Fair or Not

ShootingNut · January 13, 2008, 11:55 AM

Friend has a Colt 1911 Government model, nickel plated, in I'd say 65% condition. Guns serial number shows it made in 1966.
He thinks it's worth 400-450 bucks, I say 150 bucks as one has to put money in it (sights stink).
Am I right in my assesment?
SN

Musketeer · January 13, 2008, 12:01 PM

To me $150 for a functional Colt 1966 manufactured 1911 is a joke. The sites are probably factory original. Even with no finish it would be worth more.

David the Gnome · January 13, 2008, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Musketeer

To me $150 for a functional Colt 1966 manufactured 1911 is a joke. The sites are probably factory original. Even with no finish it would be worth more.

Agreed~

ShootingNut · January 13, 2008, 12:12 PM

Then what's one worth in your opinion?

The Tourist · January 13, 2008, 12:18 PM

He might be a tad high, but in the correct range. In fact, if it's fully functional it would serve as a good mule for a re-build project.

I'd say 350 to 400 is fair, you guys might quibble, he might throw in a few boxes of cartridges or a belt, you'd offer him cash on the spot, he'll tell you he has bills, you'll remind him that everyone has bills, he'll pretend to put the pistol away, you might suggest that you have to sleep on it...

Then you'll both decide 325 is fair, and you'll get one box of ammo.

BlkHawk73 · January 13, 2008, 12:23 PM

If it were yours, would you sell it $150?

ShootingNut · January 13, 2008, 03:06 PM

If I can buy a new 1911 for 5-6 hundred bucks, why would I pay 450 for a
gun that's 41 years old, with no warranty with maybe some hidden problems that only a tear down by a gunsmith would discover?

BigO01 · January 13, 2008, 03:30 PM

You say it's in perhaps 65% condition yet all you mention is the "sights Suck" what needs work other than the sights ?

Does it have pitting or is the finish peeling ?

When it comes to getting a 1911 in the 5-$600 range it wont be a new Colt , and if you want a new forged gun it would have to be a Taurus in that price range .

You could get a cast Armscor/RIA which is a fine gun under your estimated range but even I would laugh at you if you offered me $150 for one of my Armscor made Charles Daly's .

Shadi Khalil · January 13, 2008, 03:33 PM

Put it this way

If I can buy a new 1911 for 5-6 hundred bucks, why would I pay 450 for a
gun that's 41 years old, with no warranty with maybe some hidden problems that only a tear down by a gunsmith would discover?

Duck.

JaserST4 · January 13, 2008, 03:41 PM

It might not be worth 450 to you but someone into Colts would likely go for it. It's called market value. It isn't a replica, it's the real deal. 150 would be an insult, what kind of friend are ya anyway?

Magyar · January 13, 2008, 03:45 PM

Quote:

as one has to put money in it

All of us do that as a matter of course...Some make modifications on n.i.b. pistols....
$400 is on the high-end for me, but asking you: what's it worth to you?

ShootingNut · January 13, 2008, 03:52 PM

O.K. I'll admit Colts don't crank my chain.
I'd say 250 to me would be tops, then putting another 150 in sights and grips.
That's me, if someone else wants to pay up for it, go for it.
I asked for opinions, and that's exacatly what I got!

Thanks
SN

orionengnr · January 13, 2008, 06:10 PM

Take a look at this thread...

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=330364

and see what someone paid +/-$350 for. Myself, I wouldn't have given $10 for it.

I don't think I've ever seen any 1911 for sale for $150...not for the last 30 years anyway. I bought the biggest POS Colt ever built as my first 1911, back in 1982, and it still cost me $200...and I got $200 when I sold it a year later.

Further, many people believe the old ones are much better built than the new ones, so the finish wear is offset by the proven quality and reliabiliy of the older Colt 1911.

Moral of the story--
If it is a 1911, it is worth money.
If it is a Colt 1911, it is worth more money.

