Need some thoughts on a Colt Det. Special

[dust_101]

Ok, I've been looking for a Colt DS as a CCW for awhile now, but I keep running into these ones on gunbroker for high dollars and since one can never "see" the gun when on the internet, I tend to shy away from buying on there.

So when talking to one of my friends I mention how high prices are on GB and he tells me he knows someone who has a Colt DS that they were looking to sell. Met them today, had a look at the Colt and here's my impression - it's a refinished (matte blued) earlier model with the exposed rod, hasn't been shot alot since the refinish, and no longer has the firm lock up that my Colt Official Police has when you keep the trigger in a pulled position and try to move the cylinder. It may have had parts replaced, no way to know what is original and what is not.

Guy wanted to sell it for $150, and is "thinking" about if he really wants to sell it or keep it as his truck gun.

Thoughts?

 

[Boats]

Under current market circumstances, if you bought it at $150 and put another $150 into tightening it up, you could probably still sell it for a profit sometime soon if the refinish job is decent.

It's not like they are making them anymore, and most of them even today are bought as shooters, not collectibles. Six shots in a barely larger than J-frame package still holds alot of charm to many revolver fans.

All bets are off if Colt's ever gets it act together and gets back into the revolver game.

 

[News Shooter]

Big Mistake

Run away and send me his phone number.

A CDS for that price is a grabber! Do it! Even if you decide not to carry it you simply have to have one. I don't even like revolvers and I have one. I also have a S & W Model 38 which is basically the same thing with a shrouded hammer.
Makes it easier for pocket carry

Additionally, I would never buy a gun thinking you're going to make a profit. It almost never happens.

 

[Whitewolf 508]

Location

Where are you located ?

Collector Rifle and Ammo on Route 82 in Hopewell Junction had sevearl used Colt DSs in the used gun case 2 weeks ago. I can't vouch for th condition but you might want to give them a call..

 

[dust_101]

whooops guess I didn't make that part of it clear, I don't intend on buying to resell and reap in the $$, this would be either a CCW or glove compartment snubbie and it would be used, shot at the range almost on a weekly basis.

The refinish job is just SO not close to original, it looks like a sandblasted matte that hit a scotchwheel so it's a really matte finish. The poor pony is slightly worn away.

Anyone know if there are still Colt specific gunsmiths out there - ie on the web or anything of that nature? I'm just concerned, my Official Police is so nice and tight compared to this CDS, I'd hate to be getting a 'project gun' again...

 

[MrBorland]

Anyone know if there are still Colt specific gunsmiths out there - ie on the web or anything of that nature?

Grant Cunningham. Works on Dan Wessons, Rugers, S&Ws & Colts.
http://www.grantcunningham.com/

Matt Almeda. Don't know if he works on Colts, but you might send him an email.
http://www.revolverarmorer.com/

A few weeks ago, I was in PA and stopped in the Cabelas in Hamburg. They had a Detective Special in nice shape for $300. I should've bought it, but didn't. Might still be there.

 

[News Shooter]

Read this

http://www.gunsandammomag.com/classics/ct0507/

 

[dust_101]

Ugh... ok so I just found out that the cylinder is a replacement, from another Colt, most likely a Police Positive (?) but either way, this is just starting to look like it may be a bad purchase...

Although even if some of the parts are not original, as long as it is an original CDS frame, I could find original parts... er wait no, a cylinder assy. on Numrich Arms is $122... gah

Ah well... a franken-gun just does not seem like something I want to bet my life on.