colt lightning DA 38 with action problem...

[smpfaff]

hello,
i am new to the forum, please bear with me. I am looking for a special Christmas present for my husband. I have found a colt lightning DA38. It will only shoot single action. The owner says it needs a spring...the hammer will not stay back on its own. To me a non gunsmith but someone that loves to shoot, that doesn't sound like too big of a deal. The gun looks to be in good shape for its age otherwise. No rust, locks up tight. my question is have any of you ever had anything like this before? Is it a big deal? I have a uncle who is a gunsmith that i have not been able to talk to yet about it and just wondered what all of you input was. with a serial of 121630, what do you all think its worth? Ive heard that the DA guns have decreased in price due to people wanting SA. Is this true?
I appreciate any help anyone can give.
thanks
steph

[Birdog009]

First of all. If you ever leave your husband give me call. My wife has never gotten me a gun for xmas! Second, and more seriously, I purchased a Colt lightning DA 38. Had some double/single actions issues with it and after reading many posts about the troubles with these guns and what may happen once you open them up, I decided to send it away to get fixed. Long story short, the guy listed below did the work, charged me very little and now it works great. His turn around time is a copule of months so you better hurry. His work was great and I could not be more pleased. This is his brother Dave's web site but Sal's # is listed in there.


davelanara.homestead.com

[smpfaff]

i know i dont have pictures. But this gun looks great for its age. would you be insulted to give me a price range as to what you paid for yours. like i said i really like to shoot but have just recently started buying and just dont want to be take for a ride. most of them i have seen have been $1,000 and up. this one is around $650. what do you think?
thanks a bunch
steph

[knifeusercollections]

If the hammer will not stay back on its on, its quite possible all it needs is a sear spring. They can be bought from Dixie gun works for around $5 + shipping. The serial # you posted was made in 1900. I've bought several non working Colt Lightnings in the $250 - $350 range. They do have a rather poor design and are prone to quit working with much use. Alot of gunsmiths don't like working on them but I enjoy rebuilding them so they are functional again. The prices have not decreased on D.A. guns, they have steadily continued to rise. I'd say buy it for him, it should make him a happy camper.

[Birdog009]

Mine was made in 1901. It has since been refinished and the front sight has been cut down. I paid 400.00 dollars for it while on a road trip in Neb. this past April. I was scared to what fixing it would cost but it looked cool and I love colts, so I bought it. To my surpise it cost 1 hour of labor to fix as someone had already been inside it and had replaced springs etc. it just needed a little custom fitting by Sal Lanara and he charged me 100.00 bucks. Was worth it. It shoots great now and i like it.

I would say and orignal un-altered piece in excellent working condition would be 800-1000 bucks. One that shows wear but functions really well 600-800. One that shows wear and has some timing issues 600 or less. I would read a bunch about them 1st before you jump as they have a pretty bad reputation for functionality.

That being said and thinking like your husband would, I'd say buy it for him!

[flanman]

First thing to understand is that the Colt Lightening is a very complex and surprisingly fragile action. Back in the day gunsmiths would give a 40/40 warantee- 40 seconds or 40 feet out the door. That having been said some of the most notorious gunslingers of the day carried the Lightening so it must have held up for some people. The point being if you are to buy it and have it repaired you and your husband will have to understand the risk. If either of you cares to try and disassemble and reassemble it there are some good posts on this site and there is an excellent section in Chicoines book.

PS remember blackpowder only

flanman