The Snubbie

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I would prefer the blue since I already have the nickel, but, the way they are around here, Ill buy anything that comes available as long as it passes the functional tests. There's just not much to choose from. Again.......good luck!
 
Does 3" count as snubby? If so, I just joined the snubby club with a 3" 686-5. It's a polished satin finish 7-shooter that I got from a buddy for just $325. I still can't believe I got this "looks almost brand new" piece for that low. I cannot WAIT to shoot it!
 
Colt Detective's Special with Badger Rosewood Boot Grips
Bought for $200 cash on a Saturday night while sitting in a car.... A true "Saturday Night Special"


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Cameron
 
That is beautiful Cameron!!! I was impressed when I first saw your thread 'Saturday night special'. That thing just screams quality. One question though, did you put the Colt medalians in the Badger grips? That looks great! Please show us how you did it. Kevin.
 
I think I need to move to a different location. I have yet to run across a good deal like some of you guys seem to be running across. That sure is a good looking DS cameron.

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"Phydeaux, bad dog....no biscuit!"
 
I haven't run into deals, I have to seek them out, and yes - they are around.

Finding a mint, classic revolver priced at $200.00 is unusual, and usually involves a seller that need quick cash to pay unexpected bills. Therefore it is advisable to have some cash available on short notice. Otherwise someone else is likely to get the buy before you do.

You also have to know what you're dealing with, what's valuable and what isn't. On more then one occasion I've bought something that I really didn't want or need because the price was lowball and I knew I could sell or trade it for something I did want. At that point I would have what I was looking for at a cost equal to what I paid for the other gun. Sort of a round about way, but it works.

Also remember that a perfect finish doesn't make a perfect shooter. Most real buys I've come across had some cosmetic wear, but worked (and shot) just fine.
 
Where I live you just don't find many good old revolvers in the shops. I think people here tend to hold on to them for many different reasons. Of course, I can find used autos everywhere, as I would expect to. I do ask the guys at the shops about getting old wheelies but they tell me they just don't see that many. The guys that I know that shoot regularly lean heavily to the autos so nothing on that front. And, I agree, a great looking gun doesn't make a great shooter. I would rather have a great shooter with a little character (read that as "a great shooter with a worn finish"). In about a month I am on vacation, so, I think I'll drive around the state and see what I can find.

And, while I am thinking about it, what are some of your experiences with Guns America and Gunbroker? I have looked but I have yet to buy.

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"Phydeaux, bad dog....no biscuit!"
 
Phydeaux, I've had pretty good luck with Gunbroker and Auctionarms. You have to be careful and patient, but you can land some good deals.

I'm watching about 6 different Detective Specials right now on Gunbroker. The key to success is to set yourself a high limit before you bid and not get caught up in bidding fever.
 
Snubbies

Hi guys:

I just joined-had to after seeing this thread!

I have owned quite a few snubbies--all of 'em S&Ws. I've had mostly J-Frames in stainless, both off-the-shelf and Performance Center models and one Airweight Centennial. Still, I like a beefier frame, with a little weight on it for .357 Magnum. My latest, purchased new earlier this summer, is a 2 1/2" S&W Model 686 Plus (7 round). This little powerhouse has a trigger action that's slicker than snot and she puts 'em where the front sight says they ought to go.

I prefer the looks of a blued gun and think the S&W Model 19 in 2 1/2" is just about the handsomest snubbie made. I carry in Washington State and we live near salt water, so it's "practical stainless" when I carry the 686 Plus.

I have one Colt revolver, but at 6", it's way beyond the snubbie catagory. It's a Trooper MK-III and is a really accurate and slick six-shooter. It always comes along whenever I bring the 'smith to the range.

Ironvic
 
ironvic, welcome to THR!

Now that you've joined us, the next thing you need to do is get some pictures posted so we can admire your S&W's.
 
I've bought over half a dozen guns off of internet classified ads and auction sites. So set a price in mind for what you want to pay for it, and go after what you want until it reaches your limit. The nice thing about this internet thing is you get access to items outside your local market. We'll have to thank Al Gore.

I've bought a few off here, too.
 
ironvic

Welcome to THR. I'm with Texas Colt - I would like to see some pics. I haven't posted pics yet, but I will when the grips I have ordered get to me.

__________________

"Phydeaux, bad dog....no biscuit!"
 
Well, I found a used nickel Colt Detective Special at a LGS today for $399. I haven't purchased it yet because I need some info. What do I look for when looking at old Colt revolvers? I read a thread on THR not too long ago on this subject, but I can't find it now. Help.

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"Phydeaux, bad dog....no biscuit!"
 
Phydeaux, probably the most important thing is checking the timing. Thumb cock the revolver slowly and make sure the bolt engages the notch in the cylinder. Check each chamber that way. If the bolt doesn't lock into place, there is a problem with the timing.
 
Texas Colt and Old Fuff

Thanks, guys. That was what I was looking for. At $399 the price doesn't seem bad after looking at some gun seller sites, I just need to check it out now.

___________________

"Phydeaux, bad dog....no biscuit!"
 
Can I get an opinion from you guys that own Colts? I went back today and looked closer at the Colt Detective Special I mentioned earlier. It locks up tight and everything lines up as it should. It doesn't have the original grips but I don't know if that is a big deal. The finish is nickel which looks pretty good except for two or three small places on the cylinder that look to me like something ate into the finish or something scraped it. They are asking $399 for the gun. Good deal, bad deal? I see prices on the internet that are all over the place, so, I'm not sure.

____________________

"Phydeaux, bad dog....no biscuit!"
 
Its scraped? So what? Its a tool. If its in good shape, get it. You can find perfect examples, but you'll have to pay more for it, and if its perfect, you might feel leery shooting it for fear of diminishing its value. That's not a terrible price on one. You've said they're hard to find in your area.

They're aren't going to be any new ones produced. And the guys who own one don't generally get rid of them.
 
This like-new-in-box blued Detective Special is on www.gunbroker.com starting at $400.00

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=81377479

I recently purchased an older "pencil barrel" with about 85% original blue but excellent otherwise for $275.00. At $399.00 the one you are looking at would seem overpriced by at least $100.00. But then it sometimes matters on where you are located. I agree that excluding perfect collector guns the original stocks don't matter that much.
 
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