Colt .38 Special

[Scott]

I just inherited a Colt Agent .38 special revolver from my grandfather and have two questions.

1. He bought the gun many many years ago (I think in the '20s). It has a serial # of 425XX and has never been fired. Does this gun have any value as a collectors item? I'm planning on using this as a secondary carry piece, but don't want to destroy or devalue it if it's valuable. (I don't think it is, just being on the safe side)

2. I think I read somewhere that someone was shooting .357 through a .38 revolver. Is this ok, or would one damage the gun in doing so?

[shrapmetal]

you can't shoot 357 thru a 38, but you can shoot 38 thru a 357. 357 are longer than a 38, and have much higher pressures. in some off chance that a 357 fits in a 38 "im preety sure it wont" dont shoot it. as for the collectors value i really have no idea.

[KarlPMann]

If it really is from the 20's and really is 'unfired', don't shoot it, don't carry it. Yes, it has value under those circumstances. I don't know how much though. But if it was me and I wasn't inclined to keep it for my own collection, I'd sell it to a collector and buy a newer 357 snubbie. Karl.

[Scott]

Ok, so upon closer inspection, the gun has been fired. The round count is pretty low though as there's almost no wear showing on it. I would honestly say it's 99% condition.

My brother got a S&W .38 revolver with a 5" barrel, in the same condition. Is that one worth something as well?

[KarlPMann]

Also 1920's? Yes. Anything WWII and earlier is certainly more collectible to antique gun collectors. Karl.

[Scott]

Ok, so after searching the internet for the last few hours, I've come up with something really funny about all of this.

Colt didn't start making the "Agent" D frame model until 1962, which means somewhere along the lines, grandma (and my mother) were given the impression that grandpa owned the gun before they got married (sometime in the '30s).

I found that the serial number indicates the gun is in fact a 1962 Colt Agent. Now I just need to find out how much the thing is worth so I know whether or not I should CCW and fire it. I've seen prices online going from $200 - $600 range. mostly for Agents that were made in the late '70s and '80s.

[KarlPMann]

Yeah, it's worth a little bit more than a modern day gun of similar design and manufacture. That is, if it is truly 99%. I still wouldn't shoot a collector. If it means anything to you, keep it for a collectible. If not, sell it and buy a nice modern gun. Karl.

[Scott]

Yeah, it holds a certain level of sentimental value, enough to not want to get rid of it. Damn, now I'm going to have to go buy a snubbie, I really like this thing and was wanting to shoot it.