Tell me about my new pistol please.

D

ddj8052

New member
I got a new (to me) Colt .38spl today. I got it for $200. I have always liked these revolvers, and would like to know what you guys think. The finish is almost perfect, it looks like it was never in a holster, and the blueing is by far the nicest I have ever seen. the wood grips feel very good in the hand and also look new. Lock up is far tighter than anyother revolver i have handled and was told by my dealer that this is because they use a diffrent lock up and then other revolvers. He also said the timing appears perfect. What can you guys tell me about it? Will it handle +p, not really a big deal but would like to know? This is the oldest gun I have and yet appears to be one of the nicest. Right side says: Colts PT F.A MFG CO. Hartsford Conn. U.S.A. Left side says:DETECTIVE SPEC. .38 SPECIAL CTG. The SN is H35###
Thanks for any info.

Pic of new Colt next to Taurus 85ti:
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Pic of right side:
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Pic of left side:
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What you have is one of the nicest 6 shot snubs ever made. It appears to have been made in 1975. You can shoot a limited amount of +P ammo in it, but extensive use will accellerate wear. Colt recomended that you return it to the factory for frame inspection after certain round count of +P ammo (contact them for the precise number if no one here posts it for you).
You got a smoking deal at that price with it being in that condition. It could have easily gone for $400.
Yes Colt does use the hand and the bolt in lock-up which gives it the solid lock-up vs other makers using just the bolt.
These revolvers are usually extremely accurate for such a short barrel and most shoot to the sights with 158 grain loads. I would give it a detail inspection and not just take the dealers word though. Don't let just anyone work on it. Make sure they are qualified on the Colt actions.

Congrats on a really nice Colt for a really great price.
 
Regrip

If you plan to carry or shoot it alot, it might be a good idea to pick up a pair of the Pachmayr rubbery grips for it. Save the woods for collector value-it is awfully hard to fix that nice checkering if it gets chipped or worn on top! And the Pach's will be more comfortable for shooting, allowing for whether or not the grips feel good to you. Have fun!
 
I bought a pair of wood grips exactly like that for my 3rd issue DS. Got them from cdnn investments for $10. Not very comfortable. CDNN also has the factory rubber grips. Also might try ebay or something like that. I paid $350 for mine in what the dealer described as like new. Got the gun and it looked like the cylinder had never even been turned.
 
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