Any gun enthusists around here,that can help me determine the value of a colt 38?

[Toro 45]

A co worker has for sale,a Colt Commando 38 Special revolver he's selling for $200.00. I was thinking of buying & I'm just checking to see the value on it.
He is a gun buff & only buys the best, I think he said the year was 1942 year,I have seen the pistol & it is in excellent shape. I'm not looking for a collectors item just a good solid hand gun & the price seems ok.

Can someone tell me if this deal sounds ok?
Thanks, Toro

 

[RGN]

I'm not a dealer or anything, so I can't provide specific values. But, $200 sounds good, especially if it is in 'excellent shape.'

But understand, this is really a collectors item, not an everyday shooter. I say 'everyday' as in casual. If you are looking for a 'home defense' gun and do not have gun experiance, PLEASE look into buying a shotgun. They can be better for that specific purpose.

If you do buy it, make sure to do any paperwork the state requires.

Ryan

 

[DABANSHEE]

Does anyone know why the .357 Magnum is called a .357 Magnum, when its really a .38 magnum? As it fires a lengthened .38 Special shell of 9x33mm.

They reckon they are about the most flexible gun as they'l also fire .38 Special ammo (9x29mm) & .380 S&W ammo (9x20mm). Plus (Apparently), via the use of 'half moon' rim clips, both .357 magnum revolvers & .38 Special revolvers will also fire such rimless pistol ammo as 9mm Kurz/.38 ACP (9X17mm); 9mm Makarov (9x18mm); 9mm Para/Luger (9x19mm); 9mm RAP (9X21mm) & .38 Super (9x23mm).

 

[glenn1]

it's called a .357 because that's the actual true bore size of the round. The ".38" series and 9mm are actually in the same bore dimensions as well (approx .355 caliber). The 10mm round is roughly equivalent to .40 caliber, in fact, the .40 is descended from a shortened 10mm round. A good round to get a sense of the relative bore dimensions of the above referenced rounds is the .357 Sig. This round is really a .40 S&W, with a tapered 'neck' similar to a rifle round, which leaves the actual round at the same basic dimensions as the .38/.357 class - approximately .355 caliber

 

[Tominator]

I remember a little of the 'difference between a '357 Magnum and '38 Special. It was a marketing ploy. Smith&Wesson and Colt were vieing for the market. I don't recall the particulars.

DO NOT try to fire any round in a gun that it is not specifically designed for! The '357 and '38 cases are rimmed. The rimless cartridges WILL NOT function properly using half or full-moon clips unless the firearm is designed to use them.

I believe the Colt Commandos had rather delicate actions. If you want a 'shooter,' I'd get a Ruger GP100 or a Tarus. Both are in your price range and have lifetime warranties.

 

[Toro 45]

Thanks for the replies,I'm not really looking for a everyday shooter. I plan on getting a concealed weapons permit & taking it along on hiking trips, etc.So with any luck it will end up being a "neveryday" shooter.

By "delicate action" do you mean fragile action? I'll be sure to take a look at the Tarus & Ruger.
Toro

 

[Underclocked]

Colt Commando, same specs as Detective except combat finish?? and rubber grips. Made 1984 to 1987. I wouldn't buy one for a shooter, there are better choices.
The main difference between a .38 and a .357 is .1 inch difference in case length and the hotter loadings. Most guns made for the .357 are of much stronger construction.