Posted: 5/1/2026 2:30:01 PM EDT
| Was recently reminded of the Colt Agent. Would it be a crazy idea to pick up a 80's model with the full lug to use as a main carry gun? Is there anywhere to send an old revolver to get looked at without spending an arm and a leg? |
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I recently passed forward a mint 1970's vintage Colt "Commando" (matte finished .38 snubbies) to a daughter that had belonged to her Grandmother. Old revolvers have little to fear except rust & those trying to hand load them into Anti-Tank round levels ...  Bigger_Hammer 
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LIFE'S JOURNEY IS NOT TO ARRIVE AT THE GRAVE SAFELY IN A WELL PRESERVED BODY,
BUT RATHER TO SKID IN SIDEWAYS, TOTALLY WORN OUT SHOUTING "HOLY $H!T...WHAT A RIDE"!!
BUT RATHER TO SKID IN SIDEWAYS, TOTALLY WORN OUT SHOUTING "HOLY $H!T...WHAT A RIDE"!!
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Bigger hammer is correct. Old vintage snubs typically were not shot very much, and if in proper tune currently, typically last several lifetimes. I have had some S&W’s I bought used ( unknown round count of course) that I have shot over 100 thousand rounds through and are as functional as the day I bought them. Another nice thing, you will almost always get your money back and then some if you decide to sell later. One such example is a model 17 I used in bullseye competition. I bought it used for $250 in the 90’s. I shot it pretty much weekly for about 20 years. Roughly 10 thousand rounds a year for 15 years. My club stopped doing bullseye matches, and my interests gravitated to some other forms of competition. I sold the gun a few years ago, and got 2&1/2 times what I paid for it. |
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Not crazy at all. I'm assuming you are talking about the matte finished Agent? This model would not have the smooth action of an earlier Agent, Cobra or Detective Special. It would still be a good, basic snub-nose revolver. My first concerns would be timing and cylinder alignment. Timing would be easy to check. Alignment would require a gauge. I would recommend that it be kept clean and avoid +P ammunition. As for a gunsmith, there are still some around that could correct issues if there are any. |
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Jack while correct is possibly overly cautious- over theyears I have owned and shot lots of revolvers, and never gauged alignment. If it passes a function check go out and shoot it. Keep in mind the lock work and timing of a colt is a different animal than S&W so one would have to make sure they are using the proper inspection procedures for a colt, which I am sure can be found with an easy internet search. Many of the generic posts and video’s discussing revolver inspection/ function check are designed around S&W lock work |
| That's awesome news. Would you guys recommend the first generation with the blued finish or the later matte finished models? I was planning to grab a later version so I could carry +p in it. I've never actually fired a round of +p anything in my life I was thinking about switching to it. It wouldn't both me at all to shoot regular power defense loads. Would that be a better idea for these colts? |
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Originally Posted By TheDirtyLarry: That's awesome news. Would you guys recommend the first generation with the blued finish or the later matte finished models? I was planning to grab a later version so I could carry +p in it. I've never actually fired a round of +p anything in my life I was thinking about switching to it. It wouldn't both me at all to shoot regular power defense loads. Would that be a better idea for these colts? If you have been around snubs enough you will come to understand these realities: A 2” doesn’t have enough barrel length to give you a significant boost in ballistics with plus P If it expands, it won’t penetrate If it penetrates it won’t expand Some of the most experienced well reasoned snub carriers will recommend 148 target wadcutters, which is what I carry. Lots of reasons : Reasonable cost in factory ammo, and absurdly cheap if you reload Most snubs are regulated for the sights to give poi/ poa with 158 round nose, and 148 wadcutters typically shoot to point of aim or real close ( a lot of the plus p stuff uses lighter bullets like 125 or even 110, and will often shoot very low in relation to sights Consistently achieve fbi protocol penetration depth Unlike a round nose or HP clogged with clothing ( which tend to push tissue out of the way to recoil back in place undamaged) the wadcutter cuts a sharp full caliber hole, and will cut tissue it contacts rather than just push it out of the way Manageable blast and recoil Plus p really only gives you a boost in 3” barrels minimum and does really help in a 4” |
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I had an 80's version. Not polished and smooth, but would do the job. The small size and light weight made it easy to carry. I had the hammer spur bobbed off is it was sharp and was uncomfortable. Don't carry hot loads and it will kick like a mule. |
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