I was surfing the GB today and happened to see a factory-produced, Colt Python with a 2 1/2" barrel.

To me, this looks like the Bethany Hamilton of the revolver world. They took much of the iconic look of the famous wheelgun and hacked it off.

To add insult to injury, the starting bid is a cool $6,999. I know this is because it's rare, but guns that were purposely messed up at the factory should be extremely rare.

Subbie lovers, help me understand this one.

I’d love to find a 2 1/2” Python at anything approaching a decent price. They are the top-of-the-line in Magnum snubbies.

Until then I’ll make do with my longer ones.

Pythons are not really subject to logic. You either get them or you don’t.

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“What you got, ain’t new.”

Oh, I get Pythons. I fully intend to get a 6" at some point. I probably won't ever get a 4", but I think they still look good. 2 1/2"? I maintain that it looks amputated.

Really, now? Surely there is another analogy that would be more appropriate.

The word "castration" seems to pop into my mind.

Randy

I got nuffin..

Lovely gun! During the 1960s, this gun and the snub S&W Model 19 were the only .357 snubs. They had more ballistic punch than .38 snubs in pre- .38 Plus P days and achieved a certain popularity with some plainclothes officers in less restrictive units.

Seven big ones. The Python was listed at $140 back then and the 19 went for $120, and that was big money. Gotta bring my snub Python to the range and see if someone will offer me a few thou for it. Yeah right. I'm one of the few members shooting during this ammo crunch. There was a beautiful minty nickel Colt SAA in the consignment case for $2500 recently, but it went home when nobody asked it to dance. Not even for a cool $2250. If I remember my Latin: O tempora, o mores...

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

P.S. OP, when I saw the thread title, I was concerned the photo would be of an abused, perhaps bubba'd gun. Glad to see I was wrong. I repeat: Lovely gun. Wish I had more than one.

I guess the blue Python Target 38 Special I owned in 1987 - 1990 was the only piece of junk that Colt ever built. Starting defect was a barrel canted 1 thread to the left. Move rear sight full right, could not hit 8-1/2" x 11" paper at 50 feet, still shot 3" left. Four other shooters had the same results.

Sent back to Colt, returned with note "Revolver within specifications" . First, last, and only Python. It must have been the previous owners divorce.

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S&WHF 366

I've had numerous Pythons and still retain a six inch nickel but can't for the life of me, see what is so great about them. Colts trigger pull and timing is fragile compared to an S&W.

So, to summarize your position:

- Snubbies are the "destroyed" version of a classic gun.

- Bethany Hamilton, a world-class athlete -- in spite of an amputation following a terrifying experience that would've plum rolled most of us right up -- and moral inspiration to us all, is to you the human equivalent of a "destroyed" classic gun.

- You're personally injured by a snubby being a snubby, and more so, personally insulted by the optimistic posted price.

- You claim to seek insight.

I get that you're probably just spouting-off and weren't thinking too much about the actual implications of your post -- assuming you're not just trolling -- but, wow nonetheless.

Anyway, though I doubt yours is an honest outreach for perspective, nor do I think such a pointed take can easily be turned, here goes...

- You don't like snubbies. That's fine. It's a personal opinion, you're entitled to it, there's nothing to explain, understand or that needs to change. By-and-large snubbies are a utility compromise for concealed carry by those who can't or don't want to look armed but may need to fight for their lives and if you don't have or perceive the need then it's a non-issue. Walk on and seek your bliss. Opinions are subjective and need to be understood as such.

- Bethany Hamilton kicks your backside up and down the street any day of the week and twice on Sunday and you'd probably like it.

- Asking prices -- be they practical or pie-in-the-sky -- on anything are just that, an ask. They mean nothing (only the selling price matters) and if you feel personally insulted by an ask you need to recognize their essential meaninglessness except as a starting point after which things go up, down or nowhere, and grow yourself some harder bark.

All that said, thank you for posting the pic: that snubby Python is a mean-motor-scooter and I dig it big time. Only -- and I mean only -- problem I see is a buggered screw. But those are everywhere...

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Pickpocket

The only truly beautiful Colt Python is the 6". The 4" is meh, and the 2 1/2" is just ugly. Don’t even get me started on that ridiculous looking 8". And yes, I do own a 6". Bought it brand new in 1972 for $198.00. I shoot it, some 357's, but mostly 38's. Never had a problem with it. Still looks pretty. I totally agree with the OP about the gun, the Bethany Hamilton analogy, not so much. It is a slap in the face to a courageous young woman who is doing great things.

My local gun store had a 2 1/2" Python in the case recently. I don't care for snubbie anything, but someone must have liked it. It sold reasonably quickly in spite of the tag price of a few pennies under $5000. Of course, I don't know what the buyer actually paid for it, but these days, they ain't knocking much off of anything. Not with darn near empty cases, and people standing in line to get to the counter.

