

it's refinished - Nickel..

 

[Gordon]

Then it is worth $450 tops,unless it was a factory job then $500.
The Colt is a little high too, local ones like that go unsold at $500.
Things seem to be softening in the gun market unless it is a "hot" item (like a Python or Diamondback) which people see as liquidity.