New or old, like em both.

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Sure you did

The revolver in these photos is a Colt "357". The is the immediate progenitor of the Python. 15K were made, and this example (early 1st year production), has all the bells and whistles. This configuration only lasted for a short period of time during the 1st year. It has the Duo-tone finish, rounded end sight leaf, unblued polished muzzle, target stocks and target hammer. Same internals as the Python. This gun in this configuration is rare. So what would you say it would be worth? More or less than Python? I know, it sure isn't as pretty.

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I always looked at Pythons as the Cadillac of revolvers, even though I wasn't that big into Colt revolvers. But for so long the money didn't seem to be there to get one. But suddenly, the owner of a gun shop on the northeast side of Baltimore decided to retire, and was closing out his inventory. And there it was, a nickel finished Python. It didn't have a box or papers, it didn't even have the original grips, but it was a Python and I figured this was my one chance to get what I considered a legend. When I lost my job in 2009 and had to sell a lot of guns and ammunition to keep my house, I hung on to the Python feeling that I would never get the deal on another one that I got on the one I had. Happily I still have it.

Python’s are like Rolex’s.....Your paying for perception over what you actually get materially.

I have a friend who, when he was still just an octogenarian, showed me a 6" blue Python in box in the condition you describe. He inherited it from his father. He thought it had a cracked frame where the side plate is and offered it to me. I could have had it for mid three digits, but I explained that it was not a crack and he deserved four times that; And that I prefer S&W's. I stand by that preference. That will be $.02 please.





















































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































+

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"Don't Give Up the Ship"

Think I’ll sell all my overpriced Colts and Smiths and just buy some HiPoints or Charters, since they all do the same thing, push a bullet out the muzzle.

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Sure you did

In this specific environment there are collectors and there are users. I am in the latter group. I really like my blue 6" Python, which I bought in the early-mid 70s for $185. But I like my model 27 (my last duty revolver before my department went to mandatory issue/carry revolvers), my customized 586, and my PPC customized Ruger Police Service Six equally as well. All great shooters, so they have earned a place in my safe.

I could extend this into subtle condescension with the inference that I am above all this collecting business. But that would be a lie. If I had the loot I would be a car collector - 50s era muscle and Olde English sports cars. In fact if my Python would get me a toehold in that world, the Python would be gone. So much for any claims of noble purity here.

No matter where our preferences dwell, the idea is to enjoy the hobby, and advocate for the Second Amendment.

I perceive these to be worth every penny I paid for them! And they both get shot on a pretty regular basis.

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Pass it on.
Mark

The python is my only gun I traded in that I haven’t replaced. Probably never will. I still have my very accurate reloads from decades ago. I’d like to shoot in my n frame smiths someday.

I found my ‘75 colt python 357/6” royal blue to be pin point accurate at 100 yds. Colt says it’s accurate to 200 yds not sure but I can hit anything at 200 yds.

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Plant garlic in the fall

Just saw a excellent post on the “4 letter word” forum(lol) with a new Python disassembled, WAY BETTER than the original, no needed adjustments ect, ect, even with the MIM parts.

Its like when Jeep people say: Its a Jeep thing.

Its a Python thing.

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“What you got, ain’t new.”

The Walking Dead show certainly spiked the price. I guess that's what happens when the most charismatic character in the show is a revolver...

Surely no one actually watches that show...

A little kid has the Python now.

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“What you got, ain’t new.”

The first few seasons were good, but about the time the character "Negan" came along, I lost interest and stopped watching.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA

I've said it before here and elsewhere, I own a S&W .357 because when I went hunting for a .357 revolver back in 78 or 9 the Colt was $200.00 dollars more in price. My Mod 28 cost $225.00 out the door. Would I trade it for a Python? No way in 'ell. Just as I wouldn't trade my 19-2 for a Python. I don't buy a gun, or anything, because of the name on the BBL. For me it's the quality built into the item for the cost. S&W wins that game for me.

