1983 Colt Detective

DadsColt38 · October 14, 2012, 03:18 AM

Hi, I bought this gun new for my father in 1983 for home protection. He kept it in a sock by his bed. I got the gun back after he passed away. It has never been fired. We had it cleaned as it hadn't been touched in all those years. My sister took it there and said the were quite taken with the gun because of it's condition.

They didn't mention a value but in checking the internet it seems to be in the 650 vicinity for a 'used' one. My question to you is does this gun have any appreciable additional value due to it's condition. Unfortunately, the box is long gone.

silvermane_1 · October 14, 2012, 03:31 AM

looks nice from the pics, i say keep it as a heirloom, it's real value is that it was your dads.

rodfac · October 14, 2012, 08:12 AM

$650, sounds like a reasonable estimate, if it's in new condition. Keeping it in a sock over the years can attract moisture, the arch enemy of all guns (along with politicians of a certain party). If the gun is freckled with minute spots of rust (can't see from your photo), then its resale value would be much less, maybe half of that in new condition.

That said, I agree with Silvermane; it was your dad's gun, and while never used, it will serve you in the same role even if you are not a gun enthusiast. Keep it, and pass it along to your kids. Keep it oiled, once each six months should do it, and don't get finger prints on it, they'll rust that lovely old Colt finish.

Best Regards, Rod

Skadoosh · October 14, 2012, 08:17 AM

Colt DS are somewhat sought after by collectors. They also make for a very good carry guns. I carry the exact same Colt as my CCW. Its worth between $550-$650 depending on its condition. I would comfortably pay $650 for it if it was unfired and in its original box.

DFrame · October 14, 2012, 12:45 PM

I agree with the others on value. Perhaps as much as a hundred more for unfired. Unfortunately without the box or docs, thats about it. The prices for Colt DA revolvers have been going up a LOT lately though. A trend I don't think is going to stop.
The detective is one of, if not THE finest snub ever made and yours is a family heirloom. As such I'd consider it priceless.

DadsColt38 · October 14, 2012, 06:09 PM

Thank you all for your responses. I have no intention of selling it, it will stay in the family. It's far too beautiful to put back in a sock though.

Dfariswheel · October 14, 2012, 09:10 PM

The only down check I'd give it is that while the grips are Colt factory, they aren't the correct grips for the gun.

Those grips were used on the aluminum frames Colt Agent. Since all the Colt "D" frame guns grips interchanged, it's not unusual to see grips from one model on another.

The "correct" grips would be the Colt "combat" type grips Colt used on these heavy, shrouded barrel guns:

DadsColt38 · October 14, 2012, 09:44 PM

Those are nice! I know the small grips are the ones that came on it but I've always thought they looked a little 'delicate' for that gun. How hard would it be to get NOS combat grips for that gun?

DFrame · October 14, 2012, 11:13 PM

The stocks (Colt calls them stocks) in dfariswheels picture are not uncommon and (so far) not too expensive. You should be able to easily find them at a gun show or on a gun auction site.

DadsColt38 · October 15, 2012, 12:16 AM

Just a little bit more direction and I'll leave you guys alone. How important is originality in the gun world? I found a very nice set of Rosewood reproduction combat stocks for 100 bucks, is that the sort of thing that drives purists to drink?

My main interests are vintage watches and originality is everything, bracelet, dial, movement, papers, boxes all are important and doing something like adding aftermarket stocks to this gun would result in me being defrocked and drummed out of the brotherhood.

Hopefully you gun guys aren't as insane as watch guys. I really want those Rosewood stocks.

Jeff #111 · October 15, 2012, 02:41 AM

Get them and put them one. Just hold onto the original stocks. That's the main thing. Many years ago I would throw the original stocks away

I don't do that anymore. But I usually take them off and put on aftermarket grips of some sort.

DFrame · October 15, 2012, 11:29 AM

Originality is much the same in the "collector" world of guns.
For the people who shoot and use them, not so much. I've known people to agonise over whether to shoot their new purchases. Personally I'm not going to buy a gun I can't use, but I also understand the appeal of collectors.

DadsColt38 · October 15, 2012, 12:42 PM

Well, thanks again. There isn't really that much difference in collectors I guess, we have guys with fantastic collections who never wear them (safe queens) and people who won't own a watch they can't wear.

