80's "Ugly" Colt Agent for $399- Good deal?

[.455_Hunter]

A "tactical" LGS has a very low mileage mid-80s (SN# ~W38XXX) Colt Agent in the unloved non-polystriker section of the used case for $399. It's one of the ugly guns made when the polishers were AWOL, and unfortunately is fitted with some brand rubber grip instead of the smooth factory wood. The timing seems right on, with firm lock-up and nice cylinder gap. I would like a 6 shot snub smaller than my 12-2 flat latch. What do you guys think about these Colts in general and the price on this one in particular? Thanks.

 

[Muley Gil]

My advise is: Buy it! I bought a nearly new Agent for $300 back in 2006. Mine is the older version with the unshrouded ejector rod. It is my every day carry.

 

[Wyatt Burp]

A "tactical" LGS has a very low mileage mid-80s (SN# ~W38XXX) Colt Agent in the unloved non-polystriker section of the used case for $399. It's one of the ugly guns made when the polishers were AWOL, and unfortunately is fitted with some brand rubber grip instead of the smooth factory wood. The timing seems right on, with firm lock-up and nice cylinder gap. I would like a 6 shot snub smaller than my 12-2 flat latch. What do you guys think about these Colts in general and the price on this one in particular? Thanks.

That's a good gun at that price. Sure, it's parkerized, or close to it as I recall. But on the inside it's basically a Cobra being a lightweight. I have a '51 Cobra but I would still buy one of those if I saw one in person.

 

[ddixie884]

I think the goodyears came on that gun. I would buy it in a second

 

[bananaman]

Myself, I would go get it ! Look it over well. Don't think it will remain there long. Bob

 

[.455_Hunter]

Cool. I will go back with some snap caps and take a second look. Thanks.

 

[crazyphil]

Sorry you think the agent is ugly. I think mine is kinda handsome.
Picked it up about 10 or 15 years ago for $250. Bobbed the hammer
and removed the single action notch. I like DAO. Put some extended
boot grips by Craig Spegel on and here it is on the left.
2nd from left in a Black Hills Lizard high ride pancake.
3rd from left in an old Eubanks Pioneer Leather.
4th in a Ken Null IWB and a CRKT knife.
5th in Price Westerns 320S.

 

[VictorLouis]

buy, Buy, BUY ! Bye-bye!

 

[Old cop]

These little Colts were some of the best snubbies ever made. I carried an issued Detective Special that saved my butt in a 1974 gunfight, and I still own my first off duty Cobra purchased for $85 in 1968. Go for it!

 

[epj]

That's probably a good price on one of the parked guns. The older ones with blued/ black anodized finish are pretty pricey. I have two of them, both with the factory hammer shroud. The newer one, from 1975, I carry on a regular basis. Wouldn't sell either for $400, cosmetic challenges and all.

 

[iPac]

That's probably a good price on one of the parked guns. The older ones with blued/ black anodized finish are pretty pricey. I have two of them, both with the factory hammer shroud. The newer one, from 1975, I carry on a regular basis. Wouldn't sell either for $400, cosmetic challenges and all.

The price isn't too bad for the Agent in question, as long as the condition is relatively high. At least in my opinion.

With internet and nationwide access to sources, some still fail to realize there exists a wide price difference depending on your location. Just because online auction sites have high prices doesn't mean everywhere is like that.

For instance, the Agent is priced at $399. It is from the strike years with park finish. I would probably pass on it for that price. Maybe if $300 or $350.

The reason is because similar pop up cheaper in my locale from private sellers. The last couple months I have seen at least 4 Cobras for under $500. Most were $400-$450 and in good condition. The most recent was a shrouded ejector rod version for $450.

I would personally buy an older for an extra $50 versus this version, but not everyone has the same opportunities. So the OP needs to decide for himself. The price isn't too out of line though, and for someone who isn't as picky & cheap as me will probably find it a decent deal.

Just don't run thousands of tens of thousands of rounds through it. These alloy versions weren't even made for continual use of standard ammo. Don't know if anybody ever tested how many it takes to wear one into repair, but I wouldn't personally risk running tons of rounds through my '61 Cobra.

 

[zonker5]

A lot depends on location but I think that's pricey. $325 or so will get you out the door at the local shows.