Looking for a Detective Special at Pasadena gun show this weekend. Any pointers?

[Doug.38PR]

I just gave my dad $500 to go and select a Detective Special (I think he likes that one the best as it as 6 shots) at the Pasadene Texas gun show Saturday. He is shooting for a DS or some kind of snubbie as a pocket gun (his M-10 is too hard for him to conceal without a coat). What kind of prices should we look for? I have a 2cond issue DS and I think that is the kind he likes best. I am guessing a good price would be $400-450. Although I got mine last year for only $350.

 

[Majic]

The condition will be the major price factor. With all Colts having inflated prices these days a NIB specimen will bring top dollar and possibly take all of that $500. $300 to $400 SHOULD be a good price on a decent condition model, but don't forget many people are looking to cash in on Colts now. I wouldn't expect to much of a deal at a gunshow.

 

[PX15]

Doug.38PR:

Just a thought, but if your Dad can't find what he's looking for I can recommend BT (San Angelo, TX) on www.gunsamerica.com.



Oftentimes you just can't find precisely what you want locally, or at a gun show, so I've found that if you can locate a reliable dealer to search for just what you want you might be better off..

I've only had 2 dealings online thru www.gunsamerica.com, but both dealers were quality folks whose revolvers arrived just as described, and the prices were more than fair.

H. Hamilton sold me a pristine pre-40 Centennial very reasonably, and BT sold me the pictured DS at a fair price too..

I'm not a shill for either BT/H. Hamilton, but I think the thing to do when you find a trustworthy person who is a pleasure to deal with you should spread the news.. Both of these folks are such firearm dealers.

I'm just as quick to spread "bad news" too...

Just another option.

Best Wishes,

J. Pomeroy

 

[Starter52]

I own both a Detecive Special and the alloy-frame Cobra. Wonderful guns. I prefer the Cobra for a pocket gun.

The stocks that come from the factory are the best wood stocks ever made for a revolver, IMO. Every other revolver I own wears Pachmyers or Hogues, but the D-frame Colts still have their original wood.

$500 should buy either gun with change to spare.

I hate to say it, but Majic is right. Some Colts are just getting too "collectable" and availability is getting spotty.

 

[Bart Noir]

They wanted 495 for it.

It being a pristine late model DS, in box with warrenty card. The shop told me the lady had fired only three rounds through it, and many years later, brought the box of 47 in with the gun. I saw no-zero-zilch marks on cylinder or breech face, it was like it had never been fired.

It was really rough for those 2 days before I flew out of Oklahoma City. But I convinced myself I couldn't afford it, since it would be a safe queen. But, since that was only 2 days ago, it is likely still there. Big Boys Gunshop, near Mustang, if anybody wants it.

Bart Noir

 

[Doug.38PR]

Okay!!!!!! We just got back from the show and he got an ejector rod shrouded (seral number puts it at 1969???? See my next thread) Colt Agent. Timing perfect. Action is smooth and is polished down. It does have a little bit if cylinder end shake but I guess as long as it goes boom on every shot it's going to be okay. The end shake is a little looser than my DS, but we will test fire it tomorrow at the range. Dad says he has no intention of using +P rounds in it, just wants to use standard .38 specials. Said if he wanted stopping power he'd carry a .45 acp, but the agent is a good conceal gun to make his problems go away.

 

[dfariswheel]

This appears to be a post-1985 production Agent with the flat black, unpolished finish.