We also do exactly what Jeff suggests; rather than trusting a valuable watch to it's 60 year old bracelet we put a new one on it and keep the original in a drawer somewhere.

I'm going to get out of here now, I can't afford another obsession and these guns are so pretty...so pretty.

tdrizzle · October 15, 2012, 06:47 PM

You might also want to go to the Colt website and get the info for how to get a factory letter. 1983 isn't that old, but it might be interesting to see where it went from the factory, if your dad didn't buy it from the original dealer.

Pisa · October 15, 2012, 07:40 PM

LOVE this gun: probably my favorite snubby of all time. I hope to pick one up one day.

Rob228 · October 16, 2012, 12:34 AM

That is certainly an heirloom.

DadsColt38 · October 16, 2012, 01:32 AM

Are theses the correct stocks for my gun? The extra length looks great, my little finger curls under the butt on the factory stocks.

"COLT DETECTIVE, D FRAME SHORT SQUARE BUTT"

DadsColt38 · October 16, 2012, 11:45 AM

Well, I ordered them, I'll post pics when they arrive.

Pisa · October 16, 2012, 12:36 PM

Those grips are really nice. I'm not an expert, but I'm pretty sure those will work.

DMMikey · October 17, 2012, 12:46 AM

Are you sure those grips are wrong, dfariswheel? I hesitate to challenge you, as you are the recognized Colt expert on the board, but I have a similar vintage DS that has the same ones, I've had them off, and they have the same serial number as the gun, if I recall correctly.

youngunz4life · October 17, 2012, 01:27 AM

memories of a different time. I like the revolver

DadsColt38 · October 26, 2012, 10:44 PM

These are carved in Thailand from native rosewood. The finish is beautiful but I did have to take a knife to the interior cuts to trim off excess to get a perfect fit to the butt. The feel is night and day from the original stocks. It now has has perfect control and a place for that pinky that was waving around under the gun.

There are a bunch of different styles available on eBay for around 43 bucks.

Aguila Blanca · October 27, 2012, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DadsColt38

Are theses the correct stocks for my gun?

See post #7.

Those in your photo are not Colt stocks, those are aftermarket.

warningshot · October 27, 2012, 12:17 AM

I wouldn't dought for a second that those are the orginal stocks Colt put on from the factory in 1983. 1975, No. 1978, No. '83...better than a good chance. But then I thought that the word, 'patato', had an 'e' at the end so what do I know?

DadsColt38 · October 27, 2012, 12:53 AM

Quote:

See post #7.

Those in your photo are not Colt stocks, those are aftermarket.

Just to clarify, the stocks in post one are original to the gun. My question as to "correct stocks" referred only to fit to the short D frame of the pictured AM rosewood stocks.

October 14, 2012, 03:31 AM	#2
silvermane_1 Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2011 Location: Burien,WA Posts: 218	looks nice from the pics, i say keep it as a heirloom, it's real value is that it was your dads. __________________ Ruger:MK 3 .22lr 6",Sec. Six '76 liberty .357 4",SRH .480 Ruger 7.5",Mini-14 188 5.56/.233 18.5", Marlin: 795 .22lr 16.5",30aw 30-30 20",Mossberg:Mav. 88 Tact. 12 ga, 18.5",ATR 100 .270 Win. 22",S&W:SW9VE 9mm 4",Springfeild:XD .357sig 4",Llama:Super Commanche .44 mag 6","hey lois look, the two symbols of the republican party, an elephant and a big fat white guy who's threaten by change." Peter Griffin Family Guy

October 14, 2012, 08:12 AM	#3
rodfac Senior Member Join Date: January 22, 2005 Location: Kentucky Posts: 1,223	$650, sounds like a reasonable estimate, if it's in new condition. Keeping it in a sock over the years can attract moisture, the arch enemy of all guns (along with politicians of a certain party). If the gun is freckled with minute spots of rust (can't see from your photo), then its resale value would be much less, maybe half of that in new condition. That said, I agree with Silvermane; it was your dad's gun, and while never used, it will serve you in the same role even if you are not a gun enthusiast. Keep it, and pass it along to your kids. Keep it oiled, once each six months should do it, and don't get finger prints on it, they'll rust that lovely old Colt finish. Best Regards, Rod __________________ Our Flag does not fly because the wind blows against it, It proudly waves because a soldier's dying breath blows upon it. USAF Forward Air Controller, 5th Spl Forces, An Loc, lll Corps, RVN, 69-70, Vietnam Vet '69-'73

