You’ll find the Colt Agent revolver first emerged in 1968 as a lightweight .38 Special built specifically for concealed carry. It features an aluminum frame, 2-inch barrel, and 6-round cylinder capacity, weighing just 21-23 ounces. The double-action revolver’s price ranges from $800-$1,500, depending on condition and finish. While early models showcased a classic fastback design, post-1982 versions adopted a more modern profile. The Agent’s innovative features and historical significance run much deeper than its compact frame suggests.
Key Takeaways
- The Colt Agent is a lightweight .38 Special revolver introduced in 1968, specifically designed for concealed carry with an aluminum frame.
- Original models featured a classic fastback design until 1982, when Colt updated the revolver with a more modern appearance.
- The revolver weighs 21-23 ounces and features a 2-inch barrel, making it ideal for discrete carry and quick deployment.
- Price ranges from $499.99 for well-used models to $1,600 for excellent condition specimens, with new-in-box versions exceeding $1,500.
- Double-action mechanism and heavy trigger pull serve as primary safety features, while fixed iron sights ensure reliable target acquisition.
Description
The Colt Agent emerged in 1968 as a lightweight .38 Special revolver built on an aluminum frame. The first issue featured a classic fastback design with a short barrel measuring 2 inches and an exposed ejector rod.
You’ll find later models, produced from 1982 onwards, sporting a more modern look with a shrouded barrel and matte black finish. The Agent revolver was purposefully designed for concealed carry.
Price Range
Price points for Colt Agent revolvers span a broad spectrum, typically ranging from $800 to $1,500 in today’s market. You’ll find the value primarily depends on condition and finish quality. While well-used models with 95% original finish start at $499.99, excellent original specimens can command $1,600 or more.
| Condition | Price Range |
|---|---|
| New in Box | $1,500+ |
| Excellent | $1,200-1,600 |
| Very Good | $800-1,200 |
| Good/Used | $499-800 |
Specifications
The Colt Agent’s lightweight alloy frame makes it a comfortable carry option while maintaining durability. You’ll find the .38 Special chambering provides reliable stopping power through its 2-inch barrel, which balances concealment with accuracy. The revolver’s six-round cylinder capacity offers standard ammunition storage for its class.
| Specification | Detail | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy | Lightweight Build |
| Barrel Length | 2 inches | Compact Design |
| Chambering | .38 Special | Standard Caliber |
| Capacity | 6 rounds | Standard Capacity |
Weight
Most Colt Agent revolvers weigh between 21-23 ounces, featuring a lightweight alloy frame that significantly reduces carrying burden.
The short grip frame contributes to weight reduction, while the 2-inch barrel maintains the revolver’s compact profile.
You’ll find the special short grip and wood grips add minimal mass, and the parkerized or blued finish doesn’t impact the overall weight significantly.
Barrel Length
Compact dimensions of the Colt Agent continued beyond its lightweight frame into its barrel specifications. You’ll find a consistent 2-inch shrouded barrel length across both First and Second Issue models.
This barrel configuration set the Agent apart from other Colt revolvers with longer barrels. The manufacturer offered the 2-inch barrel in both blued and nickel finishes, enhancing the weapon’s concealability.
Material Made Out Of
Materials engineering played a crucial role in the Colt Agent’s design, featuring a lightweight aluminum alloy frame that significantly reduced its overall weight.
You’ll find this compact revolver paired its alloy frame with a short 2-inch barrel, and you could choose between two finishes for the metal components: either a Parkerized or blued treatment to protect against corrosion.
Chambered In
Beyond its innovative alloy construction, the Colt Agent’s specifications centered on its .38 Special chambering – a round that balanced power with manageable recoil.
Like its siblings, the Cobra and Detective Special, the Colt Agent’s .38 Special chambering made it an ideal choice for law enforcement issue. You’ll find this chambering particularly effective in the Agent’s 2-inch barrel configuration.
Capacity
The Colt Agent’s cylinder holds 6 rounds of .38 Special ammunition, providing a balance between concealability and firepower.
As a double-action revolver manufactured in the United States, you’ll find this SHROUDED HAMMER model offers quick follow-up shots while maintaining capacity consistent with other compact revolvers of its era. Each chamber in the cylinder is precisely engineered to ensure reliable feeding and extraction.
Trigger Pull
Featuring a dual-stage trigger system, the Colt Agent delivers smooth and consistent pull weights across both action modes. When firing the Agent .38 Special in double-action, you’ll experience a well-engineered 10-12 pound pull.
Switch to single-action, and you’ll find a crisp 4-5 pound break. The predictable trigger mechanism requires proper control techniques to achieve optimal accuracy with this compact revolver.
Safety?
Safe handling starts with understanding the Agent’s built-in safety mechanisms. As a double-action revolver, the Agent relies on a heavy trigger pull as its primary safety feature.
You’ll find this design particularly suitable for concealed carry, as there’s no external safety to fumble with under stress. The smooth double-action mechanism helps prevent accidental discharge while maintaining quick-draw readiness.
Action
Built around a compact double-action mechanism, the Colt Agent chambers .38 Special rounds in a lightweight alloy frame. You’ll find its action remarkably smooth, featuring a well-tuned trigger pull that helps simplify production while maintaining accuracy.
The design, with all rights reserved by Colt, delivers consistent performance whether you’re carrying concealed or operating in deep cover scenarios.
Optic Ready?
The Colt Agent lacks optic-ready capability, featuring only a traditional fixed sight system with a rear notch and front blade.
