Smith or Colt

[desertdweller]

Help me! I am pondering trading my 98% Model 57 4" nickel 41 magnum in a presentation case for a Colt series 80 bright polished ss .38 super in the same condition.

I have lots of Smiths and know what my 41 magnum is worth but I am not sure of the value of the Colt. Was just thinking of expanding my horizon but don't want to take it in the shorts on the deal.

Oh by the way the guy wants to do an even trade.

Thoughts from the experts please!!

[arjay]

If the Colt is an " elcen" ,new ones,a few years ago,were about $1,000.

[gkitch]

Hmmm.
Both are in off calibers, but those with a dedicated following.
I think if you put them both on the same table at a gunshow priced "book", the S&W would be gone in the blink of a hummingbird's eye. The Colt might be around for a show or two until the right buyer came along.
I do not know the book value of the Colt right now, but it is likely in a similar ballpark IF it has everything and has NOT been tampered with.

[gunny4053]

LGS here has a Nickle Colt .38 Super with a price tag about $1000, gun and a couple mags, no box or papers. It's your call.

[Navarre]

It is my understanding that the pre-80 series Colts are more collectable than the 80 series. This is due to the changes made on the series 80. (grip safety & changed the firing pin so the weapon wouldn't fire when dropped) $1000 sounds about right around my neck of the woods though. Is that what your Model 57 is worth? Tough call

[ischia]

I would keep the 57. It might not be worth as much as the Colt but will be much harder to perhaps replace in the future.(on the Colt being a somewhat rarer .38 super is the rub, but it is NOT a series'70) IF the Colt was a nickel series '70 make the trade for sure. I have a NIB blue series'70 .38 super and would not trade for your 57 with even $500 added to me.

Ischia

[Model19man]

He said the Colt is stainless. I would keep the Smith unless a hundred bucks was coming my way, and then sell the Colt to buy another Smith......

[trauma1]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Don't do it man! If it was a pre-series 80 maybe, but it isn't. Your 57 is twice the gun. Just back away nice and slow and everything will be okay

[PA Reb]

Ask the same question over on the Colt forum. I'd bet you will get a whole nother set of answers that may help you make your decision.

[kennyb]

i have colts....great guns....in this case i would for sure keep the M57...just saying

[arjay]

I collect both brands,it would depend on the mood of the day :-)

[05srt10]

Hard to call but the model 57 might be hard to replace if you choose to later.

[BigMuddy]

My opinon..no matter how you slice it, the Colt is still just another 1911. Now I love 1911's but they are not hard to find. That Mod 57..well I let a few of those go over the years and regret every one.

If I had a Series 80 Colt I would trade you in a heartbeat for that '57.

Dan

[perrazi]

keep the 57. it would be a lot more difficult to replace if you wanted to. i tend to revolvers since i hate picking up brass. lots of 38 supers around if you look.

[semperfi71]

Keep the M57, it has been reported here that maybe nickeled M57s are a bit rare.

Colt .38 Supers abound. You'll find one in a short while after saving your money.

[Joe in SC]

If the Colt was a Series 70 or a pre 70 I would probably go for it if I didn't shoot the 57 and wanted an auto Colt to shoot, otherwise no.

[M29since14]

It wouldn't be an even trade to me. I would keep the S&W. Colt .38 Supers are usually more trouble than they are worth, to someone who actually shoots them, regardless of the vintage. Unless you just don't like or enjoy shooting the S&W any longer, this is a no-brainer.

[Maximumbob54]

They don't make those 57's anymore.

They are still making those Series 80 bright stainless .38 super guns.

Case closed.

[jimmyj]

Considering trading a SMITH AND WESSON for another brand??
You need to lie down, rest, and relax.
This feeling should pass in a little while.

[44wheelman]

I've had a couple series 80 Colts...they wouldn't shoot 4" groups at 25yds...sloppy, sloppy, sloppy. The only super I've had is a Springfield & EAA Witness- both of those were pretty accurate.

I'm sure you're not going to know til after you do the deal, if it is worth it. Financially, sounds like a good deal. I just don't know if I had $850+ that I would buy a Series 80 38...regardless how much I though it ws worth.

[desertdweller]

Thanks to all for comments. I have been trying to post a photo but haven't been smart enough!!

[jubela#4]

That 57 looks to be in great shape. To me it's a no brainer, keep the 57.