What is the best way to sell a gun, and how much is a new looking 40 year old Colt 38 Detective Special worth?

Answer 1

Probably the easiest way that you can sell a gun these days, is to use an online auction site such as gunbroker, or auction arms. The value can vary considerably (depending on exact year, condition and finish) but they typically go for around 4-600, with prices going up somewhat steadily. If your not in a bind or anything, you might want to hold onto it and sell it in a few years since it will more than likely be worth more at that point.
Also if its exactly 40 years old, that would make it a second series detective's special, (the second series was produced between 1947 and 1972) which should help you further pinpoint the value.

Answer 2

Since Colt has for the most part quit making guns for the general public since the late 1990's, all the guns they produced are now in demand. In good condition, your Detective Spl. would bring no less than $300 to and individual buyer. If you sell it to an FFL dealer, they will give a riduculous price like $150 and sell it for over $400.

Answer 3

.38 super is a real good round. It has more power than a 40 and in a 1911 will not recoil very harshly at all (less than a 45acp). Colt's are higher than others. The Raptor is okay, looks cool but I think I would get tired of it. You won't lose anything on the nickle super if you trade it later.

Answer 4

You might want to define the "best" way... If you want to sell it the fastest, just go to a pawn shop. But they won't give you half of what it's worth. If you want to sell it for the highest price, but have plenty of time, put an ad in your local trading post magazine. As a compromise, use an online auction site, like GunBroker or AuctionArms. Browsing these sites will give you an idea of the market value of your gun.

Answer 5

Get gun catalog, look for make and model and prices. That way you at least know where to go from there price wise.

Colt 38, get some history. Could go to libray. Ask at gun shows and feel them out. Don't have to bring gun. Ask around for good, "honest" gun shops. At this point, all you want to know is "value. Don't have to bring gun along.

Answer 6

american-firearms.com, gunsamerica.com...... Check these sites for value & prices.* Best way is to sell it to an individual & then take and have a transfer of ownership done at a gun store.* Do this before you give him the gun & he also has to be with you at the time of transfer.*

Answer 7

I have sold quite a few guns on Gunbroker.com
Very easy to do and lots of people use the site.

Answer 8

Put an ad on GUNSAMERICA; it should be worth three to six hundred if it is like new.