October 14, 2012, 08:17 AM	#4
Skadoosh Senior Member Join Date: December 13, 2010 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,625	Colt DS are somewhat sought after by collectors. They also make for a very good carry guns. I carry the exact same Colt as my CCW. Its worth between $550-$650 depending on its condition. I would comfortably pay $650 for it if it was unfired and in its original box. __________________ NRA Life Member (2003) USN Retired

October 14, 2012, 12:45 PM	#5
DFrame Senior Member Join Date: March 7, 2008 Location: central Illinois Posts: 453	I agree with the others on value. Perhaps as much as a hundred more for unfired. Unfortunately without the box or docs, thats about it. The prices for Colt DA revolvers have been going up a LOT lately though. A trend I don't think is going to stop. The detective is one of, if not THE finest snub ever made and yours is a family heirloom. As such I'd consider it priceless. __________________ Mark Lane to William Buckley: "Have you ever referred to Jessee Jackson as an ignoramus?" Buckley: "If I didn't, I should have"

October 14, 2012, 11:13 PM	#9
DFrame Senior Member Join Date: March 7, 2008 Location: central Illinois Posts: 453	The stocks (Colt calls them stocks) in dfariswheels picture are not uncommon and (so far) not too expensive. You should be able to easily find them at a gun show or on a gun auction site. __________________ Mark Lane to William Buckley: "Have you ever referred to Jessee Jackson as an ignoramus?" Buckley: "If I didn't, I should have"

October 14, 2012, 03:18 AM	#1
DadsColt38 Junior Member Join Date: October 14, 2012 Posts: 10	1983 Colt Detective Hi, I bought this gun new for my father in 1983 for home protection. He kept it in a sock by his bed. I got the gun back after he passed away. It has never been fired. We had it cleaned as it hadn't been touched in all those years. My sister took it there and said the were quite taken with the gun because of it's condition. They didn't mention a value but in checking the internet it seems to be in the 650 vicinity for a 'used' one. My question to you is does this gun have any appreciable additional value due to it's condition. Unfortunately, the box is long gone.

October 14, 2012, 06:09 PM	#6
DadsColt38 Junior Member Join Date: October 14, 2012 Posts: 10	Thank you all for your responses. I have no intention of selling it, it will stay in the family. It's far too beautiful to put back in a sock though.

October 14, 2012, 09:10 PM	#7
Dfariswheel Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2001 Posts: 6,573	The only down check I'd give it is that while the grips are Colt factory, they aren't the correct grips for the gun. Those grips were used on the aluminum frames Colt Agent. Since all the Colt "D" frame guns grips interchanged, it's not unusual to see grips from one model on another. The "correct" grips would be the Colt "combat" type grips Colt used on these heavy, shrouded barrel guns:

October 14, 2012, 09:44 PM	#8
DadsColt38 Junior Member Join Date: October 14, 2012 Posts: 10	Those are nice! I know the small grips are the ones that came on it but I've always thought they looked a little 'delicate' for that gun. How hard would it be to get NOS combat grips for that gun?

October 15, 2012, 12:16 AM	#10
DadsColt38 Junior Member Join Date: October 14, 2012 Posts: 10	Just a little bit more direction and I'll leave you guys alone. How important is originality in the gun world? I found a very nice set of Rosewood reproduction combat stocks for 100 bucks, is that the sort of thing that drives purists to drink? My main interests are vintage watches and originality is everything, bracelet, dial, movement, papers, boxes all are important and doing something like adding aftermarket stocks to this gun would result in me being defrocked and drummed out of the brotherhood. Hopefully you gun guys aren't as insane as watch guys. I really want those Rosewood stocks.

