HANDGUNS
July 2004
Firearms covered: Colt Huntsman, Remington Model 788, S&W CHP Commemorative, Sears Model 53, Colt New Service, and the Bergmann Mars 9mm
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REMINGTON MODEL 788
Q: I have just purchased a Remington Model 788 in .243 Winchester. I would like some information on this rifle, specifically its quality and where I can get parts if needed. --T.R., Little Falls, NY
A: The M788 was made from 1967 to 1983. Quality was quite good for a standard production rifle. You may get parts from Numrich Gun Parts Corp., located in West Hurley, New York; e-gunparts.com; (866) 686-7424. Remington should be contacted directly for more information (www.remington.com).
Colt Huntsman
Q: I own a Colt Huntsman that my dad purchased new in 1956. It has a 6-inch barrel with fixed sights, original magazine and owner's manual. The serial number is 97XXX-C. It is in 90 percent or better condition and functions flawlessly. There is a slight bit of holster wear, only visible in bright light. I have been a G&A reader for many years and do not recall any mention of the Huntsman in this column (only the adjustable-sighted Woodsman). What is it worth? And which of the two did Colt make more of? -- M.P., Dunnellon, FL
A: The Colt Huntsman was manufactured between 1955 and 1977, with production reaching over 100,000 pistols. Total production for the Woodsman series, including the Pre-Woodsman, was approximately 412,000. The serial number verifies your gun was manufactured during 1956, the year Elvis launched his career on the "Ed Sullivan Show." The Huntsman series was virtually identical to the more expensive Target & Sport models, except the front sight was fixed, a thumb catch on the butt released the magazine, and the grips were either plastic or wood. Current value is $250 to $300, based on the condition you described. No doubt your gun is a great shooter, and considering that today's good .22 target pistols are in the same price range, you also have the advantage of shooting a collectible that won't depreciate if you take care of it properly.
S&W CHP Commemorative
Q: I just inherited a 6-inch -barreled Smith & Wesson Model 19-4 California Highway Patrol Commemorative. It is engraved in gold with the CHP emblem and the dates "1929-1979." The serial number is 39K9XXX. The revolver is in excellent condition, but the presentation box is a little beat up. Can you tell me its approximate value? --T.A., Inglewood, CA
A: Your S&W Model 19-4 California Highway Patrol Commemorative was a special edition ordered by the CHP. A total of 5,000 were manufactured during 1978-79. Your gun's current value is in the $600 to $650 range.
Sears Model 53
Q: I am curious about a bolt-action rifle I acquired recently. The barrel is marked "Sears, Roebuck & Co., Sears Mod. 53, Cal. .243 Win." A friend told me it was manufactured by Winchester for Sears. The rifle has a Bushnell Banner 3x9 scope mounted on it. With 75-grain handloads, it groups under an inch at 100 yards. I am planning to use it for deer this fall with 100-grain bullets. Can you tell me something about it? --G.S., Phoenix, AZ
A: Your Sears & Roebuck & Co. rifle was manufactured by Winchester and is basically a Model 70 that was subcontracted by Sears to compete at a lower price point. These types of subcontracted rifles typically make great shooters and today are priced considerably under the major trademark models from which they are derived.
Colt New Service
Q: I have a Colt New Service in .45 Colt, serial number 17XXX, in good condition. It has a lanyard ring on the butt and black stocks. It came from my grandfather, who was a constable at one time. Was this a military or police piece? Can you tell me when it was manufactured and what the value would be? --C.M.A., Nitro, WV
A: Your Colt New Service Model was manufactured in 1907, and I assume that this revolver is chambered for .45 Long Colt, not .45 ACP. Your gun, based on your description, is a commercial model, since military models were stamped "United States Property" on the bottom of the barrel and not "New Service" on the barrel. The black grips are proper for this revolver, and its current value range is $295 to $1,975 depending on original condition.
Bergmann Mars 9mm
Q: I have a Bergmann Mars 9mm, serial number 39X, and have tried to find some information about it, with no success. It has 90 percent original finish and is in excellent condition. I have looked through several books to find a similar handgun and haven't found one yet. Where could I find some information about this handgun and a possible value? --J.P., via e-mail
A: Your Bergmann Mars is actually a Model 1903, which was manufactured in both .30 and 9mm Bergmann calibers. More information on this desirable pistol can be found in The Handgun by Geoffrey Boothroyd and Handguns Of The World by Edward Ezell. In 90 percent original condition, your gun is worth approximately $2,500.
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