Price of a 1st Generation Colt Agent?

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Kestrel

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I saw a Colt Agent in a shop. It had a lightweight frame, had a shroud over the hammer and was a six-shot. It did not have an ejector shroud (1st generation) It would have been in about 98%-99% condition, if it were not for a slight scuff on a corner of the alloy frame, otherwise, it was just about perfect. The cylinder was very stiff and hard to rotate out of the frame. They wanted $475 for it. Isn't this pretty high?

Are these good guns? It seems that unshrouded ejector would be a liability (easy to bend). The cylinder release on a Colt revolver is counter-intuitive to me, since I've always had Smiths and Rugers.

The wood grips felt great, though. They are shaped well.

Thanks for any help,
Steve
 
Sounds high to me. I see one once in awhile at a show but they are rare and I think they`re more like around $300-350.

It sounds like it might need some work like cylinder alignment. One of the complaints of the old time dicks was that the ejector rod would bend when they hit someone in the head.:what: This was before portable radios which were so much better for cracking a cruller.:D

If you`re looking for a carry piece, I`d go for a later shrouded model as these are getting rarer and can`t handle +P rounds.
 
I disagree, I am kicking myself for losing so many rare pieces by passing and looking for another. I would make an offer of $400 CASH NOW. Which for a pristine early Agent with shroud is resonable. These things are approaching unobtainium, not many were made, then there's that prancing pony! I passed on a Colt PP .22WRF and it took 15 years to find another for same price. Recently I missed a cherry Mod. 12 Round butt with flat latch for $240 because I was ignorant of Mod 12 history, anybody got another for sale? Colt Cobra's in excellent shape atre going for $375 when you can find them, DS for $350 in same shape. You can find the ufinished 2nd gen Agents for $300.;)
 
Back in the "200th Year Of American Liberty" which was
1976, I found and purchased a NIB old model Colt Agent*
w/o the enclosed ejector rod housing. It had belonged
to a retired doctor who resided in the great state of North
Carolina. All the original paperwork, oily sheet, and the
original box were also in "gem mint" condition; with the
original selling price written on the end tab of the box
in ink. And that price will shock people unfamiliar with
that era; cuz it was a mere $89.00.

*FootNote- this was a 1st generation Colt Agent!

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
Steve:

Be aware that the Agent grips that you like will fit any Detective Special, Cobra or Police Positive that has the "short butt" frame. Putting the shorter grips on a more common (and less expensive) gun might be a better way too go.
 
Thanks for all the info. I'll leave it alone. I didn't like how the trigger stacked, anyway. I also don't like the "backwards" cylinder release on the Colts. I'll stick to Smiths and Rugers.

Thanks again,
Steve
 
Steve - "I also don't like the "backwards" cylinder release on the Colts."

What!?! Hey you got it wrong!

The cylinder release on the Colt is the only revolver that has it right. All the others have it wrong.
You cannot accidentlly release it when you fire the gun. It has to be pulled back. It's smooth and rounded so it doesn't cut into you hand when fired.

Whoa there partner, lets get real.:D
 
I have a D/S I bought new in 1975 as an off duty gun. It was recommended that if you carried a Smith duty weapon you stick with Smiths. I had no problem with the different cylinder releases. Practice, practice, practice.:D

AFA prices go, Steve didn`t say where he lives. While here in Pa. Smiths outnumber Colts, the Colts sell for $250-$350 depending on Model & condition. You can ask what you want for a gun, that doesn`t mean you`ll get it.
 
Lemme 2nd 4thHorsemans observation;

"The cylinder release on the Colt is the only revolver that has it right. "

If the shooter is right handed, the release of the Colt cylinder puts the weapon in perfect angle to press the ejector rod with left hand or right leg.

The colt latch won't eat your thumb up like a Smith.

The Colt Release latch is as close to perfect as can be found. (Why the Smith latch has been copied by so many off brand producers is beyond me) :confused:
 
Well since you didn't buy it, soI bought the very early Colt Agent on AuctionArms for $259. It looks real clean in pictures and the seller says it's tight. I have one of the unfinished 80's Agents which is heavily customized and refinished, and I have a "Jack Ruby" Cobra, but now I have that tiny, lightweight, Agent to round out the other D frames in my collection.:)
 
Old Agents, Cobra's

I don't have a Colt Agent, but I do have a couple of 1st generation Cobras.. I also have 2 j-frame smiths (49 &638) and for my personal preference I enjoy shooting the Colts much more. The Colt's are just as accurate as the smaller Smiths, and the trigger actions are just smoother for me. The Cobra's have some sort of "character, or "personality" that just appeals to me. I wouldn't care for a hammer shroud as shooting the Cobra's single action is such a pleasure. One of my Cobra's was older and apparently used a lot, the other is almost new. They both shoot about the same. You can always buy a newly manufactured pistol, but to me, the older guns such as the Cobra's need love just as much (if not more) than the new fancy stuff. But then, I adopt my wifes pets from the pound in order to save their lives as opposed to buying a new animal (with "papers"). I drive an old '86 El Camino instead of a new pickup. I don't have any problem with folks liking newer stuff, it's just that I find the newer stuff doesn't have the same "soul" to me that older stuff does. But, everyone is entitled to their own likes and dislikes. I'm just glad to see you looking at old "Agents" - that's a a good sign! Take Care.
 
My first disappointment with Kali "law"! I won on auction arms a nice early Agent for $259. The dealer was in Kali so I thought no problem. But the gunshop seller can not transfer this gun to me because "it is not a private party transfer" seems this gunshop made the (in Kali) error of purchasing some used guns in shops name,rather than on consignment, and cannot sell any thing younger than 1954 to any end user other than a LEO (with chief's letter). This is my first strike out and it sucks. Any body out of state look for this choice Agent made in late 50's /early 60's to be re posted on Auction arms for around $250.:( :banghead: :fire:
 
Anti Gun California Politicians

My Fitz Pistol Grip company started in California because officers could not earn their monthly shooting pay with Colt Diamondback, Agent, Viper, Police Positive and Smith J frame pistols as they could not shoot accurately at the standard 25 yard police ranges with the too small handles of these pistols. So we made bigger grips and besides me being an officer myself and a weapons instructor, I represented the Star Reloader Co. and The Saeco Bulletcasting tool company all California companies and yet all the politicians want to run gun owners out of the state??

As an officer I would like CCWs owners out in the public and protecting their families and homes.

Sorry for the soapbox but this thread got me going.
 
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