Seller’s Guide: Do Colt Revolvers Hold Their Value?

Do Colt Revolvers Pistols Hold Their Value?

Colt invented and perfected the revolver and has been producing revolvers since 1836. Generally speaking Colt revolvers do hold their value depending on the model, condition, and when it was produced. Older Colt revolvers have a higher value than newer Colt revolvers. Many older Colts are coveted by collectors. We at Dunlap Gun Buyers cashmyguns.com have extensive experience with older, collectable grade Colt revolvers and newer Colt revolvers. We can help you identify and determine the value of your Colt revolver. Contact us to find out the value your Colt revolver.

Colt Diamondback sold to Dunlap Gun Buyers.

Types Of Colt Revolvers: Percussion, Single Action, and Double Action

There are three general types of Colt revolvers. The original percussion revolvers designed by Samual Colt in the 19th century, Colt Single Action revolvers first built in 1873, and Colt double action revolvers which were introduced in the late 1870s and evolved into modern double action revolvers produced to this day.

What’s The Value Of Colt Percussion Revolvers?

The first type of Colt revolvers are percussion revolvers made in the 19th century. Colt percussion revolver were loaded with loose black powder, lead ball, and percussion caps. These revolvers are rare and antiques. Some models, like a Colt Paterson revolver, can have a value of $100,000 or more depending on condition. Other more common Colt percussion revolvers are Colt Walker, Colt Dragoon, Colt 1851 Navy and Colt 1860. These revolvers, depending on the condition, can range from highly collectible demanding high values to well used guns in poor condition. Even below average condition Colt percussion revolvers can command values in the thousands of dollars depending on the model and serial number. Note that there are also 2nd and 3rd generation reproduction Colt percussion revolvers which were made in the 20th century and were built by companies contracted by Colt. These 2nd and 3rd generation percussion Colts are less valuable than the early, original models. If you want to sell a Colt percussion revolver, we recommend that you consult with an expert, like Dunlap Gun Buyers, when selling a Colt percussion. Sell us your Colt Revolver here!

What’s The Value Of Colt SAA Revolvers?

Colt Single Action Army (SAA) revolvers are what we commonly refer to as cowboy pistols. Colt SAA revolvers are the original six-shooter first introduced in 1873 and used by lawmen and outlaws in the late 19th century. It was called a six-shooter because the cylinder held six rounds. Colt SAA revolvers are divided into three generations. 

What’s The Value Of 1st Generation Colt SAA Revolvers? 

Colt SAA 1st Generation revolvers were manufactured from 1873 thru 1940. These are the most sought after Colt SAA revolvers by collectors. These revolvers are metallic cartridge guns that were chambered in 36 different calibers, but 45 Colt was by far the most common. Depending on the serial number range of a 1st generation Colt SAA, the value of one in less than average condition can range from $25,000 for an early serial number gun made in 1873 to about $1800 for one in less than average condition made in 1940. On average a 1st Generation Colt SAA is about $2996. Dunlap Gun Buyers is very knowledgable about 1st generation Colt SAA revolvers. There a model variants like pinch frame SAA Colts and early smokeless powder SAA Colts. There were also commercial models, military models, and non-standard models all with different price points. For instance, the Buntline Special SAA Colt with a 10-, 12-, or 16-inch barrel can be valued at $175,000 depending on condition. We can help you determine when your Colt SAA was manufactured, the condition, and what it is worth. Sell us your Colt Revolver here!

What’s The Value Of 2nd Generation Colt SAA Revolvers?

After World War II Colt started manufacturing the SAA gain and these revolvers are referred to by collectors as 2nd generation SAA. From 1956 thru 1975, Colt continued to make SAA revolvers and there are some models with certain combination of barrel length and caliber that are sought after by collectors. Second generation SAA’s in 45 Colt are most sought after followed by 44 Special, 38 Special, and finally 357 Magnum. Barrel length in 4-3/4-inch is the most desired followed by 7-1/2- and 5-1/2-inch. On average 2nd generation Colt SAA revolver have a value of about $2667 depending on condition, caliber, and barrel length. Colt 2nd Generation SAA revolvers can be tricky to value, but Dunlap Gun Buyers is very experienced in determining values for 2nd generation Colt SAA revolvers. Sell us your Colt Revolver here!

