Colt D.A. 38

[mebersole]

I am thinking about selling this old Colt D.A. 38, but I am not sure about it's value. I think there should be some markings on the Butt of the gun, it has nothing there. Was it modified and what would this gun be worth?042.jpg047.jpg045.jpg044.jpg

[.455Eley]

It would be in the $2-300ish I think. However, the serial number has been removed and is technically not legal to own for that reason.

[knifeusercollections]

That would make an amazing parts lot auction. If it were mine I'd remove every single part from the revolver, destroy the frame and sell all the parts in one auction.

[mebersole]

Do you think the parts would bring more than $300?

[mebersole]

I am pretty sure the four digit number shown, is the serial number and I believe this gun is legally registered.

[kevin hines]

I am pretty sure the four digit number shown is the serial number and I believe this gun is legally registered.

SN must be on the frame; on this model, on the underside of the butt. I believe (somebody correct me if I'm wrong) the # on the cylinder latch is an assembly # only.

Check with a lawyer. You may be able to get a SN issued by BATFE and put on by a gunsmith or FFL. If some of these crime shows are right, you may also be able to get the original SN raised where it was evidently removed from the underside of the butt.

I gather that the Army property markings were often removed to avoid being accused of possessing stolen property, and the nearby SN went, too. Or the markings may have been removed in the process of sanding down the plug used to fill in the lanyard ring hole.

[mebersole]

I think you are right about the reason for removing the markings. I will have to decide if it's worth all of the trouble. It would be a shame to just part it out, but that is probably the easiest thing to do with it. Thanks for the advice.

[twaits]

Kevin, you are right. The serial number should be on the butt and has been removed. The other numbers are only assemby numbers.

[kevin hines]

I think you are right about the reason for removing the markings. I will have to decide if it's worth all of the trouble. It would be a shame to just part it out, but that is probably the easiest thing to do with it. Thanks for the advice.

It should be only a small amount of trouble (probably more time than trouble ) getting a new SN. I'd hate to see you lose an otherwise perfectly good gun.

[DWalt]

Do some internet searches on this topic - It comes up a lot. From what I understand, it's not too hard to get a new SN assigned. But whether it's worth the hassle for a low-value revolver, I do not know. Probably not. Or just keep it. Your chances of getting into trouble over it are quite low. And I have understood that even if you are somehow caught with it (in a non-crime situation), the only consequence is confiscation as prosecution for having a weapon with an obliterated SN is normally not pursued. Some advise just getting a steel number stamp set and applying your own number.