Colt Prices

[JV_2108]

While looking at modern Colt revolvers on GunsAmerica.com with my new 2006 Blue Book of Gun Values, I'm finding myself scratching my head. I'm looking at various 22s (mainly Diamondbacks) and checking out some other prices in the guide to get familiar with grading and how used revolver pricing works.

Well, the surprise of surprises is that it doesn't seem to work all that well. Most of the Colt revolvers are priced well beyond what the Blue Book suggests.

I've heard some of you say this is the case with Pythons, but is it also true of other Colt's as well? And, what gives? Book can't keep up with the quick changes? Guns America guns are that much better? If I'm really interested in obtaining a Colt, what's the best way to know the deal is fair?

 

[Euclidean]

People only ask that much money because they can get it. A thing is worth exactly as much as you can sell it for.

And it depends on what you want. Monday I'll take possession of a lovely 3rd generation Detective Special that was $260. That seems reasonable to me considering they aren't exactly making them any more.

 

[dfariswheel]

Colt prices, especially on premium guns like the Diamondback and Python have been skyrocketing.

Look for the prices to continue to climb fast now that Colt has apparently permanently discontinued all double action revolvers.

 

[GUNKWAZY]

There were lots of them (Pythons & Diamondbacks) made, but most of them spend their time locked in safes.
As Dfaris pointed out, they are not going to be making any more, so don't expect the prices to drop anytime in the future.

The best way to buy one is keep looking and hope someone sells you one by the book.

Jeff (GUNKWAZY)

 

[JV_2108]

GUNKWAZY -

Sweet collection. How much do you shoot them? And, along those lines, how much should you shoot a collector's item?

Am I barking up the wrong tree looking for something to shoot that's becoming a collectible?

 

[Euclidean]

That's just the thing about it that drives me crazy... my interest in Colts is purely as users because they made some things that no one else ever did.

Luckily for most revolvers I can be quite content with Ruger and Smith, but some of those old Colts are just too sweet to not want.

What chaps my buns about it is that if someone else really really wanted to, they could make those designs again and just as good. Wouldn't be cheap, but I'm talking about getting exactly what you want...

 

[Standing Wolf]

What chaps my buns about it is that if someone else really really wanted to, they could make those designs again and just as good. Wouldn't be cheap, but I'm talking about getting exactly what you want...

Someone will in another 50 or 75 years. Look how long it took for U.S. Firearms to start making Single Action Army revolvers, eh?

 

[xring44]

Today I ran across a 6" stainless python, not the ultimate, in an estate sale, its used, abit dirty, but not scratched up or anything, it locks up like fort knox. I had no idea of its value so I didn't make a offer, any suggestion on its worth??
My experence with the gun traders guide is that they list everything below actual value, or it seems that way to me.

 

[22-rimfire]

The Gun Traders Guide has always been low. One of the things I look for at Gun Shows are dealers that are using "The Standard Catalog of Firearms" as their guide for pricing. Perhaps they use it for buying only? You can sort of tell if they have any guns for sale that you are familiar with the pricing. Anway, prices tend to be low. Colts have been out pacing the Blue Book prices. New Blue Book will be coming out in March. But, I suspect pricing will be behind the market pricing on Colts again.

I don't expect Colt prices to come down. They may stabilize, but they won't come down. If you find something that makes you happy, I'd buy it.

I expect to see pricing for boxes where they add to the value of the gun. Some less common guns in the Blue Book already have a multiplier for a matching box. The market is an interesting thing. I just wish I would have been buying more Colts and boxes.

 

[Gordon]

Offer $500(by waving the bills!) for the Python - and hope!

 

[Standing Wolf]

Today I ran across a 6" stainless python, not the ultimate, in an estate sale, its used, abit dirty, but not scratched up or anything, it locks up like fort knox. I had no idea of its value so I didn't make a offer, any suggestion on its worth??

Anywhere from $600 to $1,500, depending...

"Depending on what?" you might reasonably wonder. Location is a factor, Colt revolvers being worth considerably more in Taxachussets and the People's Republic of California, where it's illegal to "import them." The box and paper work make a gun worth more. Buying a gun from the original purchaser often means you'll pay a bit more. All D and I frame Colt revolvers should lock up tightly; if they don't, they're worth less.

All that said™, the critical factor seems to be how much the seller wants for the gun. If he wants $600, he'll sell it P.D.Q. If he wants $1,500, he might sell it yet this evening, or might have to wait a few weeks—but somebody will be willing to pay the asking price.

Now that Colt has apparently been sold, watch revolver prices fly still higher.

 

[xring44]

He asked me $825.00, like I said, its very nice, dirty but nice,,also has a like new 4" Diamondback 38 special for $450.00 Is that in the ball park?

 

[JV_2108]

He asked me $825.00, like I said, its very nice, dirty but nice,,also has a like new 4" Diamondback 38 special for $450.00 Is that in the ball park?

The Diamondback is a great deal. I'd buy it, and I'm not looking for one in 38.

So, if you don't want it, buy it for me, and we can work out the details. Gotta be more accurate than my snubby...

 

[one45auto]

I paid $975.00 for a Stainless Python back in November and that was about the cheapest one I've seen. They sell fast, believe me. Its Royal blue counterpart was snatched up by an elderly gentleman for $1,100 and even as I was fondling the stainless model and making up my mind the man standing beside me asked if I were going to buy it because he was interested in purchasing it himself.

 

[Moonclip]

The Gun Traders Guide has always been low. One of the things I look for at Gun Shows are dealers that are using "The Standard Catalog of Firearms" as their guide for pricing. Perhaps they use it for buying only? You can sort of tell if they have any guns for sale that you are familiar with the pricing. Anway, prices tend to be low. Colts have been out pacing the Blue Book prices. New Blue Book will be coming out in March. But, I suspect pricing will be behind the market pricing on Colts again.

I don't expect Colt prices to come down. They may stabilize, but they won't come down. If you find something that makes you happy, I'd buy it.

I expect to see pricing for boxes where they add to the value of the gun. Some less common guns in the Blue Book already have a multiplier for a matching box. The market is an interesting thing. I just wish I would have been buying more Colts and boxes.

Dealers going only by the book or misreading the book has helped me get many a deal. S&W revolver prices in the blue book are quite distorted too. The blue book is a good tool but using it for all your pricing is foolish.