COLT PYTHON HANDGUN REVOLVER 357 MAG 152MM SN:T87912 in like new condition. Can some one help me with year and value. I hope to purchase this piece. Thanks

Can someone move this to revolver forum? Thanks

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My info doesnt go that high. Best guess, around 1987.

I found the information on the colt collectors web,
I would suspect it is post 1983.
Blessings

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TEXAS, by GOD

What are y'all basing your guesses on? I'm not saying you're wrong. I'm just curious.

Proof House, which has the latest numbers I've seen, has serial number Vxxxxx being made in 1978. Since "T" comes before "V", it seems logical that Txxxxx would be made before Vxxxxx.

Then, my Python is SN VAxxxx, and it was made in 1980. If a 2-letter prefix was made in '80, then it seems strange to me that a 1-letter prefix would be made in '83 or '87.

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I always take precautions

Here. You can see where the T 34000 something started in 1985.
DA Dates of Manufacture thru 1985

You might have better luck on the Colt forum. As far as value, it's worth what people will pay. I haven't seen a Python for less than about a thousand dollars in the past year or two (except the one I traded for, which was priced at 499. Couldn't pass it up!).

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Even older, even crankier....

Thank you. Updated my "serial number dating" records.

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I always take precautions

Is this pollished stainless or bright nickel? Might affect value

I've owned two Pythons, both in Royal Blue, and they were nice guns, although they had the usual cylinder timing problems common to older Colt designs. A very famous pistolsmith told a friend of mine that he could re-time a Python and that it would again be out-of-time within as little as 500-1,000 rounds. At that point, I resolved to buy no more DA Colts. (The MK III-King Cobra use a different design, which has its own quirks.)

If you want this gun as an investment, fine. But for real world use, I'd buy a much less costly S&W M-686 or Ruger GP-100.

I hope this helps the OP and anyone else who might care.

Thanks all

I paid $1K for mine a while back. She came with the same oogly rubber and I didn't feel like dishing out for an original so I contacted Altamont for these:

Fine looking grips Bob! They dress that shiney pony up real good!

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Even older, even crankier....

OP ~ Check your e-mail. First of all, that's a really nice looking Python - does the other side look as good? That gun might be a late 1980s or early to mid 1990s model. To be absolutely certain, call Colt at 1-800-962-COLT (2658) and they will tell you instantly. The grips are correct (with gold colored medallions) - they stopped the wood grips about the same tme they changed to the hard plastic boxes. Anyone that has wood Colt grips on a gun from that era has the wrong grips. It would also sell anywhere from $1200 to $1600 or so in today's market, possibly higher if it has the original box, etc. If its reasonably priced and it makes you happy (it should!), grab it! Good luck!

Here's mine with a 1992 manufacture date.

Ahhh , Pythons!

I put a Hogue on mine as the original grips really don't fit my hand.

I havent shot my pythons much. But I did shoot a trooper and officers model match I had years ago and they never went out of time. I/We carried but hardly shot offical polices on the job for 35 years without problems. All those had the same python action. Pythons are suppose to have more hand work.

Hate to ask more from you shooters, but should i be better of looking for an Anakonda in .44Mag. This will be my first snake gun and I do have couple good S&W 357 wheel guns. Much appreciate input.

Make sure you check the cylinder timing on any python. My so called new python had cylinder timing problems.

I have a Python I bought new in the mid 80's and I have never had a timing issue. It has maybe 2,000 rounds through it. It is a 6" in polished stainless - called the "Ultimate" I believe. Except for the top strap, it looks like nickel. When my son & I go to the range (indoor) and we take the Python, we shoot it last. He loads it up with 357s and I watch everyone's reaction. They all stop shooting and someone usually shouts "What the hell was that?" I also have a couple of S&W K frames which I love but nothing beats the action on the Python.

Funny you would bring the topic up. I walked into my LGS today on a whim, the same LGS I bought a Python in two weeks ago. Lo and behold, there sat an Anaconda and a King Cobra and both were as close to NIB as you can get without them actually being NIB. I walked out with both of them and it sorta made my millenium !

So, in answer to your question, unless you want to spend mega bucks for a revolver such as the high priced Colts and you want it to shoot, I'd suggest you look for a nice S&W model 629 or 29.

