The colt that got away? **updated**

[revho]

So, at my local hardware store that sells guns and while leaving I asked if they had and new Smiths or Colts. I always through Colt's in but have only ever seen one used revolver there before. He does a long pause and says he just got one in two hours ago. To be honest, the very limited gun knowledge I have is probably .5% is Colt. I don't own one....yet.

They just took in on trade 2 hours earlier, a blued.38 detective 2" with rubber grips. I would put it 95%. Appeared to be never fired. No box, no paper work. A couple nicks in the finish is all. It was more newer than older, and I knew that because it had what I will call a uniform thickness length barrel and not the older style that looked more like a pencil barrel.

Wife was working and and I just didn't feel comfortable with it not knowing enough about Colts yet. Called the shop back when My wife was off work two hours later and it was of course gone.

Did I miss out at $600.00 out the door?

Kevin

UPDATE:

Well...my wife whom I truly love is somewhat sneaky...in a very good way. On the way home from the hardware store on Saturday, I called her while she was still at work and said she should go look at the Colt when she was off work. She did not, however, she did call the hardware store as soon as we were off the phone and put a hold on it. So when I called the hardware store later that afternoon to go look at it, they had to tell me it was sold. She went and got it after work this afternoon and gave it to me tonight as a early birthday present.

Anyone else have a wife like this? Price is now irrelevant on the gun. Serial number is RD 54XX if anyone can date it. There are a couple small marks where a trigger lock was on. 2 very small nicks on the end of the barrel.

 

[Muley Gil]

I don't think so. That seems high to me.

 

[nawilson]

I am thinking it was a little high, too...

 

[revho]

Thanks Gentlemen, that honestly makes me feel better. Looking at them on "auction sites", they seem to be all over the road on price. I know there is a method to the madness, just haven't learned the Colt side of it yet.

Kevin

 

[dmar]

I am thinking it was a little high, too...

Sounds like a 3rd series DS. Nice guns, but with rubber grips, no box/docs, and not excellent condition, I'd say that it was not a great deal... Never feel bad about walking away from something that you do not have a good understanding of the value. You save a lot of money that way!

 

[Old 44 Guy]

No !!! Too high. Stick to S&W's. I had a Police Positive 38 that was a PITA to keep in time. Traded it in years ago for a 686.

 

[Texas Star]

A very famous pistolsmith told a friend of mine that he could time a Colt, and it'd often be out-of-time again within 500-1,000 rounds. He was speaking of the Python, but that applies to most models.

Many Colt revolvers just don't shoot to the sights, either. I once had a Diamondback with target sights that wouldn't adjust to get it on target. A Colt PR person told me to use Kentucky windage! I haven't bought a Colt revolver since. But I like their automatics better.

 

[Peter M. Eick]

To high for a detective special. Cut the price in half and you have a deal.

 

[CajunBass]

To high for a detective special. Cut the price in half and you have a deal.

Someone must not have thought so if it sold in a couple of hours.

I admit that it would have been too high for me, but then that size revolver doesn't interest me at all.

 

[Maximumbob54]

I would say too high until you factor in that they aren't going to making any more of them, you don't see them for sale too often anymore, they didn't make nearly as many of them as 36's, and if it walked that fast then clearly the price on them may be going up. I had a guy offer me $700 for my Cobra and I very nearly gave it to him. There are more people getting into guns and collecting and when they get interested in models that aren't around anymore, you will see prices just continue to go up.

 

[perrazi]

look on the auction sites and see what they actually sell for, not what is asked for them.

 

[bearman49709]

I would say too high until you factor in that they aren't going to making any more of them, you don't see them for sale too often anymore, they didn't make nearly as many of them as 36's, and if it walked that fast then clearly the price on them may be going up. I had a guy offer me $700 for my Cobra and I very nearly gave it to him. There are more people getting into guns and collecting and when they get interested in models that aren't around anymore, you will see prices just continue to go up.

I bought a nickel cobra from LGS earlyer this year for $235.00.Anyone wants to give me $700.00 can have it.

 

[revho]

updated first post.

 

[pawncop]

revho,

Great story, and as far as the price goes - just remember, you never pay too much, you just pay too early.

Your wife is a keeper if you ask me.

 

[sigp220.45]

Congratulations on a great gun (and a great wife).

 

[HotRoderX]

revho,

Great story, and as far as the price goes - just remember, you never pay too much, you just pay too early.

Your wife is a keeper if you ask me.

So true what seems over priced today will in fact be a steal tomorrow. Awesome wife for sure and differently a keeper.

 

[DeathGrip]

I would say too high until you factor in that they aren't going to making any more of them, you don't see them for sale too often anymore, they didn't make nearly as many of them as 36's, and if it walked that fast then clearly the price on them may be going up. I had a guy offer me $700 for my Cobra and I very nearly gave it to him. There are more people getting into guns and collecting and when they get interested in models that aren't around anymore, you will see prices just continue to go up.

I'd have took the money and run.

 

[Iggy]

Well Sir, I reckon now that gun is priceless. I'd also say that your wife is worth even more.

You got yourself two keepers there. Take good care of them.

 

[dmar]

Congratulations on your 3rd series DS, it looks like it's in very nice condition! Your wife is definitely a keeper, very cool story! My wife is great, we are very happy together, but I can guarantee you that this would not happen to me...

As for for price, your deal was in the ballpark, and I agree that these things keep going up in price, so no worries. I really like the looks of the 3rd series DSs, and they have a great action/trigger. Congratulations.

 

[Peter J.]

The "feel good" story of the week. Tell your fine wife that a whole bunch of married (and divorced) guys here are "jelous" of you, and happy for you at the same time.