Colt Python Value?

[Candrews86]

I picked up an 8" Colt Python today and I'm looking for the value of it in today's market. There isn't a single mark or scuff of any kind, it's mint and hasn't been shot at all. It is an '81 model. It belonged to an older fella that bought it new and put it up. No box or anything. Any guess to what's it's worth?
Thanks

 

[silentflyer]

These parts these days, 2500$ and up....

 

[Laketime]

$3500. and up.

 

[bc1023]

For an 8" in that shape, you're looking at $3500 to $4000 or more.

 

[Muss Muggins]

Over $3,000, but that's just what they're asking. Not sure anybody is buying at those prices.

 

[ralph7]

Are you gonna tell us what you gave?

That's the best part ya know.

 

[rck281]

The American Rifleman article says a NIB 1960 model is worth $18,000. What idiot wrote that article? Shows you how much to trust the Blue Book.

 

[murphydog]

With a brief completed items search online, two examples (nice but not new) sold for about $2100, one in similar condition to yours without the box $2500, and a NIB example $2800. A similar NIB one did not sell at $7500 .

 

[BigBill]

It's worth what someone is willing to pay. I seen them start at $2k and as high as your willing to go.

Seeing these prices on the python soar. I'm thinking sometime over night the s&w N Frame prices will go ballistic too. They have been a little at a time.

 

[Candrews86]

Thanks for the replies, seems it's all over the place

 

[bigl1911]

Thanks for the replies, seems it's all over the place

Not complicated..
In 1981 59k+ Pythons were made (very big amount that year). the 8" were not popular and eventually some were cut down and sold as specialty items (ergo California Combat). They are not rare or uncommon; however Pythons in good condition sell high and people are dumb as buyers in this vertical (common versus rare are example 299 made 1955). No box and papers - Python collector want the box and papers LNIB if the gun is not rare or uncommon. A real retail price is just over 2k if it is like new condition. You can get more maybe at auction but a private party sale at 2k or maybe a little more is good for both parties... In my case, I have several and if it was 1500 I would have to think about it, but a first time Python buyer 2K probably the sell number... This is a real number beyond pie in the sky smoke and mirrors you can take to the bank... Good luck

 

[fat tom]

Cory,if it's a mint .357 with box and docs,I'd say $3,000 MINIMUM,if it's a .38 Target,even more. The absence of the box and docs should still land you firmly in the $2,500 slot. JMO,FWIW.
f.t.

 

[robertrwalsh]

North of $2K at a minimum, probably in the $2.5k range, maybe even more.

 

[68sixspeed]

the $2,000-2,500 estimates are right on the money w/o box and for that year. Maybe even $2200 on the low end of the range since the grips look correct, the grips are $150-200 on their own.

The python market is still up but it has cooled down from the insanity of the spring of this year, around April that would have been $2500-3000.

 

[cjwils]

You should ask about this on Coltforum.com. There are Python experts there who can tell you if it appears to be truly mint, and give you a better estimate of value.

 

[PatriotX]

North of $2K at a minimum, probably in the $2.5k range, maybe even more.

This looks right.

 

[sigp220.45]

So, what did you give this "older fella" for it?

 

[bigl1911]

Perhaps the only real thing I have learned about collecting on the Forum is there are more Colt experts on the SW Forum and there are more Smith experts on the Colt Forum than I could have imagined!! I own a few 8" Python Blue including a Nickel 38 Target... Grips are right the gun looks to be in excellent condition. If the gun is for sale list it either here on the Smith Forum (trust me there are Python junkies) and or the Colt Forum for 2700 and see what happens.. My crystal ball says if someone has to have one right now it is already sold if not 2000 quick - 2200 to 2499... Nice gun and good luck...