Tombstonejim · January 13, 2008, 06:31 PM

I have a goverment model 1911a1 it was made in 1945 by remington rand.
Before I sold it for $150 I would dig a hole bury it.

michael t · January 13, 2008, 07:37 PM

Its worth $400 . Sights suck. Well been a lot of people shot down from those suck sights.
Its a Colt left alone (no sight change ) and kept It will just keep going up in value even at 65%
These 400 and 500 dollar copies can't hold to a real Colt.

bloodtrail · January 18, 2008, 11:37 PM

I need to take a better picture.....But here is the Colt that this thread is about. I paid $300 for it.........Good deal?

bloodtrail · January 18, 2008, 11:42 PM

This Colt does have the shiney nickel finish as well....Just that the picture I took I had to use no flash to stop the glare. So the picture makes the nickel finish look like a satin finish.

**44 AMP** · January 19, 2008, 12:52 AM

But then pictures can be misleading. Is 65% just your judgement or is it based on the NRA guidelines for condition? Either way, $300 for a Colt gun of that era, looking as good as that picture does, $300 is a steal. That gun in my area would go for $450-600, depending on the dealer, and even more if in better shape.

Older Colt guns bring more money than just their value as a working gun suggests. Lots of guns do this, especially if no longer made.

Want to tell me why the 94 Winchester .30-30 that was $300 a couple of years ago is bringing $600 from some folks today? It ain't all the value of the dollar. Market demand has a lot to do with it.

glock199mm · January 19, 2008, 02:36 AM

his price is fair that is a joke for a colt $150 if he sells it at that he is giving it to u maybe offer him $350 but what colt can u get for $150

ranburr · January 19, 2008, 02:41 AM

Quote:

If I can buy a new 1911 for 5-6 hundred bucks, why would I pay 450 for a gun that's 41 years old, with no warranty with maybe some hidden problems that only a tear down by a gunsmith would discover?

I would buy it for his asking price in a heartbeat. Any Colt in decent shape from that era is worth more than he is asking.

ranburr

PT111 · January 19, 2008, 09:23 AM

Anything is only worth as much as someone is willing to pay for it. In Econ 201 I learned that for any sale to take place the seller and buyer must have a difference of opinion of what something is worth.

If it is only worth $150 to you and he thinks it is worth more then don't buy it. Simple as that.

Double Naught Spy · January 19, 2008, 10:06 AM

Quote:

If I can buy a new 1911 for 5-6 hundred bucks, why would I pay 450 for a
gun that's 41 years old, with no warranty with maybe some hidden problems that only a tear down by a gunsmith would discover?

Okay, so what 1911 can you buy new for $500-600? It won't be a Colt.

What I can't figure out is by your logic that if you can buy a new 1911 for $500-600, why you would be willing to pay $400 for a used one ($250 plus $150 on sights).

The age of the gun isn't a detraction here.

bloodtrail · January 19, 2008, 10:24 AM

I think when this particular Colt was first viewed it didnt look as nice as it does now. After spending 2 hours polishing and cleaning with metal polish it did clean up and look nicer than it started. I didnt see the Colt prior to shootingnut spending some time polishing it. And since I bought it, I have spent a little more time polishing it. I am not familar with grading guns so I cant say a % of its condition. It really has no pitting, nor is there any flaking of the nickel finish. But I have a feeling shootingnut may not have thought it would clean up so well? Thus maybe the line of thinking of the low value to offer the seller for this Colt. But it cleaned up nice and I am happy!

Havent shot it yet though! Maybe sometime yet this weekend?

bloodtrail · January 19, 2008, 10:39 AM

Another picture....maybe not much better of a picture than the first one I put up?

rellascout · January 19, 2008, 10:40 AM

Blue book value, if this is a C suffix,at 70% which wold be conservative for this pistol is $550 plus 10% for the nickel. It appears to be stock but it is hard to tell from the picture.