You won’t find any mounting points or provisions for adding an optic to this revolver, as its lightweight alloy frame wasn’t designed to accommodate modern sighting accessories. If you’re looking to enhance the sighting system on your Colt Agent, you’ll need to consider alternatives like upgraded iron sights or laser options.
Review
You’ll find the Colt Agent excels in concealability and ease of carry, with its lightweight aluminum frame and short barrel making it ideal for discrete personal defense.
Despite its compact size, the Agent’s reliability remains a strong point, though you’ll need to manage increased recoil due to its light weight and short grip. The parkerized finish proves more durable than the blued option for daily carry, while the optional hammer shroud prevents snagging, though the short sight radius can make accurate shot placement challenging at longer distances.
Pros
When considering defensive revolvers, Colt’s Agent stands out with several compelling advantages. You’ll find its aluminum frame and 2-inch barrel simplify production while delivering exceptional concealability. The shrouded ejector rod prevents snagging during draws.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Aluminum Frame | Lightweight carry |
| Shrouded Ejector | Snag-free design |
| Double-Action | Quick deployment |
| Multiple Finishes | Corrosion resistance |
The Agent’s refined double-action trigger and compact grip enhance your defensive capabilities in close-quarter situations.
Cons
Despite its compact advantages, common drawbacks of the Colt Agent revolvers surface during extended use. You’ll notice the lightweight alloy frame, designed to simplify production, shows wear faster than steel models. The short grip compromises control, while the snub-nose barrel reduces accuracy at distance.
| Limitation | Impact | Concern |
|---|---|---|
| Alloy Frame | Durability | Wear |
| Short Grip | Control | Stability |
| Parts Availability | Maintenance | Repairs |
Reliability
Three key elements define the Colt Agent’s reliability profile: its lightweight alloy construction, double-action mechanism, and internal component design.
The compact frame helps simplify production while ensuring consistent performance. You’ll find the double-action trigger delivers smooth operation, and with proper maintenance and ammunition selection, the internal components provide lasting durability.
User experiences consistently confirm its dependable performance under heavy use.
Similar Models
The Colt Cobra emerged as the Agent’s closest sibling model, sharing several key design features introduced in 1966. You’ll find the same short grip frame and matte black finish on both revolvers.
After 1972, the Cobra adopted the Agent’s heavy shrouded ejector rod barrel. Unlike the Agent, you can identify the Cobra by its exposed hammer tip, which allows for manual cocking.
Similar Models From Other Manufacturers
Several manufacturers developed competing snub-nosed revolvers that mirrored the Colt Agent’s compact design philosophy.
Smith & Wesson offered both the Bodyguard 38 and Airweight series with 2-inch barrels.
Taurus simplified production with their aluminum-framed Model 85, while Ruger introduced the polymer-framed LCR with a 1.87-inch barrel.
Charter Arms joined the market with their Undercover, featuring a lightweight alloy frame.
Maintenance
Properly maintaining a Colt Agent revolver requires regular cleaning after each shooting session and periodic detailed inspections. You’ll need to field strip the weapon, clean the barrel and cylinder with solvent, and lubricate moving parts. Despite Colt’s efforts to simplify production, the Agent’s internal mechanisms need careful attention.
Check the timing, cylinder alignment, and trigger mechanism every 500 rounds.
History
Innovation drove Colt’s development of the Agent revolver in 1962, designed specifically for concealed carry and plainclothes law enforcement. The lightweight alloy frame and 2-inch barrel made it ideal for deep concealment.
In 1973, you’d see the introduction of the shrouded barrel configuration. By 1982, Colt added a matte black finish option, and production continued until 1991.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Was a Colt Agent Revolver?
You’ll find the Colt Agent in revolver history as a lightweight .38 Special double-action revolver designed for concealed carry. It’s notable for its aluminum frame and 2-inch barrel.
You can trace two distinct versions: the First Issue (1955-1972) with a thin barrel and exposed ejector rod, and the Second Issue (1973-1991) featuring a shrouded ejector rod. You’ll recognize it as Colt’s working-man’s snub-nose, built for undercover work.
Is Colt’s New Agent Worth the Price?
Since Colt isn’t currently producing new Agent revolvers, you’ll need to evaluate the comparative value of used models on today’s market.
You’ll find that pristine original Agents often command $1,000-1,600, while shootable examples run $500-800. If you’re considering the investment, you’ll want to weigh the Agent’s historical significance, proven reliability, and collector appeal against modern alternatives that offer updated features and materials for similar prices.
What Is the Difference Between a Colt Agent and a Colt Cobra?
You’ll notice several key manufacturing differences between the Agent and Cobra models. The Agent features a more compact grip frame and comes with a 2-inch barrel, while you’ll find the Cobra available in longer barrel lengths.
From 1972, the Agent adopted a shrouded ejector rod design, and by 1982, you could get it in matte black. The Agent’s optional shrouded hammer design differs from the Cobra’s exposed hammer for single-action firing.
What Is a Colt Police Special Worth?
You’ll find that a Colt Police Special’s resale value typically ranges from $500 to $1,500, depending on several key factors.
If you’ve got one in excellent condition with original finish and minimal wear, you can expect prices closer to the higher end. You’ll get more value if your revolver dates from the mid-20th century, and you’ll see premium prices for special variations like nickel-plated or engraved models.
Conclusion
You’ll find the Colt Agent revolver represents a significant milestone in concealable firearms engineering. When Officer James Miller stopped an armed robbery in Detroit in 1962 using his off-duty Agent, it proved the weapon’s reliability in real-world situations. The Agent’s compact frame, double-action mechanism, and .38 Special chambering continue to influence modern snub-nose revolver designs, though production ceased in 1986.
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