Colt Python 1970 - I don’t get it

[swagmeister]

Pythons are way over rated and over priced. People are paying just stupid prices for them. And I am not a Python hater. I have owned several over the past 50 years. Just don't own one now. I'm only offering my personal observations. If given the choice between the two I would pick a 686 all day long. I believe that it will easily handle the steady pounding of .357 rounds better than the Python. Not meaning to offend any Python owners on this forum. Just giving my opinion. Colt collectors these days have to have deep, deep pockets to afford them. But, if a handgun is found that one has to have, they will pay whatever price necessary to get it. And yes, Pythons are beautiful weapons.

 

[Telecaster]

There are a lot of guns that others seem to rave about, that I just don’t get. Like what you like, and don’t worry about it.

 

[LostintheOzone]

Its because they are excellent guns and they don't make them anymore. Simple as that. As near as I can tell, the average Colt collector ain't hurtin' for money and are more than willing to spend it for what they want.
If anything, I believe the 2020 Python actually drove the price of the older guns up. Many folks prefer the original over the remake.
Its the same with all the snake guns. I have a 1975 6" Python and 4" .38 and 6" .22 Diamondbacks. Any of which I could sell for a very nice profit. I always wanted a .45 Colt Anaconda. I'd have to sell one of my kidneys to buy one now.

But they do. You mean they don't make them like they used to. I'll buy that, but I've read that the new product is just as good, maybe better. A collector over on the Colt forum said that about the Anaconda. I may buy one as soon as I find one for MSRP.

The difference is I'm not going to put it in the back of the safe and wait 10 years to turn a 20% profit. I have maybe 10 years left to enjoy my firearms as it is. Most of my revolvers have fired a few thousand rounds.

I understand collecting and I'm glad people do that. If they didn't we wouldn't have those incredible displays like the one at the Buffalo Bill museum in Cody WY.

The old Pythons are collectors. The new ones are the shooters and from my understanding equal, or better, than the old ones.

I have a few Colt 1911's built in the last 20 years. They're fine pistols and increasing in value every year. I paid $1000 for a Colt Gold Cup Trophy about 10 years ago. MSRP for a new one is about $1600 these days. Mine has about 5K through it and I'm not finished using it.

A firearm unused is like a car that's sat in a garage it's entire life.

 

[outta_ammo]

If we were to zoom out a bit and look at interests outside of firearms I'm sure we'd find similar threads.

Ferrari guys who can't fathom someone dropping seven figures on a classic Porsche.

Patek Philippe guys who think Rolex's are for children.

DeWalt guys who think Harbor Freight Drill Master is junk. Ok, wait, I'll give you that one...

It doesn't matter whether I "get it" or not. Everything has its adherents and its detractors. Live and let live.

 

[Miami_JBT]

I have three 6" Pythons. Never paid over $800 for them.

 

[Onomea]

Five years ago that was a $2000 - $2500 gun all day every day.

Times have changed.

Honestly, I don’t know what its worth in todays market but not much surprises me any more.

I bought a new Python, stainless Python Elite, in 2003, shortly after all Pythons were moved to the custom shop at Colt. Paid $1003 to a dealer in CT.

In 2015 or 2016, I sold it for $4,500. It did have it's original box and paperwork. I'd shot it some, but had taken good care of it.

Pythons are like Rolexes: They're a famous brand, a status symbol, excellent quality, expensive and an easy buy for those who don't know a whole lot but want the best. (And also loved by folks who know a whole lot and like 'em. I'm not knocking 'em. They're fine revolvers.)

I like 'em. Lot's of sex appeal. But, to me, not worth what they're going for these days.

 

[CajunBass]

I didn't buy a Python because I think they're any better than any other gun. I bought a Python because I wanted a Python, and nothing else would scratch that itch.

 

[ladder13]

The market sets the price just as it does for everything else.

 

[Wilbaer]

Reasons Original Colt Pythons sell for big bucks:

Made by Colt, Pony trademark
One of the most beautiful revolvers ever made
New Production is not Original (doesn't matter if they are better or not)
Fantastic shooter
Colt Royal Blued models are gorgeous
Python is a catchy name
One of the seven serpents revolvers Colt made
The Walking Dead
Iconic, even a casual firearm guy is aware of the Python
Great cartridges, .357 magnum and .38 Special
American made (unlike Korth, Manhurin...)

I'm sure I left out several other reasons.

 

[VaTom]

Don't have a Colt Python but do have a 1956 Colt Official Police. (Only Colt revolver I own.)Several years ago at a local in person auction I bid on a Diamondback .22 but got outbid by a lot by a Diamondback collector. That particular Colt collector was willing to pay what it took to get it. Here is an interesting You Tube video I came across on the interior clockwork of the Python. Similar to the OP.

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdXgzONpBWo[/ame]

A picture of my Colt OP alongside my coveted nickel Model 10. Every revolver fan needs to have at least one Colt in the stable!

 

[ladder13]

New or old, like em both.

 

[sodacan]

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.

 

[Golddollar]

I didn't buy a Python because I think they're any better than any other gun. I bought a Python because I wanted a Python, and nothing else would scratch that itch.

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.

 

[Laketime]

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

 

[pantannojack]

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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[ladder13]

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.

 

[RetCapt]

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.

 

[KalamazooKid]

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

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

 

[BigBill]

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.

 

[Greyman50]

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.