Funny how taste runs. I think the 4" Python is the cats meow, and the 6" one is sort of "meh." I've got both (2020) and barely look at the 6" one.

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John 3:16 .

Last week I saw a Target Model Python in 38 spl and nickel finish at a LGS in south Texas. It looks to be unfired!

Well first, it's a vintage Colt Python. Secondly, it's a snubby. And lastly it's in what looks like the Coltguard (Electroless Nickel) finish. That is in todays world a perfect storm relating to collecting Colt's relating to scarceness versus the big picture of the Pythons. Will it bring the price? Maybe, these usually in this configuration go for 5K+. As noted they are not everyone's cup of tea nor price range but it's todays reality.

Would it be better looking if the starting price was $500?

I had to look up Bethany Hamilton to see who she was. I was expecting some flat-chested, skin-and-bones crack addict. I certainly don't see the analogy, to me it would be the perfect gun with maybe a small chip gone on one of the stocks, nothing more than that.

If she put me in a bear hug, I wouldn't care it was one-armed.

That revolver looks just fine to me.

Degustabus non est disputandum.

I never saw a snubby Python until this thread.

Interesting. Not my cuppa, but interesting.

Hard to get around that asking price.

OP - your analogy went over like a fart in church.

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BTDT, Got The T-Shirt

Never had a Python or a 2 inch .357 but have shot a buds .357 Smith snubby and my personal opinion is if I’m going to have to deal with all the racket and muzzle blast I’d rather it at least be for a .45 caliber projectile. Nice high dollar Colt though, the closest thing I have is a Python’s big brother, a 6 inch s/s .45colt Anaconda. Btw, I like snubs and have pre model 10’s, OP’s, DS’s and a nice .450 Webley Metropolitan Police.

So true. I have owned one from the custom since 1980. The pricing is a bubble that could burst.....People that want to fondle/brag show off their guns buy pythons. The rest of use(that shoot a lot) buy the sturdier longer lasting Smith's and Ruger's.

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S&W Accumulator

If you are shocked at the asking price of a 2 1/2" Python, don't look at the 3" ones

I think that for a Python to LOOK like a Python, the minimum barrel length should be at least 4". Then the ventilated rib becomes apparent, and that's one of its defining features. I fell in love with this one many years ago back in the 1980s. It's vintage of 1981. Still have it, including the original box and papers.

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

Wow. Insane...a gun with a prancing horse stamped on it can't be all that. I'll never know.

not at all surprised at the price. Snubby barreled Pythons seem to be the cream of the cream among the Python cult. The six inch are insanely muzzle heavy. Make mine a 4 inch

The lgs has a shooter grade 4" tagged for $3400. Doesn't look as beautiful in the flesh as they do on the internet. I'd take a 686, have the factory do an action job, and call it good.

Local cabelas has 1 ,if i could afford it i would buy it ,Just to look at it and caress it.

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age is just a number

I bought a six inch stainless in 2003 for $1000 and sold it in 2015 or 16 for $4,500. Nice gun, but at $4,500, I'll take the dineros.

I think fondly of Pythons though. Mine certainly treated me well.

I think in general, for most revolvers, the shorter barrels cost more than the longer barrels of the same model. I speculate that it is because of the increase in legal concealed carry, and the desire to carry them concealed.

So I'm not the only Classics student on the Forum! And yes, that Python looks just fine to me also.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

A co-worker owned one in the 80's. I shot it and enjoyed it.
Who is Bethany Hamilton? Don't answer, I have google, just don't care.
If you don't like it don't buy it.

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Front sight and squeeze

“Bobbit”...

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Not in jail.

Every one of them look stupid with that vent rib barrel.

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Wayne
Torn & Frayed

I love the looks for the Python BUT I started shooting PPC in the
1970's and nothing compares to a S&W double actin....especially
if tuned by Ron Power.

Pythons are superb revolvers, but I never found them as visually appealing as others do. Same for Weatherby Rifles, great rifles but just a little overdone for my taste.

I live under a rock, I confess - who is Bethany Hamilton? Seriously, I never heard of her.

Yes, yes, I'll do an online search.....I have no choice now.

For my money, a 2.5" Model 19 or 66 is better looking than a 2.5" Python but I admit to some prejudice there.

Side note: I did the search. Surfer girl that lost her arm to a shark. I knew the story - not her name.

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Come and take it!!

I just read about Miss Hamilton, she is definitely a courageous disciplined young Lady !

Lt. Dan comes to mind . . .

Au contraire! I think the target rib looks sexy. Someone here years ago had a 4" TL to which a King (I assume) target rib had been attached. Looked very cool indeed.

(The stories about the Python "vent rib" being for heat dissipation are pretty funny though!)

I have a refinished Colt 3-5-7 that I've considered putting a target rib on just for the helluva it, but I kinda doubt anyone does that kinda work anymore.