At $300 you stole it. Nice friend you are.

I personally think you own your friend a few beers and dinner.

January 13, 2008, 11:55 AM	#1
ShootingNut Senior Member Join Date: December 27, 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,475	Fair or Not Friend has a Colt 1911 Government model, nickel plated, in I'd say 65% condition. Guns serial number shows it made in 1966. He thinks it's worth 400-450 bucks, I say 150 bucks as one has to put money in it (sights stink). Am I right in my assesment? SN

January 13, 2008, 12:01 PM	#2
Musketeer Senior Member Join Date: September 12, 2005 Posts: 3,733	To me $150 for a functional Colt 1966 manufactured 1911 is a joke. The sites are probably factory original. Even with no finish it would be worth more. __________________ "Religions are all alike - founded upon fables and mythologies." Thomas Jefferson "The way to see by faith is to shut the eye of reason." Benjamin Franklin

January 13, 2008, 12:12 PM	#4
ShootingNut Senior Member Join Date: December 27, 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,475	O.K. Then what's one worth in your opinion?

January 13, 2008, 12:23 PM	#6
BlkHawk73 Senior Member Join Date: January 14, 1999 Location: Maine Posts: 756	If it were yours, would you sell it $150? __________________ Shoot safe, shoot often

January 13, 2008, 03:06 PM	#7
ShootingNut Senior Member Join Date: December 27, 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,475	Put it this way If I can buy a new 1911 for 5-6 hundred bucks, why would I pay 450 for a gun that's 41 years old, with no warranty with maybe some hidden problems that only a tear down by a gunsmith would discover?

January 13, 2008, 12:18 PM	#5
The Tourist Junior member Join Date: June 20, 2005 Posts: 2,348	He might be a tad high, but in the correct range. In fact, if it's fully functional it would serve as a good mule for a re-build project. I'd say 350 to 400 is fair, you guys might quibble, he might throw in a few boxes of cartridges or a belt, you'd offer him cash on the spot, he'll tell you he has bills, you'll remind him that everyone has bills, he'll pretend to put the pistol away, you might suggest that you have to sleep on it... Then you'll both decide 325 is fair, and you'll get one box of ammo.

January 13, 2008, 03:30 PM	#8
BigO01 Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2006 Posts: 138	You say it's in perhaps 65% condition yet all you mention is the "sights Suck" what needs work other than the sights ? Does it have pitting or is the finish peeling ? When it comes to getting a 1911 in the 5-$600 range it wont be a new Colt , and if you want a new forged gun it would have to be a Taurus in that price range . You could get a cast Armscor/RIA which is a fine gun under your estimated range but even I would laugh at you if you offered me $150 for one of my Armscor made Charles Daly's .

January 13, 2008, 03:33 PM	#9
Shadi Khalil Senior Member Join Date: September 23, 2006 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 5,210	Put it this way If I can buy a new 1911 for 5-6 hundred bucks, why would I pay 450 for a gun that's 41 years old, with no warranty with maybe some hidden problems that only a tear down by a gunsmith would discover? Duck.

January 13, 2008, 03:41 PM	#10
JaserST4 Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2007 Posts: 516	It might not be worth 450 to you but someone into Colts would likely go for it. It's called market value. It isn't a replica, it's the real deal. 150 would be an insult, what kind of friend are ya anyway?

January 13, 2008, 03:52 PM	#12
ShootingNut Senior Member Join Date: December 27, 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,475	O.K. I'll admit Colts don't crank my chain. I'd say 250 to me would be tops, then putting another 150 in sights and grips. That's me, if someone else wants to pay up for it, go for it. I asked for opinions, and that's exacatly what I got! Thanks SN

January 13, 2008, 06:10 PM	#13
orionengnr Senior Member Join Date: July 9, 2004 Posts: 5,177	Take a look at this thread... http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=330364 and see what someone paid +/-$350 for. Myself, I wouldn't have given $10 for it. I don't think I've ever seen any 1911 for sale for $150...not for the last 30 years anyway. I bought the biggest POS Colt ever built as my first 1911, back in 1982, and it still cost me $200...and I got $200 when I sold it a year later. Further, many people believe the old ones are much better built than the new ones, so the finish wear is offset by the proven quality and reliabiliy of the older Colt 1911. Moral of the story-- If it is a 1911, it is worth money. If it is a Colt 1911, it is worth more money.

