Why are Colt revolvers so expensive?

[Double-O-Dave]

Any idea(s) why Colt revolvers, specifically Detective Specials, Cobras, and Agents are so pricey as compared to S&W revolvers? I've wanted to add one of these to my collection for some time, but except for those of the "bruised and battered" variety, the (to me) high prices they command help keep them out of my reach. Is it because they are no longer being made? Say what you will about the cylinder rotating the wrong way, as does the cylinder release, but I think they are a well-built, quality firearm. I'd appreciate any insights and/or advice.

Thank you,

Dave

 

[ralph7]

Any idea(s) why Colt revolvers, specifically Detective Specials, Cobras, and Agents are so pricey as compared to S&W revolvers? I've wanted to add one of these to my collection for some time, but except for those of the "bruised and battered" variety, the (to me) high prices they command help keep them out of my reach.
Is it because they are no longer being made? Say what you will about the cylinder rotating the wrong way, as does the cylinder release, but I think they are a well-built, quality firearm. I'd appreciate any insights and/or advice.

Thank you,

Dave

YES
You're welcome.

 

[smokey04]

Like land, they don't make them anymore.[exception, Hawaii's volcano] Nick

 

[shouldazagged]

They are indeed quality guns, and I think the fact that they are no longer being made has people hanging on to them and commanding high prices when they let one go. I'd like to have one, especially a Detective Special. But the fact that the DA revolvers aren't being made and haven't been for some time would concern me about parts and service availability, especially availability of replacement parts.

 

[perrazi]

colt has plenty of repair parts. they use them in house and don't sell them anymore.

 

[mkk41]

The action parts of most Colt revolvers that used the old style V-spring lockworks are very expensive to make and fit. They don't lend themselves to modern manufacturing methods either.

The later Mk.III and V lockworks are less expensive , but don't make for as smooth a pull.

 

[MaximumLawman]

I don't like the way Colt triggers "stack" on their double action revolvers. I like Smith triggers better...

 

[hangnoose]

expensive Colts

quick answer, supply and demand. I like them & the quality of the old bluing.

 

[Muddyboot]

Like the man said, because they just don't make them like this anymore.

 

[A10]

It costs a whole bunch of money to stamp a horsey on a gun.......

 

[chief38]

I believe they made a whole lot less Colt Revolvers than they did of comparable Smiths. Colts do not have the locks, are beautifully finished, well made, and hold an extra shot in the cylinder as compared to the 5 shot J Frames with only a scant 2 ounces more. The fact that they are not made anymore is another factor especially when it comes to certain models like the Dick Spl. & Python.

As far as revolvers are concerned I do like Smiths (pre 1996) a little more than Colts, but if I had to choose a Dick Spl. or a Smith with MIM parts and a lock, I'd GRAB the Colt!

 

[oberon]

There won't be any new Colt DAs.
You can buy a new SAA, or any semi-auto you prefer.
I have more Colts than S&Ws, and I am actually S&W man.

 

[sipowicz]

I guess it's because no j-frame looks this good....

 

[Texas Star]

I think nostalgia has something to do with it. And some is just dealers raising prices because they think they can.

The fact that something is no longer made doesn't mean that it's better. In fact, look to why it's no longer made. Cylinder timing issues as well as expense killed Colt DA's.
Most do not shoot to the sights and I found a couple that wouldn't, even with adjustable sights. Colt's labor problems were also a factor in ruining their sales.

I've owned some, but have no plans to buy others. Even finding a gunsmith who can work on them is hard today.

But I also no longer buy new S&W's. If I buy any more new DA revolvers, they'll be Rugers.

 

[dobe]

colt has plenty of repair parts. they use them in house and don't sell them anymore.

They use them for what, repairs?

 

[kwselke]

Colt's DA revolver production declined rapidly in the 1980s when their workers went on strike for four or five years. The workers union also declared a boycott on Colt products. By the time the strike was resolved Colt's were not competitive on a price/quality basis. My guess is that from 1980 to 2000 Colt's revolver production was substantially less than Smith & Wesson's. I do not know the numbers, but my guess is there are far fewer Colt's out there than Smith's. Rarity adds some to price.

 

[ralph7]

They use them for what, repairs?

Yer a sharp one there, dobe.

 

[gaucho1]

Because dey goooooood...................

 

[fat tom]

And dey is purdy too.



f.t.

 

[71firebird400]

Guy asks why Colt's bring more money, and in typical fashion, the S&W forum can't pass up an opportunity to belittle those awful Colt's. Sheesh guys, give it a break.