Colt Python Opportunity

[686 SSR]

I've never considered owning a revolver until I tried a 686 SSR. Amazing. This was definitely a must have! I thought tuned 1911 triggers were sweet, but they aren't even in the same league as the SSR.

Now semi-autos have completely lost their attraction and I find myself cruising revolver sites only. Recently, a friend offered to sell a 6-inch Colt Python he bought new for $300 in the early 80's. It's never been fired and is still new in the box. We haven't yet talked price, but I suspect it would be very reasonable. What would you do? Buy it or pass because if I owned it, it would remain a safe queen.

 

[66SLOWDRAW686]

PYTHON

YOU MIGHT WANT TO SEARCH GUNBROKER TO SEE WHAT THAT GUN MIGHT SELL FOR. I ONLY JUDGE BY WHAT SELL NOT THE PRICE SOME TRY TO SELL. THAT COLT IS A VERY EXSPENSIVE GUN OVER 1000.00 NEVER FIRED FROM EARLY 80'S

 

[perrazi]

if you can buy it for $300, i will give you double that amount for gun in described condition.

 

[VM]

YOU MIGHT WANT TO SEARCH GUNBROKER TO SEE WHAT THAT GUN MIGHT SELL FOR. I ONLY JUDGE BY WHAT SELL NOT THE PRICE SOME TRY TO SELL. THAT COLT IS A VERY EXSPENSIVE GUN OVER 1000.00 NEVER FIRED FROM EARLY 80'S

Around my neck of the woods that gun will sell between $1500 and $2000 (even in these tough times).


To the OP - buy it if you and your friend can get together on price - I know you'll be honest with him.
Only you know whether or not {you} want a safe queen and for the snake to remain unfired

 

[ditrina]

NIB?? UNFIRED??
With all the goodies?? ..
Hmm let me think for a secondOKDONE...
$1200.00 works..
Under $1000.00 BUY..
$800.00.. WHOO HOO.. Go directly to Jail for theft..

Let us know how it works out...

 

[310Pilot]

If you can work out a mutually acceptable price, BUY IT! I know that collectors will pay between $1,800 and $2,500 for a NIB unfired 6" Python (I know of one that went for over $2,500 recently); however, IMHO, it is a crime to not fire it - the action of the Python can only be described as marvelous. Besides, they were built to shoot, as well as fondle and look at. I shoot all my Pythons, and truly enjoy them, usually finishing off a day at the range with one - always puts a smile on my face and a warm feeling in my heart.

 

[357larry]

Pythons are great guns but in reality, they won't do anything for you that you couldn't do with a 66 or 686. I had 3 of them but had to sell them when people started offering me 3 and 4 times what I had in them.

The only reason to keep one as a safe queen is if you are looking at it as an investment. The way the prices are going on them, that might not be a bad idea.

 

[murphydog]

I think you have to decide if you want it as an investment, a shooter, or if you can't decide.

As an investment, you wouldn't want to fire it (some don't even cycle their NIB guns, which I find a little extreme). If you shoot it a few times but otherwise keep it pristine, it will lose a little value - but "a little" means a few hundred dollars off the NIB value. If you can't decide, I'd keep it unfired - it's like money in the bank.

 

[Grog]

If I had a NIB one, I'd not fire it to keep it's value. It's make me cry every day not to fire it though

 

[Smithboomer]

+1 to Grog. I would not fire a NIB Colt.

Pythons are good investments. Buy it if you can.

 

[Firehouse]

If I were to run across that deal, the meat off of my finger tips would stick to the gun it'd be so hot.

 

[686 SSR]

Thank you for all of your comments. The reason why my friend offered it to me is the same reason I hesitate. It's taking up space and simply sitting in a box. I would probably treat it the same way he has over the last 25 - 30 years. I would have never considered it if I hadn't tried a 686 SSR. This S&W opened my eyes up to how much fun (and accurate) a great revolver can be.

 

[tyusclan]

I kick myself on a regular basis for all the $300 Pythons I passed on years ago.

If the price were anywhere near what I could afford I'd have to buy it.