SBG gun nuts, your opinion?

[bartman]

I have a BIG gun.    Or should I say, my gun is bigger than yours. Sorry, no pics.    Just trying to be funny.

[Sgt. Pate]

Thank you for "no pics"! 

[Gimme]

I recently inherited two guns: a 1949 Colt Detective Special and a Storm & Ruger Security Six .357 6 inch barrel. The .357 is in pretty good shape, but the Colt is in need of some TLC. I want to get it restored. Can you guys recommend anyone?

[IRONHORSE]

Gimme:

I'm not entirely sure of this, having not spent any time researching it - BUT - given the age of that Colt, it may be  worth more as a collector gun in it's present condition than it would be if you had it refinished. You might spend a little time researching it, before you ruin any collector value it may have by making it nice & shiny. If this isn't a big concern for you, And you want it as a "shooter," at the very least, I'd take it to a local gunsmith for a thorough cleaning and inspection, to be sure it's safe to shoot with modern ammunition.

[Gimme]

I'll take some pics when I get home and you tell me what you think.

[IRONHORSE]

I spent a little time researching, and it appears that the Colt you have, in 85 - 90%  original condition are selling for between $500 and $600, if you have the .38 special version of it. Not sure of the price if it's a .32 or .38 New Police. The $5-600 price tag is respectable, but doesn't indicate huge collector interest in these. So you've probably got yourself a "shooter." One thing I saw stressed time and again, in the limited research I did, is that the .38 special version of these shouldn't be shot much (if at all) with +p loads.

Here's a link to a page where you can tell the year your Colt was made in, based on the serial # - http://www.guncollectorsclub.com/detective.htm

[RyanJP]

The S&W 640 is a great gun.  The weight of the SS and some good grips make shooting .357 almost enjoyable.  

I traded mine for a Glock 36 and some sweet leather but I digress...

Now I carry a M&P 340CT but shooting .357 in it is mind numbing, teeth loosening painful!  

I carry Gold Dot +P short barrel ammo in it.



It serves as my BUG or when I need something easier to conceal than my 1911's or my SIGs.  

Lightweight belly revolvers + 158grn +p loads = PAIN !!!
Pate you have to be a glutton for punishment.....I remember I was working on the timing on a couple of airlites for a customer in .38, that was the most unpleasant experience ever. I even bloodied my thumb, no thank you I'll stick to something a little bigger for CCW.

[RyanJP]

I recently inherited two guns: a 1949 Colt Detective Special and a Storm & Ruger Security Six .357 6 inch barrel. The .357 is in pretty good shape, but the Colt is in need of some TLC. I want to get it restored. Can you guys recommend anyone?

Not sure pending on the condition of the gun if its worth it, if there's rust or pitting in the revolver or barrel than it's probably not worth it, the problem with a detectives special is that they are so common that ask yourself is it worth it and are you gonna go over the actual price of the gun for a gun smith to refinish it and do a action and reliability job but if you want to do it I would suggest Cylinder and Slide inc .....Pate any thoughts on this matter

[Sgt. Pate]

Lightweight belly revolvers + 158grn +p loads = PAIN !!!
Pate you have to be a glutton for punishment.....I remember I was working on the timing on a couple of airlites for a customer in .38, that was the most unpleasant experience ever. I even bloodied my thumb, no thank you I'll stick to something a little bigger for CCW.

.38s are okay but I don't shoot much else because I am a recoil wimp with that thing!  It's primarily a back-up gun or deep concealment on rare occasion.  
I think my Glock 36 is bordering on "not fun to shoot"!  

[RyanJP]

Not a fan of the 36, I like the 30 but my favorite sub-comp hands down is the P2000sk, 9mm, 40 or in .357 sig

[Gimme]

After reading your comments, not sure what to do. 

[Gimme]

It's a 32 btw.   

[Gimme]

This DS looks sweet.

[IRONHORSE]

A little further research yielded this thread about the .32 New Police round:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=216474

I'll leave you to make up your own mind, but it looks as if ammo would be tough to find. Of course, if the gun has great sentimental value to you by all means, have it re-blued and make it a cherished heirloom.

On the plus side, that Ruger looks ready to make a trip to the range - maybe give it a quick cleaning first.

[Gimme]

I got a quote: $300 reblueing and $1k for complete restoration. Out of the question.