Sure is nice to have the choice, to buy (or sell) one, the other or both. Is this a great country or what?

I sold my only Python 6 years ago at Tulsa, a 4 in. blue that I would rate 90% (holster wear) for $1,400. Came by it 25 years ago at a pawn shop for $400. All this was at the start of the Python craze. I asked a dedicated snake gun collector what all the hoorah was about. He had the usual reasons, but another that I had not heard. There was a very popular video game that featured the Python in high def graphic detail. It was not the only reason, but one of the contributors. All along I thought David Soul in Magnum Force was the only media contributor to the craze, but it's a different era.

It certainly is.

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Sure you did

The only difference between the 3-5-7 and the Python is the barrel configuration. I don't know what today's market is for a 3-5-7, the last one I remember seeing at a gun show was almost three years ago, asking price then was $1200. I bought an early 6" 3-5-7, in about 90% condition, in the early 1990s for around $200. The .357 Trooper is very close to the 3-5-7, and I also bought one of those back around 2014-15 for $700, but it was in near-perfect condition. It is perhaps the revolver I like the most of all that I own. The 3-5-7 was at one time Colt's top-of-the line revolver. A little later, Colt brought out the Python, and decided it didn't need two TOTL guns, so it pulled the 3-5-7, replacing it with the Trooper, which was oriented mainly toward getting LE sales, almost like the relationship between the S&W Model 27 vs. the S&W Model 28, the Model 28 being the no-frills version of the Model 27. Except my .357 Trooper is fully the equal in fit and finish to my 3-5-7.

Pretty sure the Walking Dead character Rick Grimes had an impact as well as he carries a Python.

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BCCI Life Member #2068

First year shorty

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True story: The gun about to knock the bottom out of inflated Python prices is....the NEW model Python! It is, by all accounts, a far BETTER revolver with better action, smoother, cleaner, better fitment, and all for the amazing low buy-in of $1,499 MSRP! I just picked up a 4.25" version at Sportsman's for exactly MSRP plus tax or $1,662 out the door for a brand new 2021 Python that is without any doubt far superior to my original 4" Royal Blue model!

You were right to pass...

The person who will pay that kind of vig for a Python is a devoted Python aficionado, not a "shooter."

The new Python however, was designed from the outset to be the "shooter" the original series never was.

Who pays that kind of money?

If I was on a limited budget and had a choice between a good quality Taurus or a Colt and the difference was a couple of Franklins I'd get the Taurus. The name Colt doesn't mean that much to me. It's why I bought my first S&W .357 a 28-2. The difference was $200.00 and I just couldn't imagine the the Colt was worth that much more. Still can't. Those two names Colt and Python are not worth the difference in my mind.

Pfft. Yeah, Naah. I can get 4-5 nice S&W's for that. I have a new 2021 Anaconda I bought for MSRP. Would like to get a new 2021 Python, too. Was going to buy one a couple weeks ago, but the vendor wouldn't ship. In-Store only.

$1000 for a 2-1/2" 66? That settles that. I'm never going to carry mine.

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What would Jim Cirillo do?

Not a Python hater. I'm a lifelong Colt fan.
I've just learned to love many more brands/models as I've gotten older.

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What would Jim Cirillo do?

Just looked at a S&W Model 64-5 on Cabela’s website. Basic shooter, Pachmayr grips, no box. $1300. Either this world has gone mad or I’ve crossed over to another dimension!!!!

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otis

Let us know how it is on the other side.

Sold my "shooter" 4 in 70's era python. For a shooter, am preferring a S&W L-frame with earlier enhanced trigger. The python was extremely accurate, but only in sa. Earlier Pythons were works of art, but not up to the punishment imo. Will readily admit to not having shot the 2.5 inch pictured. While it's net worth may have dropped a little about 5 years ago, it be worth well more than $450 (if memory serves) paid for it. And it's worth is climbing again.

