Hello All,
I've been eyeing an old Colt "Army Special" in .38 Special, which has been available for sale at my FNG for some time. It is tagged at $449. I've been hesitant to handle it because, as is normal for me, as soon as I handle a firearm I have a rather bad habit of taking it home with me. It was made sometime in the first quarter of this century and seems to be all original, and demonstrates the gorgeous deep blue and polish of the old Colts. The barrel is either 5" or 6" (I haven't dared to ask to examine it myself, for the reason above). It looks as though it has sat unmolested in a sock drawer for the past 75 years, and has languished in the used gun case here as these types of firearms hold little attraction to most consumers.
Questions:
How good are these guns as shooters? I'm interested in the historical value, but want to shoot it and hit what I aim at. No +p's, obviously.
How common is the timing problem with old Colts and should I be concerned about this realistically? I can't see putting more than 500 rounds anually through the gun.
How does this model compare to the S&W 3rd model M&P? A Smith of this designation, of later vintage, is also available locally in virtually new condition, for around $250.
Any owners of old Colt and S&W's dare to compare?
Thanks in advance for your responses!
vanfunk
I've been eyeing an old Colt "Army Special" in .38 Special, which has been available for sale at my FNG for some time. It is tagged at $449. I've been hesitant to handle it because, as is normal for me, as soon as I handle a firearm I have a rather bad habit of taking it home with me. It was made sometime in the first quarter of this century and seems to be all original, and demonstrates the gorgeous deep blue and polish of the old Colts. The barrel is either 5" or 6" (I haven't dared to ask to examine it myself, for the reason above). It looks as though it has sat unmolested in a sock drawer for the past 75 years, and has languished in the used gun case here as these types of firearms hold little attraction to most consumers.
Questions:
How good are these guns as shooters? I'm interested in the historical value, but want to shoot it and hit what I aim at. No +p's, obviously.
How common is the timing problem with old Colts and should I be concerned about this realistically? I can't see putting more than 500 rounds anually through the gun.
How does this model compare to the S&W 3rd model M&P? A Smith of this designation, of later vintage, is also available locally in virtually new condition, for around $250.
Any owners of old Colt and S&W's dare to compare?
Thanks in advance for your responses!
vanfunk