RE: Please help value my Colt.
I don' t see how this gun is can be all that uncomfortable to shoot since it' s a .38special and a steel frame.
I have a 2-1/2" bbl S&W 66 that I got a few months back and it is a little bit of a handfull with fullpower 125grJHP' s, but not all that bad.
The acuraccy is acceptable for self-defense out to about 25yds, though the 66 has adjustable sights.
I' d recommend getting some rubber grips that fit your hand and start with some basic lead SWC' s, work up to the +p stuff from there.
As long as you hold a steady sight picture you should get adequate accuracy at most reasonable self-defense distances.
Collectors value, honestly don' t know, but since this gun was made awhile it may not be that high even though a Colt and discontinued. I' d find a up to date ' Blue Book of Gun Values' and look in there.