I picked up a 5.5” barreled ruger Redhawk in 357/6 shot. I’d like to come par it to the m27/28 6” barrels. The Redhawk is a heavy frame.

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Plant garlic in the fall

That is even crazier than than the Python prices. Aim Surplus had them awhile back for $449. Many of the recent sold ones on GB were around $350

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Super Snooper

The same thing that makes '57 Chevys, '67 Austin-Healey 3000s, '76 BMW R90s motorcycles, M1-C Garands, Winchester 94s, and now Browning High Powers so expensive...

People still want 'em, and they ain't makin' any more of 'em!

I haven't seen a new Python yet, let alone fired one, but with all due respect, it would have to be one terrific revolver in order to be better than my 2-1/2" and 4" Pythons. I love the Royal Blue finish, and that buttery smooth action is amazing...

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I am kinda weird. To me, when I think of a Colt Python, I see a revolver with a spectacular blued finish. For that reason, I have a NIB 1974 blued one with a 4 inch barrel. It is my perfect example. I, personally, don't care for the nickel or stainless steel models. If Colt ever makes a new blue finish one, I might worry a little bit about the value of mine dropping. I don't think that will ever happen. Like I said, I am weird.
Larry

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Miss My Buddy crsides!!

They are nice, but...
Seriously, they have always been top tier guns. In the 70's, according to documents, they were in the $150.00~ range back then which sounds cheap, but if you use an inflation calculator you'll see that was equivalent to $1,500.00 in today's dollars, so they've always been very pricy.
Here's my "new" 4.25 Python (sans timing issues) I just bought for around that amount next to my GP100 that was there trying on holsters.

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Dave Ramsey Cultist

Think about it like this Larry.
Does a brand new, gen 8 corvette lower the value of a classic Corvette?
Absolutely not, neither will a new iteration of a blued Python, if anything it'll make it more desirable!

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Dave Ramsey Cultist

I get what you're saying, but I respectfully disagree.
New CNC machining produces parts far superior in tolerances than the machines of yesterday.
Speaking of the Python, it's literally 30% stronger because of the advancement of metallurgies. Not to mention, they removed somewhere around a dozen unnecessary parts in the action making it more reliable with the same feel as the older one's and some argue that the new Pythons actually have a better trigger now too. I certainly am impressed with my new one!

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Dave Ramsey Cultist

Just ran an inflation calculator. $150 in 1970 would be $1060 today. In 2003, I spent just over $1000 for a new stainless Python, so that sounds about right.

Inflation Calculator | Find US Dollar's Value from 1913-2021

I absolutely understand your comment and feelings. The originals are indeed beautiful, however, bear in mind I said, "knock the bottom out" of the Python market. The gun(s) shown in your photos don't look like shooter grade, or 70-80% grade revolvers. When confronted with paying $2,000-$3,000 for an original, which by definition means "used" the new generation of revolver shooters - now discovering revolvers and the "New" Python, will opt to pay $1,499, and not just because the new models can be had for less, but because when they handle them, they will be as blown away by the new model as I was.
I don't doubt the high-end, >95% finish, and special issue models of the originals will continue to garner big money, just that the "shooter grade" models will be far less compelling in the face of the exceedingly well done new model.

I think you are spot on.

Add in decades of “your Python will shoot itself out of time” and “all the guys who knew how to fix them are dead” lore, and a brand new Python with a factory warranty looks pretty good for $1500.

I bought this 4” 1976 Python after I had already gotten my 6” 2020. Note price. (1200 if you don’t have your specs on!) Its not typical because it was at a police supply place that only sells to cops, but several people had passed on it because the cylinder was hard to open and it was stiff to turn. I knew a lot of the police trade in guns had sat for years in evidence rooms or gun vaults and sometimes only needed a cleaning. All this one needed was oil, and I had it clicking along fine before I left the parking lot. The owner of the place is pretty knowledgable - I think he priced it low because he didn’t have much in it and he knew new ones were $1500.

