I recently purchased what was supposed to be a Colt Viper. The serial number is 98649m and this is what the Colt Website says about it..."1977 Cobra Model/AirCrewMan/Courier/Agent & Viper "LW""Suffix is Found Below Serial Stamp"...This doesn't tell me a lot unfortunately. The year appears to be right.
My concerns arise with the barrel...It appears to be a slightly lighter bluing color. This makes me nervous as I know some Cobra's were rebarreled with a Viper barrel. However, this gun has a 1977 serial number which is a good thing, but I guess a counterfeiter could have searched for a 1977 Cobra.
Outside of ordering report from Colt, can anyone tell me anything about whether they think my Viper is actually a Viper...If it is I got a steal on it for $1,000...If it is not then I guess I didn't.
Here are some pics...The gun has some wear and has been shot...The guy did not have the original wood grips or box. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Luckily, it was a face to face deal with a friend who would likely take the gun back if it is not a Viper. Thanks in advance
.
Thanks...I have found some grips but they are unfortunately $200 plus...I searched Numrich but they are sold out...Would have liked to have got them for $53 from there...If anyone has a set let me know...I would love to take them off your hand for a reasonable price. Thanks again for all the input and help...If anyone has any other feedback for me let me know.
I know where is pair of stocks are at. They have them listed as detective special but they are the long police positive/viper stocks. They want $50 plus tax.
When I purchased my Viper, I found the following regarding production serial numbers:
Viper production 1977 to 1978.
Serial number range for 1977 production: 71904M -- 97999M and 60001R -- 63400R
Serial number range for 1978 production: 63401R . . .
Viper Second Production 1992 to 1993
Serial number range for 1992 production: ACxxxxx
Your serial number is beyond the listed production serial numbers but I am not certain how accurate this information is. I'd recommend further checking to be sure.
Ok... That worries me a little bit, however, I am more confused now because the colt sight does reference Viper under the serial number.Well I guess I need to order a letter of authentication from colt to settle it, and I suppose if it is a viper the letter will add to value and if not, oh well.Thanks again
I'd quit worrying about it and find a correct set of stocks. Swapping barrels on these alloy framed guns is just not an easy proposition. I think you have a nice Viper at a good price. Grow old with it and be happy. JMHO.
As I said in my post. I accumulated that list during research when I purchased my Viper. It was accurate for the ones that I checked but don't take that list as gospel. The only sure way is to get an archive letter which is what I did.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Colt Forum
1.8M posts
53.1K members
Since 2000
A forum community dedicated to Colt firearm owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, gunsmithing, troubleshooting, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!