All that money and the previous owner didn't even spend to use a proper screwdriver on the sideplate screws. Y'all go on up ahead without me. Joe

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Wisdom chases me; I'm faster

you betcha

OK I guess. So put me in the "meh" group.

I really don't get the snubbie love. I wouldn't carry it and longer barreled range guns are more fun.

That and if I were to buy a $7k gun, there'd be several higher on the list.

YMMV

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SWCA #3356, SWHF#611

Like with anything, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. There are some that think the Ruger P85 or Smith M&Ps are attractive. Personally I like the Python snubbie. In fact, I’d like to make a 2.5” Smolt.

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213th FBINA

At different points across the last 4 decades I have carried Pythons in each of the 5 barrel lengths.

The two most Modern of those Pythons being constructed of stainless steel with the 2 1/2" being Colts Ultimate Stainless

I am a BIG fan of 357 Magnum snubbies and have carried one with me almost everyday since the J-Magnum was introduced back in 1996

Some folks love GM products and others prefer Fords.

Does downplaying or insulting the one you do not own make you feel better about the one you choose to buy?

Is there not enough Firearm Love for all of us to be happy? . . . . . Yes I know that sounds strange

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"Acta non verba"

My Python was bought used in about 99% condition about 1980. I liked it, but didn't love it, and after the hand broke on it, I guess I didn't even like it anymore. A local gunsmith had it back working 100% for not a lot of money, but a coworker offered me a nice price for it, and away it went. Never missed it a bit.

Not crazy about the snubby at all. I could buy a ton more N frame S&W's along with some more Dan Wessons and have a lot of ammo money left over.

First, gunbroker is populated by gun dealers and gun-dealers-looking-for-suckers. Good luck sorting them out.

Second, guns that are collectable now weren't always. I know people that drilled holes in their new oak dresser (that's now an antique) or swapped the OEM hood off their corvette. When you buy something, it's yours to modify how you wish. If any of us had the foresight to know what we owned in our youth that would become collectable, we'd have servants to post on the forum for us.

LOL. That was my first thought too. I like the profile. Not a fan of nickel, regardless of the make. Would prefer blued. I thought "destroyed" was in reference to the poor buggered screws.

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- Jeff

I can remember when the 2 1/2" came out in the 1960s and several of my friends had to get one but the huge price of $140.00 was way too much for me. My 3"model 36 in 38 Special was good enough for me at less than 1/2 the price of the Python.

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Gun Safety is no accident.

When i did start shooting back in 1977 there was a member who has a Python. I was in love instantly. But I could not afford it. It was to expencive. Price that time 1500 Dutch guilders. Bought a model 19 instead. Cost me 750 Dutch guilders. Many years later I bought a lot of 3 revolvers including a nice 1961 made Python. The other 2 where a French model 1892 and a German revolver model 1883. Price together. 450 euro. About 1000 Dutch guilder at that time. Still have all 3 revolvers. I treassure my Python and my Diamondback in .22lr. I do mention that revolver becouse it is on the old picture. But frankly. If I have to take a revolver where I do have to trust my life on. I probbebly take my 686 or 586.

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Some of us go over to the Colt dark side. I have not problem with Pythons starting with they are accurate and great fired single action. The other thing, all Pythons are not created equally as is the case when comparing a Registered Mag and a 27-2 fit and finish. The 60 and 70 ear Pythons are consider the Cadillac of firearms. I have a custom shop tuned blue six inch that shoots hole through holes. I really like the fit and fit and finish of the 50's era Pythons.

1966

1956

I have an add related to value. I have shooters and serious safe queen collectables. I cross over to the Colt side. Today my adds are not so much emotionally drive but pragmatically motivated. In other words, I never buy for investment - I buy for pleasure and as an add to a collection. Then again, I do not buy stupid at least not all the time.

As a general rule I do not talk purchase numbers; however I will say a few years ago I spent much less for this 59 Colt Python than the asking price 2 1/2. Colt made 1350 Pythons 1956 year. Was it a dumb buy? I can sell this gun all day long for more than I paid for it. No - not for sale!

In comparison, my last interesting buy was a Colt Shooting Master in 45LC made 1937 with provenance attached. Colt only made 200 Shooting Masters is 45lc. Rare!! I paid much less than the asking price for the 2 1/2.

Since we are on the SW side of things, the very last gun bought as an add to my safe cost me $950. A K22 Outdoorsman I plan on marrying to my shooter K22 masterpiece 22/40 and shooting the snot out of it. I suppose there is no logic to it all; however I will say a 2 1/2 Python of without complete paperwork in NIB condition is a pass strictly looking at it as a collectable.

I have had a couple of Pythons, a diamondback .22, and a .44 Anaconda. Never could get a proper grip angle on any of them and the sights are just too tiny. The Anaconda kept bending cranes with stout loads. Back to Colt three times. New gun three times. Sold them all.