Colt Python 38 Target- I went to the dark side

[22hipower]

Prices on Colts, yeah I hear you there. This one was priced out of my comfort zone for sure. More than reasonable enough compared to recent sales though, so I felt comfortable enough to take it home. How long I'll be sleeping on the couch is still an unknown but oh well

There's one for sale with box/papers at a LGS for a mere $5900. They had two, sold one although I don't know what the actual selling price was. I passed up one of those about 20 years ago priced at $500; couldn't imagine anybody wanting one in 38 Special when the same price would buy a nice one in .357 Magnum.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[PNY UP]

There's one for sale with box/papers at a LGS for a mere $5900. They had two, sold one although I don't know what the actual selling price was. I passed up one of those about 20 years ago priced at $500; couldn't imagine anybody wanting one in 38 Special when the same price would buy a nice one in .357 Magnum.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

Yikes! They'll have that one for awhile!

 

[Eddietruett]

I would have shot it before I posted pictures. I can't help myself. That's why I don't want to buy a gun on a rainy day. Never want to lay in bed wondering how good a gun in my safer shoots!

 

[BigBill]

You just purchased the finest revolver there is.

 

[Joni_Lynn]

Congrats on a very nice catch.

 

[Indynick]

So, PNY, where is this LGS? They might still have a few left.

 

[MakeMyNight]

Beautiful Python! I also own an 8 incher, but mine is blued and in 357.
The Python which You purchased is the model that I've always wanted to own. Enjoy it!

BTW: There are some states, such as Florida who require an 8 inch barrel for handgun big game hunting.

Below, is My Python with John Culina Grips.

 

[GerSan69]

I remember when all the famous gun mag writers were gushing over Mag-Na-Porting, like it was the best thing since sliced Velveeta. Folks were getting extra holes cut in their barrels left and right. I never cared for them, personally, because in my not-expert but still thinking about it opinion, you're affecting velocity by bleeding off gases before the bullet exits the barrel. Just my quirky thought process, I guess. But anyway, I also don't see it as a deal-breaker on a desirable firearm (and the Python Target is one you hardly ever see) or as a mod that reduces value. Congratulations on picking up a very, very nice gun!!!

 

[neorebel]

Nice snake! Shoot a few rounds through her though. Everything in my safe gets shot but not carried.

 

[LJBrennan007]

Gorgeous Python, damn the naysayers who don't like the long barrel or the possibly non-factory magna-porting, etc. We all have plenty of guns in our safes that we bought "just because" and your is pretty damn unique. I own Pythons but none in .38 spl, wish I bought one back when you could afford one! I'd say if you have less than $3500 in it you're all good, and if you have more in it you're probably still all good! But, I say since you plan on passing it down, shoot the darned thing! I shoot all my snakes, damn the inheritance.

 

[gman51]

I saw a Colt Python 6" or 8" 357 with the box and all looked in like new condition. I believe it was $11,000. It sat in the display case for a couple months then it was gone.
This LGS has a good clientele of collectors/buyers of fine guns. I had trouble finding a buyer with money for my Wilson Combat so I put in on consignment with this LGS and he sold it in two days. It didn't sell cheap either and I got what I wanted for it.

 

[pharmer]

Very nice. Back deep into the last century i was an 01 FFL. I remember those guns on closeout around $399 and they didn't move. I was up at RSR before the move to Metric Dr (old Hwy 50 location, it's a Storage/ Uhaul now) and the counterman begged me to take one. I passed, along with $189 Model 520's. Who knew. Looking at your gun, I know now. Joe

 

[PNY UP]

This is why I really like this forum. Honest banter, respectful opinions and insight, and above all else great shared appreciation for things like this even if they're not "your thing". The best part about this forum is there has been way more discussion on this subject than on the Colt forum, which is where I really thought I'd see the old stories and discussions I'm finding here. So thanks to the Smith community, you continue to remind me of one of the reasons I enjoy this site so much.

 

[stansdds]

This is why I really like this forum. Honest banter, respectful opinions and insight, and above all else great shared appreciation for things like this even if they're not "your thing".

Yeah, well, give us another couple of hours and a few beers or shots... then we'll see.

 

[oddshooter]

I too have the 8" Python, but in blue.

It belonged to an AZ Chief of Police who got told one too many times that it broke his own department policy to carry it. The two of us hit it off quickly and I got it more than reasonable because he said he knew it was going to a good home.

I seek out long barrels. The long sight radius is invaluable to my old eyes. Taming the recoil is easy with that much weight that far forward.

I don't play defense at the firing line. For all day sessions, I much prefer long distance revolvers off the bench. Ringing steel gives the best audio reinforcement to smack that next target hard. When my ears are anticipating that beautiful sound, it just helps me flow into shooter mode. Breathing controlled, eyes on sights/target, finger squeezing ever so gently. I can hear it ring even now.

and when you've got that world class Python firearm in your hands, life doesn't get much sweeter.


Prescut
Don't get me started about the Diamondback 38 special.
The only good news about getting old is that I got a few Colts before the prices went nuts.

 

[BigBill]

I'm thinking about getting some colts now, with all this talk about pythons.
Nothing like the colt in nickel finish. There royal blue finish looks like plastic when it's polished. It's a deep blue finish.

 

[gman51]

I am hoping to read the Colt letter on the gun as to how it came from the factory.

 

[LVSteve]

I sold one of these on GB for $1k+ for a widow a few years back. The market for them was bizarre back then. One month they would languish at $500 and no bids, next thing you know people are selling their kids on the street to get one. Pic below.

 

[H P Bushrod]

I owned a nickle Python Target .38 20 years ago. If I knew how rare it was back then, I would have never sold it. If I ever run across another one (at a price I can afford), I'll keep it until I check out. Congrats on your find...She's a beauty!

 

[silentflyer]

Saw a Python in .41magnum (yes .41 magnum) a couple of years ago with box/papers etc, with a price of 17,000$ on it. It was gone at the end of the day.

I held it in my hand and it was defiantly a bigger hole in the barrel than a .357.