Want to have some work done on my Colt.

[Ruodo]

I have an old colt detective special in pretty bad condition. I kinda want to have it reblued, bobbed hammer, and buy a new grip for it. But I have a few questions first.

It was made in '51, in .38 colt new police, and has colt plastic grips. Its got a ton of holster wear, some rust on the hammer, and a little rust near the rear sight. Is it worth more than a normal colt DS, any reason not to have work done on it?

Can you still have them sent to Colt to have them blued again? What is your guys recommendation for this? About how much does it cost for this? About how long will it take? Do they have to send it to a FFL when they send it back? Do they do as good a job as they used to?

 

[MMCSRET]

Call Colt, they will tell you up front what they will or not do.

 

[dfariswheel]

Colt still offers factory re-bluing and it's as good as it used to be, if not actually a little better.

Your 1951 really isn't worth more than any other post-war DS.

You can send you Colt directly to Colt and they can return it directly to you.
You'll have to send it by UPS or FedEx, NOT BY US MAIL, and UPS and FedEx require that it be shipped by the fastest (and most expensive) method.
Most UPS Stores will not ship guns, you have to take it to a USP Depot.

Once Colt has the gun, they'll check it out and send you an invoice for the work you requested and any mechanical problems they might find.
Once you pay, it usually runs about 30 days for them to ship it back.

 

[bozzman3]

I had a python done in nickle by them and it came out flawless.The gun looked new with no loss of sharp features!!

 

[Travis Bickle]

You can send you Colt directly to Colt and they can return it directly to you.

That's according to federal law. Some states and localities say it must go through an FFL, but I doubt Tennessee is one of them.

Anyway, even though it's probably not required, he can go through an FFL if he wants to and it's usually cheaper that way, since the FFL can use USPS and whatever their cheapest rate is.

 

[Ty 357]

Hey Ruodo, Just this afternoon I mailed my grandfather's revolver to Colt to have them take a look at possibly reblueing/restoring. I went to a small "shipping store" and had no problems sending it UPS. I told the lady it was a firearm and had no issues whatsoever. I did NOT have to send it overnight...i shipped it three day ground....$16 compared to $84. I'm in Knoxville.

I called Colt and was basically told they will need to examine the gun before determining what they can and can not do. They require a letter with the firearm stating exactly what type of work you are requesting. After an inspection, they will then contact you with an estimate for the work they are able to do. Hope this helps.

 

[Travis Bickle]

Hey Ruodo, Just this afternoon I mailed my grandfather's revolver to Colt to have them take a look at possibly reblueing/restoring. I went to a small "shipping store" and had no problems sending it UPS. I told the lady it was a firearm and had no issues whatsoever. I did NOT have to send it overnight...i shipped it three day ground....$16 compared to $84. I'm in Knoxville.

Last time I checked, it had to be sent from a hub and be sent next day air. However, I think they might've changed their policy since then, because now that I think about it, the last time I was sent back a gun, it was sent back second day air instead of next day air.

 

[Jim K]

It is interesting that you say it is chambered for .38 Colt New Police (aka .38 S&W). I have never seen a Det. Special in anything but .38 Special and would like to ask what is the exact marking on the gun.

Wilson says they were made in .38 S&W, but Colt catalogs don't list that caliber.

Jim

 

[Old Fuff]

Prior to, and during World War Two, Colt chambered the Police Positive model in .38 S&W (known as .38 Colt New Police in Colt circles) and the Detective Special was offered in .38 Special.

Following the war they discontinued the Police Positive and chambered a relatively few Detective Special's in .38 CNP/.38 S&W. It did not prove to be popular, and the cartridge was soon dropped from the line-up.

While the Detective Special in .38 CNP is uncommon to scarce, it hasn't attracted much favoarble interest from either collectors or shooters. It may someday, but "someday" is probably a long way off. I would suggest that the revolver's owner not worry about it and go forward with his plans.

 

[Dr.Rob]

If the work is done by Colt and documented it will retain its value.

 

[Ruodo]

Thanks for all the help and replies, this helped a lot! Still dunno if I will actually have all the work done on it, I'm thinking for the amount I am going to end up spending I could just buy a second in better condition anyways.

It is interesting that you say it is chambered for .38 Colt New Police (aka .38 S&W). I have never seen a Det. Special in anything but .38 Special and would like to ask what is the exact marking on the gun.

That what you wanted? I was shocked when I found it because I didn't know that either.