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“What you got, ain’t new.”

Exactly, just like when Sig introduced the new P210s it had zero effect on the value of the old models.

I just got my older Python back from the shop for repair, but recently bought a S&W 19-4 that immediately went to the same shop for repair. Having said that, I am impressed with the 19-4.

New Colt Python

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Back in the late 80's, into the 1990's I thought I was a Colt collector, having many nice pieces, and actually enjoyed them until one day..my profession brought me in contact with a REAL Colt Collector.

There was a major fire and damage to a plastic plant in Freeport Texas, around 2006 and I happened to be called in as an expert witness during the Cause & Origin investigation. There I met a very nice gentleman, a renowned Tribology expert. We got to talking guns after tromping around in fire residue all day, and he mentioned that he had just taken possession of a documented early Colt Walker and was mentioning the heavy weight of that gun.

My all original, Python, OMM's (22 and 38), Woodsman, 1944 1911A1, and many more, most with boxes and tools, appeared pretty meager up against some of his collection. The Walker cost him $65,000, some SAA's the same...beautiful pieces, museum class, but never to be for myself.

I went home very happy to adjudge myself an "accumulator", not a "collector" and I was extremely happy to sell all the prancing ponies in my accumulation...and turn those funds into more, and nicer, Smith & Wesson's.

In fact it was while I was months in Freeport for that fire investigation, that I began "lurking" on this Forum...joining 10 years later and really appreciating gathering, shooting and simply enjoying S&W quality products.

PS: The Python and the 1911A1 each brought $2,600, the others were all over $1k....and times were not crazy like now, so it had to be just that prancing pony on the frame.

Don't miss em a bit.

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Charlie B
SWCA#3083, SWHF#570

Many moons ago I owned a 6" Python and a 5" 27-2 at the same time. Love them both. Shot them both alot and well. Someone talked me out of the 27 and the Python got stolen. I told myself that someday I would again own both. I found a very nice shooter grade 27-2 and thoroughly enjoy it. I was standing in front of a gun case at Brownells a couple weeks ago looking at four new 4.25" Pythons for msrp of $1495. I had the money in my pocket but walked away. My "new" 27 seems to have satisfied my 357 sweet tooth.

Couple years ago had a member on my deer lease beggin me to
fine him a shooter Python.
Scored him one (first pic) he backed out at $800.
Decided to keep it and sent it to Fords.....$500.00 later....
Second pic.

If I had the money to drop $3500-5000 on a 1911 I doubt I would be whining about much anything.

I am a Smith guy. No Python urge. I understand the mystique though.

Any product is worth what a buyer is willing to pay. No more and no less.
When I see the prices old Pythons bring I think 'Who would pay that?'. Obviously, more people than you would think.

On the other hand, when I see the price a P&R 27 or a blued Lew Horton .44 special brings I think 'I wish I could afford that!'

Lucky for me, my Combat Masterpiece, Combat Magnum, Distinguished Combat Magnum and Highway Patrolman will all do anything I need a general purpose revolver to do. Do I need them all? Of course not. What are they worth to me? They are priceless. Are they for sale? NO!

So in other words, if I was a Colt guy I'd probably be shooting Troopers. I will admit that when a Python of any vintage appears on the range I will shoot it before it slithers away...

I love my Model 19 but also love my 1961 Python. I have a 2.5 inch 19-2 and a shooter python. cost a lot less than a new one and I rather have a 61 shooter than a new stainless.

I call my 5" Model 27 the "Snake Killer" because I have out shot so many Pythons with that revolver. I have just never seen the fascination with the Pythons. They shoot OK I guess, but I have always preferred the feel of the Smith & Wesson better. I certainly would not pay the crazy prices people are asking.

I also have one of the early Colt ".357" revolvers. I agree that they shoot every bit as good as a Python. They might be more rare, but they don't command anywhere near the same price point.
Guess that's Hollywood for you.....