October 15, 2012, 02:41 AM	#11
Jeff #111 Senior Member Join Date: July 25, 2001 Location: Idaho Posts: 840	Get them and put them one. Just hold onto the original stocks. That's the main thing. Many years ago I would throw the original stocks away I don't do that anymore. But I usually take them off and put on aftermarket grips of some sort. __________________ Those who beat their swords into plowshares usually end up plowing for those who didn't. Ben Franklin

October 15, 2012, 11:29 AM	#12
DFrame Senior Member Join Date: March 7, 2008 Location: central Illinois Posts: 453	Originality is much the same in the "collector" world of guns. For the people who shoot and use them, not so much. I've known people to agonise over whether to shoot their new purchases. Personally I'm not going to buy a gun I can't use, but I also understand the appeal of collectors. __________________ Mark Lane to William Buckley: "Have you ever referred to Jessee Jackson as an ignoramus?" Buckley: "If I didn't, I should have"

October 15, 2012, 12:42 PM	#13
DadsColt38 Junior Member Join Date: October 14, 2012 Posts: 10	Well, thanks again. There isn't really that much difference in collectors I guess, we have guys with fantastic collections who never wear them (safe queens) and people who won't own a watch they can't wear. We also do exactly what Jeff suggests; rather than trusting a valuable watch to it's 60 year old bracelet we put a new one on it and keep the original in a drawer somewhere. I'm going to get out of here now, I can't afford another obsession and these guns are so pretty...so pretty.

October 15, 2012, 06:47 PM	#14
tdrizzle Senior Member Join Date: September 11, 2007 Location: St Paul Posts: 146	You might also want to go to the Colt website and get the info for how to get a factory letter. 1983 isn't that old, but it might be interesting to see where it went from the factory, if your dad didn't buy it from the original dealer.

October 15, 2012, 07:40 PM	#15
Pisa Member Join Date: July 16, 2007 Posts: 28	LOVE this gun: probably my favorite snubby of all time. I hope to pick one up one day.

October 16, 2012, 12:34 AM	#16
Rob228 Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2010 Location: Broomfield CO Posts: 453	That is certainly an heirloom.

October 16, 2012, 01:32 AM	#17
DadsColt38 Junior Member Join Date: October 14, 2012 Posts: 10	Are theses the correct stocks for my gun? The extra length looks great, my little finger curls under the butt on the factory stocks. "COLT DETECTIVE, D FRAME SHORT SQUARE BUTT" Last edited by DadsColt38; October 16, 2012 at 02:16 AM.

October 16, 2012, 11:45 AM	#18
DadsColt38 Junior Member Join Date: October 14, 2012 Posts: 10	Well, I ordered them, I'll post pics when they arrive.

October 16, 2012, 12:36 PM	#19
Pisa Member Join Date: July 16, 2007 Posts: 28	Those grips are really nice. I'm not an expert, but I'm pretty sure those will work.

October 17, 2012, 12:46 AM	#20
DMMikey Senior Member Join Date: April 11, 2008 Location: upstate NY Posts: 288	Are you sure those grips are wrong, dfariswheel? I hesitate to challenge you, as you are the recognized Colt expert on the board, but I have a similar vintage DS that has the same ones, I've had them off, and they have the same serial number as the gun, if I recall correctly. __________________ "We have normality. I repeat, we have normality. Anything you still can't cope with is therefore your own problem." Douglas Adams

October 17, 2012, 01:27 AM	#21
youngunz4life Senior Member Join Date: November 15, 2010 Location: United States of America Posts: 1,877	memories of a different time. I like the revolver __________________ "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!" -Admiral Farragut @ Battle of Mobile Bay 05AUG1864

October 26, 2012, 10:44 PM	#22
DadsColt38 Junior Member Join Date: October 14, 2012 Posts: 10	New stocks These are carved in Thailand from native rosewood. The finish is beautiful but I did have to take a knife to the interior cuts to trim off excess to get a perfect fit to the butt. The feel is night and day from the original stocks. It now has has perfect control and a place for that pinky that was waving around under the gun. There are a bunch of different styles available on eBay for around 43 bucks.

October 27, 2012, 12:17 AM	#24
warningshot Senior Member Join Date: October 8, 2009 Posts: 980	I wouldn't dought for a second that those are the orginal stocks Colt put on from the factory in 1983. 1975, No. 1978, No. '83...better than a good chance. But then I thought that the word, 'patato', had an 'e' at the end so what do I know?