Colt Python 1970 - I don’t get it

[Hank Dodge]

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.....

 

[Bill Lear]

When the new Python was introduced I believe the old Python values took a big hit. I see a lot of nice old Pythons at gun shows and none ever sell over the low to mid teens. I confess to buying a new one at a good price but would not pay the same $ for an older one.

I think as the new Python gets further into circulation, prices on original models will drop, but not universally. Shooter grade originals will come down from the stratosphere, but the unique models - as with any brand, will continue to command a premium. Then there is the fact that since no "new" original models will ever be made, originals will retain some amount of premium on into the future.

As I read through various posts I see a lot of comments about "need" when it comes to choosing this brand or that, usually with a bias toward S&W brand revolvers (and why not since this IS a S&W forum!), but let's be grounded for a few moments here: NOBODY "needs" an expensive revolver, they buy it because it appeals to them on various levels. I own a bunch of S&W revolvers and plan to own a lot more, but I also appreciate the "look" of the Python, and all that goes into it to make it such a conversation piece. Unlike a great many it seems, I wasn't terribly impressed with the original. Sure my 4" blued model had "the look," but I wasn't particularly impressed with its double-action as I expected it to be much, MUCH better. Since I didn't pay an arm and a leg for it I didn't feel it was a bad choice, just not in any way so far superior to a Smith to justify the hype...but that's precisely what hype is isn't it.

I find the NEW Python be everything the original was not. The fit and finish is far superior, and in function it indeed delivers an amazingly smooth, light DA trigger pull, and the SA pull isn't nearly as bad as the "internet hype" would have you believe. A tiny hint of creep, and I mean just the barest hint, followed by a crisp release that doesn't jar the sight picture at all.

The DA pull on my S&W M25-15 New Classic is very close to my new model Python. Very smooth, non-stacking (to my finger), and light, but not even close to the butter-smooth pull of the Python! SA let off on the M25 is absolutely crisp with zero creep - "better" than the Python IMO. Now, if all I had to compare was my S&W M69 L-frame .44, I'd rate the Python as light-years better because the L-frame has a rather stiff, heavy DA pull, and equally stiff SA cocking force, though it does have a clean break in SA. Overall the action on my M69 kind of sucks when compared to the M25 and the Python, and it's not as if the M69 was particularly "inexpensive" by any means.

Nobody "needs" an expensive revolver in the .357 magnum power power spectrum, what with a Glock 10mm the ballistic equal at $600, with 15+1 on tap before reload with 26! And while I don't rate the trigger as equal, it's "good enough," and can be made surprisingly smooth and clean with a few "drop in" parts and polishing of contact surfaces. So as much as I love my newest Python, if the SHTF and I had to pick just ONE handgun to journey forth on foot, the Python, and all of my full-size revolvers would probably be left behind. The J-frames would make the journey for sure, but my FN Five-Seven or G17 in 5.56x24 would likely be the choice riding concealed for AP use.

 

[Univibe]

You never know. Pre-panic, a SP1 was $2500; a new 6920 was $900.

And you should see what people will pay for old electric guitars. As with guns, these tend to be fondlers rather than people who perform in front of audiences. The latter just want something that works.

 

[Junkenstien]

Had one in the mid90s that went out of time.Traded a beat up glock 17 for it,had it a couple years and shot it all the time even had a laser screwed to it,got so bad i was scared to shoot it didnt have the money to fix it and traded it for a berretta 92 at a gun show in Louisiana.If you come across a nickel 4 inch with pac grippers on it down that aways it could have been rode hard and put away wet.

 

[CH4]

I don’t see prices on vintage Pythons coming down much. There may be a little softening, but from what I’ve seen they’re holding study along with the Diamondbacks and other vintage snake guns. The slight softening may be due to older folks dumping their snakes at a profit. Once these are bought up, the market for snakes will rebound.

 

[malph]

I have one from the Colt custom shop that my wife gave Christmas of 1980. A $480.00 gun........For my current use that's about what it's worth now. In the early years when I shot regularly it went out of time twice. Both times I had to peen the hand(make the top fork longer-There are 2, an upper and lower fork) on my vice to get it back in time.
Knowing one Colt collector very well. I find most of them are fondlers and talkers instead of dedicated shooters. Therefore the python sleeps in the dark and my Smith's see the sunshine and get shot..........BTW In over 50 years of owning and shooting Smiths. Never-Ever has one gotten out of time.

I've said it before but it's my honest opinion. The Colts are for looking at. The Smiths are for shooting.