1980s Colt Agent

[kaaskop49]

Anyone have any experience with this Parkerized gun from the 80s, + or -? I vaguely recall reading that the action was rougher than more finely finished Colt snubs, and the sideplate seemed poorly fitted. Dealer has a minty example on his 'clunker' table and I feel like another snub. You know how it is...Thanks in advance.

Kaaskop49
Shield # 5103

 

[wpriest]

Colt Agents

My wife has two--one is her carry the other is a stashed emergency piece.

Both were purchased new. They are Al framed so no +P. The finish is rough (Parkerized) but the action is crisp and smooth--both --are without any work done on them. She changed the grips to Pachmyr Colt logo grips that provided more control than the stock slim wooden ones.

I recall a G & A article that said they had the smoothness of a Python (a bit of an exaggeration)

I'm kinda wondering why they would be on a clunker table except there aren't too many 'smiths around that handle Colt revolvers.

 

[JJEH]

I had an Agent, made in '85 and - according to Colt - it's good for +P.

I regret selling it. It was heavy metal, smooth action and very accurate.

 

[murphydog]

These were produced during a period of labor strife at Colt, apparently when the metal polishers were away . I have one and it is easily rougher on the outside than a Victory Model but it is fine fit and function-wise. Depending on the price it may be a good buy, and my understanding is (as a modern gun) the factory will still repair it.

I also understand it is fine for +P but watch out for those CTGs . Hope this is helpful.

 

[gsm73]

Here is what I call Agent Ugly! Extra thick side plate, horrible casting on the crane. Action is as good as another Agent I have from 1975 before they went to the parkerized finish as well as some other D frame's that I have. If the price is good and timing/lockup are as a Colt should be I would recommend. The manual I have indicates after 1000 rounds of +p to send to mothership for inspection.

 

[epj]

I have two older ones, both with the hammer shroud. One is from 64 and is the old style barrel. The other from about 75 has the shrouded barrel. It's my favorite carry gun. It did need goodyears for proper control.

 

[kaaskop49]

I'm kinda wondering why they would be on a clunker table except there aren't too many 'smiths around that handle Colt revolvers.

That dealer's clunker table is like panning for gold. Found my minty 640 there, also my 337. Passed up TWO mint 642s there at the same time. The table reminds me of Eli Wallach's Tuco sweeping the guns onto the floor in GBU.

Sincerely appreciate the rapid replies of all kinds on the Agent. Happy holidays!

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[Shorty 45 MK2]

Sorry can't help much on how the action is but I vote for giving it a try! Granted if it's a snubby .38 I'll tend to want to take it home with me.

 

[MrTrolleyguy]

Mine is kind of minty also. And I paid a pretty penny for her. But I am a sucker for a good lookin' petite snubnosed b****. Especially if she is well put together

 

[vic3620]

Got one

Bought mine new in 1982. 199.00 before tax.
It's my everyday truck gun between the seat and console.
It's not pretty but the function and reliability is there. It is the parkerized
Model, I put rubber on it and found the original wood grips I took off in a box in my reloading room last week.

Vic3620

 

[2K7]

They have every bit as good of fit & finish on the inside as the finer finished Colts. As mentioned in previous posts, they were made during a short time of controversy inside Colt with the finishers.

Note...."they were only made for a short time" = Very few made.

Mine came with smooth, service style grips with the wood filler below the bottom of the grip frame so the side panels could be a little longer. I removed them and set them aside for the Pachmayer version in the photo for carry.

Don't hesitate...buy it!

They are great guns and that "ugly" look only exemplifies the "built for business" attitude!

 

[chief38]

Can't say I have handled LOTS of agents, but not much of a difference in actions between it and my Dick Spl. My Dick Spl. is however much more finely finished but for pocket carry the Agent is real nice. Belt carry - no big difference. The Parkerized finish while not pretty will fare well.

Can't say I'd buy another Agent over a Dick Spl. unless the price was really good or I did not have one. LOVE my Dick Special!!!

 

[Richard Simmons]

Both of mine are safe queens as I purchased them NIB. From what little I've handled them they appear well made with smooth actions. The urge to use one or both has been gnawing at me of late but I have other snubbies for CCW so these will remain unfired since the factory for a little longer anyway.

 

[M29since14]

One of my shooting-friends had a later Agent that shipped with Pachmayr stocks. When he called to tell me he bought it I cringed, but when I actually saw the gun it was much better than expected. It was not nearly as nicely finished as Mr. Trolleyguy's Agent, but it was way better than some of the modern ones I had seen. I am not a Colt-man so I did not notice anything unusual about the action. The gun functioned and shot well. My friend was happy with it, but unfortunately it was "lost" when he claimed his personal affects following a divorce. Too bad he didn't have it locked up.

 

[kaaskop49]

Sincerely appreciate the wealth of opinion on my thread. Interesting that the general view is that the action is not sub-standard, as originally reported. As to why the gun is on the "clunker" table, I believe the Parkerized finish may be the reason. The dealer had it marked at $475, but if the gun is still there, I should be able to work on him as I am a prior customer, but prolly only a little.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

I had one once, and the sideplate was poorly fitted, and actually prevented use of speedloaders. However, the action was BETTER than other Colts I had had my hands on. I bought it primarily because of who was selling it, but that's another story.