Colt Single Action Army SAA Gen 3 sold to Dunlap Gun Buyers. What’s The Value Of 3rd Generation Colt SAA Revolvers? 

Colt again made small modifications to the SAA revolver and began producing them in 1976 and they continue to produce them to this day. These are called 3rd generation Colt SAA revolvers. Many of the less popular calibers were discontinued, so calibers like .32-30, .38-40, 38 Special, 44 Special, .44-40 have a higher resale than the most common caliber 45 Colt. A standard, blued 3rd generation Colt SAA revolver in 45 Colt with a 4-3/4-inch barrel is about $2061 in average condition. The same gun in 38 Special, however, may be worth more depending on condition. Note that 3rd generation Colt SAA revolvers are not as collectible as 1st and 2nd generation Colt SAA revolvers and have lower values. Sell us your Colt Revolver here!

What’s The Value Of Colt Double Action Revolvers?

Colt has produced nearly 19 different double action revolver models. It takes a keen eye and years of knowledge to discern the value of a Colt double action revolver. Dunlap Gun Buyers knows Colt double action revolvers and we can help you get the most cash for your Colt double action revolvers. Sell us your Colt Revolver here!

Types Of Colt Double Action Revolvers

Colt has manufactured double action revolver for both the military and law enforcement and there is a rich history of Colt revolver models. Early models include the Colt M1889 and Colt M1892 which evolved in to Colt’s New Police, New Service and Police Positive revolvers. 

What Are Colt Snake Guns? 

Perhaps the most well known Colt double action revolvers are what collectors refer to as the snake guns. These are Colt double action revolvers named after snakes. 

Colt Cobra sold to Dunlap Gun Buyers. What’s The Value Of Colt Cobra Revolvers? 

The first snake gun was the Colt Cobra introduced in 1950 and made until 1981. In 2017 a modern version of the Colt Cobra was released and is produced to this day. The original Colt Cobra revolvers made from 1950-81 have the higher value. These original Colt Cobra guns are divided into a First Issue made from 1950 to 1972 and a Second Issue made from 1973 to 1981. The difference in value between the two issues differs. A First Issue Colt Cobra with a blue finish on average has a value of $554 while the same gun in nickel finish on average is worth $700. A Second Issue Colt Cobra with blue finish on average has a value of $501. The same Second Issue Colt Cobra with a nickel finish has a value of $550. Newer manufactured Colt Cobra revolvers in average condition have a value closer to $625. One way to determine if you have a newer manufactured Colt Cobra is if a QR code is etched into the right side of the frame. If you have a Colt Cobra and don’t know if it is a First or Second Issue gun or a new manufactured gun, we at Dunlap Gun Buyers can help. We are experienced in determining the Colt Cobra guns and their values. Sell us your Colt Revolver here!

What’s The Value Of Colt Python Revolvers?

Colt Pythons sold to Dunlap Gun Buyers.

Colt Python revolvers are the most popular Colt double action revolvers. Collectors adore older Colt Python revolvers. The Colt Python was first produced from 1955 thru 2005 and there were a variety of Colt Python models produced with a variety of barrel lengths—2.5-, 3-, 4-, 6- or 8-inch—and calibers. The most common caliber is 357 Magnum, but Pythons in 22 LR, 22 WMR, 256 Win. Mag. were made in very small quantities. Pythons are considered one of the best revolvers every made and feature an iconic vent rib on the barrel. Values for early guns depend on condition are well as barrel length. A Colt Python with a 2.5-inch barrel in average condition has a value of $2693 while the same condition Python with a 4- or 6-inch barrel has a value of $1875 and $1597, respectively. Original manufactured Pythons with a 3-inch barrel hold a much higher value. A current manufactured Colt Python, made from 2020 to present, in average condition will have a value of $1100. Do you have a Python you want to convert to fast cash? Contact us at Dunlap Gun Buyers for the best price. Sell us your Colt Revolver here!