fair price for a colt detective special?

[trickyasafox]

Hi all-

I'd like to track down an early to mid model colt detective special (wouldn't say no to a third gen, but its not my first choice)

but I'm not sure what a fair price would be, obviously it depends on condition so lets say mechanically very good with aesthetics being a strong secondary, but i'd like 90%+ on the bluing.

is this asking too much to find? what prices should I expect to pay? are these even available on the used market? I have never seen one floating around in my local shops. . .

I'd also take a nice used sw model 10 snubbie as well. . . . basically I'm just looking for that style and size revolver: sw m10, detectives, chief's specials etc etc- preferably used. any suggestions are appreciated.

any help is welcome!

mike

 

[cmidkiff]

I paid too much for mine... but it was in perfect (unfired) condition... I gave $600 to a guy who really didn't want to sell it. It was well worth it to me... I _love_ this little gun

 

[Phydeaux642]

I just picked one up like the one pictured above at Bass Pro Shops Fine Gun Room for $318.50. It's in good cosmetic condition and is sound mechanically. There was no box or paperwork but, what the heck, I didn't buy it to look at.

_____________

"Phydeaux, bad dog....no biscuit!"

 

[GrandmasterB]

I bought one at a gun show from an individual a couple of years back for $250. But I see them more in the $350 price range and going up because they are no longer made and the collectors are hoarding them.

 

[bannockburn]

I think you could expect to pay what cmidkiff paid for one that's NIB with all the paperwork, etc.; somewhere in the $500 to $600 range. For used, but in great shape mechanically, 90 to 95% finish, no box; probably in the $350 to $450 range.

 

[LKB3rd]

I paid $289 for one in fair cosmetic condition, good functional condition, timing is good, non-original stag grips last month. Older one, 1964.
I saw NIB old stock ones ranging from $450 to $699. Seems like one in new or nearly new condition gets in the 450-500 range. The $699 was way too high.
I live in CT so i guess i am lucky to be near the factory. There seem to be quite a few kicking around nearby.

 

[SwampWolf]

I think bannockburn's estimate is pretty much on target, with the average price leaning more to the $450.00, even pushing $500.00 range. Anything under $450.00 in the condition described I believe would constitute a better than average deal.

 

[wcwhitey]

Tricky, in our area either of those should be pretty abundant. Some of those guns are still in use by local PD's on a limited level. Thousand's or retirement sales are around if you look. Every gun store you go to will have an NYPD turn-in. A good solid Model 10 4" will go for around $200 with some holster wear, 2" slightly more. Expect $300+ for the Colt DS. I have not seen one over $400 YET but it looks like prices of everything are rising fast.

 

[SouthpawShootr]

Mine is a 3rd issue that I bought "used" from a dealer in CA about 5 years ago. Paid $350 for it. I understood it to be in excellent used condition. I was shocked when it arrived and it was LNIB will all the paperwork and even a blank warranty card. Didn't even look like the cylinder had ever been turned. I have no idea what the gun would fetch now. I haven't shot it. I have no idea what the market is like now, but judging from what Diamondbacks have been getting lately, there's a good market out there (meaning buyers are going to pay more, alot more). You just don't see Detective Specials around here anymore. Or Diamondbacks for that matter. Pythons turn up now and again, but for $1200-1500.

 

[jdomin]

Colt Detective Spl

Priced Around 450 575 Depending On Condition Box Etc

 

[popeye]

I'll see if I can make a vaguely intelligent statement here. Timing on a Colt involves a completely different mechanism than a S&W. It is far more difficult to find a smith that can fix a Colt. Most repairs have to go to the factory. So check out any prospective buys carefully. If you buy a long frame round butt, be aware original replacement grips are hard to find. I favor the short butt, no ejector rod shroud style myself. I have 3 Cobras in the aforementioned style. I also have one steel round butt. All are blue, except one nickel Cobra. I found the third Cobra Saturday. $275 out the door. I couldn't believe it as it's about 95% and similar guns go for $375-$400 around here. Grips for these short frame guns are still around. Also you can use long or short grips on this model. The short grip Cobra with the short grips mounted, can be carried in a pocket. Det. Specs. have been around since 1927 and sadly discontinued now. The Magnum carry looked like a real winner.

 

[22-rimfire]

This past summer, a local gun shop had as-new Detective Special for $450. At the time it looked fair, but I thought I could do better. The end result is that gun sold and I never found a better one at a show (price or quality). So, I think you are looking in the $450-$600 range these days. Price keeps going up on the good stuff. I suspect you could pick up a 90% gun for $400 now.