I bought four Pythons in the 70s and early 80s when I was first in LE. I bought a 2 1/2 inch, a 3 inch, a four inch and a six inch. I also bought a second model Trooper. I ended up trading the trooper for a Remington 1100, but I've kept the Pythons. The most I ever paid for a Python was $425.00 and the first one I bought was $250.00. Those days are gone.
My four grandsons will get them when I can't shoot anymore.

Rule 303

Not in Canada you lucky *****, oops shooter.

Don't try to fight temptation, get both -------
The Anaconda is a Python on steroids !
Stainless Anaconda & Nickel ed Python.





Ernie

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S&W .500 Magnums RULE !

Python is a true classic. You will love it.

You and about (12) others.
It was manufactured in 1990.
Going for best bid in the auction.
$1200- $2000 depending on condition.
Timming issues...then a lot less.
Used..... then less.
I'll be there as well....bidding.
Good luck "bigi"
May the best man/woman win.
At least with the most money to spend. ;-) ;-) LOL.

Hi Valtech, one less bidder, tomorrow I am buying a used Phyton (agreed on price) and will post pics hopefully by end of the week. Yap 6" SS. Good luck at the auction, also they show a nice 686 4.2", I have one - just a must to have!

Finally my first snake gun is bought, Python s/n E925xx 6" Nickel(1975) in VG+ condition. Pictures to come later next week when its delivered.
Here it is!

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Its finaly home!

The one I started the thread about sold for $2000 at he auction.

Python madness for sure. They are going up in value but I'm not sure they are that far up. Well, with exception for those that were trying to get that one. I would sure drop mine for that same money.

Good golly, I have both mine sitting in the safe and seldom look at em. 4" blue and a 2 1/2" nickle.

feralmerrill,

Your 2 1/2 inch nickeled Python is bringing a lot of money on at the online auctions these days.

Go to gunbroker.com and go to advanced search and type in Python and scroll lower and type in 90 days ago in the closed auctions.

You'll be even more surprised.

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Have guns...will shoot'em.

You aint gonna belive this one! I bought that python new in the box for $165s january of 1971. Jack first that has the parts business in rapid city used to own "The gunshop" in lancaster california. The first of january every year he had a huge 5 day gun sale. 10% off the first day and a extra 10 % each sucessive day for 5 days total. It was a cirrcus!
He didnt put everything out on sale in the store, but a lot! Late the 4th day I seen he had the colt still there and made up my mind to be there when he opened the next morning. I must have bought a dozzen or more guns that way from him over the years plus a LOT of gun related stuff. There always was at least 50 people waiting for the doors to open those last couple days. That 4th night we got around 3 feet of snow! The most I seen in the area in 30 years! I couldnt get my truck out of the driveway! I had a harley and somehow got that bulldozed to the main road. They had just one lane plowed from palmdale to lancaster and I made it. Only a few other people was there. I nailed the python for half sticker, a total of $165s I see in my record book. I then had alphonso make up the holster and belt. I have babied the python and doubt I put over 5 or 6 boxs through it. Enough to know that if you can hold it, its as accurate as most handguns I have! I remember braceing myself and shooting a wheel cover against a embankment about 120 to 150 yards off with regularity! Sadley, the belt shrunk a foot! Those are mustang grips I added. I also own a beautfull condition 4" blue I also bought from jack later. I have the original grips, wood and colt emblem pachmeyers and colt emblem faux ivory for all plus extras.

Just for the fun of it, here is a couple of shotguns I bought from jack the same way for half price back in the 70s and 80s. First is a browning BSS in 12 gauge. I put maybe a box or two trying it out and havent shot it since. The secound is a ithica model 37 supream skeet in 20 guage. I havent shot it at all yet. I will be selling them if the need arises or if I can time it just before my demise so theresa wont get beat out of them.

Maybe it's regional thing, I don't know.
What I saw this past week at the GS where I work p/t is par for the course:

A 'average' 4" blue Python came in, no box, most likely a late 70's gun.
It's shelf-life was approximately 7 minutes. $1500. Gone.

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Ret'd LEO
SWCA #2275