So I don't own a Colt revolver. I've got a bead on a 1980's production Agent revolver. It's in good condition, though ugly as sin. Ugly enough that it makes it captivating. Timing seems right and lock up is tight. I've got a couple J frames and an SP-101. So I think this would round out the snub nose selection. Anybody here own one or have any experience with these? How does it shoot, how does it carry?

Shoots like a laser and carries like a dream! Buy it, shoot it, love it!!!

I had one in the 70's. They,as with all Colt's of that period, were excellent guns.

OMG! If you don't want it, I do!

IIRC, the only difference between the Detective Special and the Agent was in the finish. I would jump if the gun is tight.

Is this one of those made circa the mid-1980s, just before they were discontinued, with an unpolished Parkerized finish? This was a period when the polishing/bluing guys had gone on strike or some shit. Anyway, mechanically it's the same as any other Colt revolver. To check its timing and lockup, cock the hammer, pull the trigger while easing the hammer down, continue to hold the trigger fully to the rear, and try to rotate the cylinder. You are feeling it for rotational play. It must have none, zero, zip, zilch. If it passes this on all six chambers, it is good to go. It just won't look good doing it.

An Agent is aluminum alloy, like a Smith 37.

quote:

Originally posted by YooperSigs:
IIRC, the only difference between the Detective Special and the Agent was in the finish. I would jump if the gun is tight.

I worked for a Colt Distributor in the 1970's.
I beg to differ with you unless I've forgotten over the last 40+yrs. The Cobra and Agents were alloy models. The D.Specs were steel frames.
I have a 70's era brand new blued D.Special.
I also have what appears to be un-issued police Det. Spl w/o the shrouded ejector rod and chambered in 32 New Police. Unfortunately I have just the gun. It didn't come with the box from the supplier. If I (or we) had only known what was going to happen to the Colts not to mention all the older Colts I had and sold I'd be stepping in high cotton today.

When that gun was made, I recollect that Colt aficionados were lamenting the terrible quality of the new revolvers coming from Colt.

Much like we do now about the stuff S&W is currently producing.

IIRC the 70's Colt Agent was aluminum framed, just like the Cobra however the grip frame was 1/4" shorter

I carry a Colt Detective Special.

It's just about the same size as a J frame Smith, but 6 rounds.

I LOVE the balance and light weight, the Agent will be even lighter!

However, don't practice with +P loads, use them only for defense. Practice with really light lead 148 gr to keep the frame wear to a minimum.

You don't want to beat it up just practicing.