Revolver value check

[Tomahawk674]

Hello everyone, my blue book gun value books are old, and it seems gun prices are climbing faster than this counetry's inflation. Can someone give me a value check on a couple of guns?

1: - Colt official Police, 1939, 6 inch Heavy Barrel. Condition about 95%

2: Going price for a very good condition pre-model 10 go for? let's say pre-war, 6 inch?

Thanks!

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I suggest doing some searches on Gunbroker.com for going rates.

 

[Jim K]

The most recent BB gives $750 for the Colt, $350 on the S&W if "very good" works out to 90%.

While the old DA Colts have been increasing in value recently, there were an awful lot of them (and of the S&W M&P). They have little historic or romantic appeal so they will never approach the astronomical prices of Colt percussion revolvers or Single Action Armies.

Jim

 

[Tomahawk674]

Great! thanks for the info. I picked up my Colt OP Heavy Barrel for $450 around 4 years ago. Looks like I got a good deal, or gun prices went up.

I'm surprised at the S&W pre-model 10 for $350, I don't see many on GB going for that little. Looks like people want $4-500 +

I got curious as I recently wanted a 22 DA revolver. I did not see a model 17 or 18, or model 34 in the less than $500 range. I ended up going with a High Standard Sentinel (on it's way to me, C&R).

 

[Old Fuff]

Be aware that the heavy barrel option on the Official Police was a special order item. They took a heavy barrel blank that was usually used on the Officers Model Target revolver and fitted it to a OP frame. Those extra-cost revolvers also got some special action tuning, and had a reputation for superb accuracy. Anyone fortunate enough to have one should take very good care of it.

 

[Tomahawk674]

I have for the most part! one time taking the side plate off I had an accident with a screwdriver and put a small, hair-wide scratch on the side plate. I've been hating myself ever since.

I've thought about getting it reblued by a reputable shop.

 

[Old Fuff]

Depending on exactly when the Official Police was made duplicating the original finish may not be possible. A process called gas oven blue was introduced in the early 1920's and discontinued around 1939-1941. Today it cannot be precisely duplicated, and refinishing would be costly on one hand, while reducing the value on the other.

If it was made later, especially after World War Two the finish can be duplicated, and if that was you're intention I suggest you discuss the matter with the Colt Company.

Do keep in mind that the side plate scratch is regrettable, butt has no affect on the way it shoots.