January 13, 2008, 06:31 PM	#14
Tombstonejim Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2007 Location: Tombstone Az Posts: 202	I have a goverment model 1911a1 it was made in 1945 by remington rand. Before I sold it for $150 I would dig a hole bury it.

January 13, 2008, 07:37 PM	#15
michael t Senior Member Join Date: May 17, 2004 Location: Out back Ky Posts: 4,044	Its worth $400 . Sights suck. Well been a lot of people shot down from those suck sights. Its a Colt left alone (no sight change ) and kept It will just keep going up in value even at 65% These 400 and 500 dollar copies can't hold to a real Colt. __________________ Certified Armed Infidel Colt Defender ,Colt Mustang ,Dan Wesson CBOB, PPK/S, American Classic 1911,Bersa Thunder 380 http://bersachat.comHome of Bersa http://www.metroarms1911forum.com

January 18, 2008, 11:42 PM	#17
bloodtrail Member Join Date: December 26, 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 66	This Colt does have the shiney nickel finish as well....Just that the picture I took I had to use no flash to stop the glare. So the picture makes the nickel finish look like a satin finish.

January 19, 2008, 12:52 AM	#18
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,832	Looks better than 65%... But then pictures can be misleading. Is 65% just your judgement or is it based on the NRA guidelines for condition? Either way, $300 for a Colt gun of that era, looking as good as that picture does, $300 is a steal. That gun in my area would go for $450-600, depending on the dealer, and even more if in better shape. Older Colt guns bring more money than just their value as a working gun suggests. Lots of guns do this, especially if no longer made. Want to tell me why the 94 Winchester .30-30 that was $300 a couple of years ago is bringing $600 from some folks today? It ain't all the value of the dollar. Market demand has a lot to do with it. __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

January 19, 2008, 02:36 AM	#19
glock199mm Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2007 Location: louisiana Posts: 227	his price is fair that is a joke for a colt $150 if he sells it at that he is giving it to u maybe offer him $350 but what colt can u get for $150

January 19, 2008, 09:23 AM	#21
PT111 Senior Member Join Date: July 30, 2007 Posts: 1,041	Anything is only worth as much as someone is willing to pay for it. In Econ 201 I learned that for any sale to take place the seller and buyer must have a difference of opinion of what something is worth. If it is only worth $150 to you and he thinks it is worth more then don't buy it. Simple as that.

January 19, 2008, 10:24 AM	#23
bloodtrail Member Join Date: December 26, 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 66	I think when this particular Colt was first viewed it didnt look as nice as it does now. After spending 2 hours polishing and cleaning with metal polish it did clean up and look nicer than it started. I didnt see the Colt prior to shootingnut spending some time polishing it. And since I bought it, I have spent a little more time polishing it. I am not familar with grading guns so I cant say a % of its condition. It really has no pitting, nor is there any flaking of the nickel finish. But I have a feeling shootingnut may not have thought it would clean up so well? Thus maybe the line of thinking of the low value to offer the seller for this Colt. But it cleaned up nice and I am happy! Havent shot it yet though! Maybe sometime yet this weekend?

January 19, 2008, 10:40 AM	#25
rellascout Junior member Join Date: September 2, 2004 Posts: 2,435	Blue book value, if this is a C suffix,at 70% which wold be conservative for this pistol is $550 plus 10% for the nickel. It appears to be stock but it is hard to tell from the picture. At $300 you stole it. Nice friend you are. I personally think you own your friend a few beers and dinner.