1900-1902 Colt Autos .38ACP

[twaits]

I'm really interested in picking up a 1902 sporting to add to my Colt auto collection. For some reason my favorite style are the Sportings with forward slide serrations. I see a few in various conditions on gunbroker from between $1099-$1600. They don't seem to be moving at this price. I haven't seen any bids on them. I'd like some feedback from people out there as to the value of these guns and also wouldn't mind seeing some pictures of forum members guns. Thanks!

[twaits]

I renamed this thread hoping to get a better response. Can any owners of these early Colt automatics give me some feedback? How much you paid for yours, pictures, things to look for? Thanks very much. I really want to get one of these old autos but I want to be well educated before I make the investment.

[johnlindly]

I wanted the military model (that I could shoot) because of the larger grip and the slide hold open feature. I found this one that was refinished and I bought it for 1/2 of what you are looking at for collectable commercial models. It has become one of my favorites - a real easy pistol to shoot well.

You might do better on the prices of the commercial models if you go to a gun show with cash. I've seen some decent ones for less than a grand in this neck of the woods. Good luck!

John

[twaits]

Thanks John,

That pistol of your sure looks pretty. Whoever did the refinish on it did a hell of a nice job!

[tedm]

Twaits, see my new post 1/25/2012 on "Colt 1900 or 1902?" I purchased this 1900/1902 sight safety altered on the internet today (British Proofed serial 3831) with a letter from Colt's Beverly Haynes stating COLT AUTO MODEL 1902 SPORTING . I bought it as a Sporting but in my opinion it is a late model 1900 with the sight safety altered. Gunshop said 85% original blue (doubtful) but I paid $1800. Take a look and give me your thoughts.

[montegomx70]

That is one of my grail guns.

[Oyeboten]

To own, shoot, carry and enjoy, ( and I did daily-carry mine for a few years ) I personally found the 'Sporting' Model to have more appeal than the ( usual configurations of the ) Model 1900, so, I went after one, and, mine was $200.00 and $10.00 shipping or so, from Lowel Pauley in ( I think, ) 1986.

I was talking with him at a Gunshow, and, I said I wanted one with excellent Mechanicals, excellent Bore, low miliage, and, low to low-ish Blue, but no pits or rust or signs of bad care.

He said "I have just the one you want..."

So, when I got home, I sent him the dough, and, he sent the Pistol to my then local and not especially 'friendly' FFL dealer, and, the Pistol was wonderful and I have long enjoyed owning it. It came with the correct Nickel-Plated Magazine with the James Paris Lee Patent on the bottom.

Soon after I found a nice old Shoulder Holster, a Flap Holster or two, and, some old Boxes of shells to go with it.

[Oyeboten]

Last year at the local ho-hum Gun show, someone had a sporting Model in high condition, very high, like 95 percent or maybe better, and, it was priced at $3,400.00 if I remember correctly.

I sure did a lot of vexing on that, but, I did not step up to the plate.

I kind of wish I had though.


Saw one go by maybe six months ago on Gunbroker, which was easily 50 percent, maybe a little better ( meaning, to my reconning, you'd think it was 85 percent at first glance, then adjust down from there, it looked SO darned vivid and Blue and luscious and so on )...and, I accidently missed the close of the Auction, where, it sold for something around $800.00...$790.00 or something like that.

At that same time, some pretty 'doggy' ones were running with that or better for bids, so, it made no sense, but, so it sometimes goes!

No idea what sort of 'stack' the winner may have bid, but, I wish I could have bid on it, since, who knows, I might have prevailed, and, done so within some sensible range.

[rhmc24]

I have several Sportings, basically three categories. One came as a parts gun for $400, turned out to be EXC inside, so about 20 hours my work and $500 to Turnbulls. Another came with shoulder holster, is typical of well used low or no finish pieces at @ $800. Third category is assembled pieces. Bought a slide, barrel & frame from separate sources. This one has S/Ns frame & slide 9 digits apart. Couple years ago I found a seller with 3 Sporting and one 1905 frames plus a lot of inner parts. I'm not into leather so the shoulder holster is up for sale or trade.

I only refinish pieces that I get in poor condition like bubba jobs, pitting or those assembled from mis-match parts. Those with honest fair wear and tear should be kept as-is.

[Oyeboten]

...here ye go...


Colt M1902 Sporting : Curios & Relics at GunBroker.com