Not sorry about my Python...

[olympicmotors]

The first Christmas my wife and I spent together after we were married in 1981, she bought me a new 6 inch blued Python I had been wanting.

We could not afford it but we were both too young to be practical. I believe it was about $350.

I will never sell it , because it is a Python , but also it was a special gift from the woman I still love. I am cherishing them both still today.

 

[Black Knight]

I have 2 Pythons and love both. I carry my 4" Python off duty most of the time. The trigger stacking is part of the design so it is not a quality flaw. The Python was originally designed as a high grade target revolver and the stacking was to indicate when you were getting close to tripping the trigger. You could pull the trigger to a point so you could adjust your sights then trip the trigger at the right moment. That said if I had to carry a revolver on duty as a security or police officer I would choose my 4" S&W 686. The reasons are varied but the main one is the Python is a difficult gun to work on and those who can do them justice are few and far between. If the stacking were the only reason you got rid of it that can be corrected by a competent gunsmith. The Python is definitely a gun that people either love or hate. It seems there is little middle of the road with the Python.

 

[skeete]

Olympicmotors - 1981 was the time I bought my first new blue 6" Python. I really wanted the stainless that just came out that year but it was impossible to get. I made the mistake of selling that unfired Python about ten years ago for $2000 when I only paid $422 for it. Now that Python would go for way more but I thought I got a good price. I should have known they would only go up.

 

[jack the toad]

Not slammin colt but I wish I had all the snakes back that I've owned so that I could re-sell them for what they bring today.

 

[PlaytheAces]

Now that I think about it, can't say I've ever been sorry about mine either.

 

[bigl1911]

Wow guys this is a lot to soak up!! To say Colt didn't make great revolvers from an operational, mechanical and esthetically pleasing place is like saying Ford and Chevy never made a great Mustang or Camaro or Porsche are better cars than BMW... First there is nothing like a Python as a single action shooter IF the revolver is working properly.. DA - there are others but let's start with there are significant differences between a 50's era Python and 90's era guns as only one example.. And the truth is not all revolvers are created equal and not all revolvers are reasonably maintenanced, especially when we talk about guns that are over 50 years old. Can you buy a better gun than??? Well we might as well start talking about a 350 dollar Ruger MKIII Target. Is this a better gun than a Smith. In some ways yes and is it more accurate... Don't answer that!!! Most guns are more accurate than us as shooters truth be told. Needless to say I am a smith and colt guy. I love my Pythons and you are going to have a serious fight on your hands if you try taking one of my 19-4 revolvers. Is a Python the best gun ever made by Colt. Well.. those that own Colt Model .357 from the 50's would say no..Maybe. A dual tone colt late 40's and 50's are as nice as any Python esthetically IMO. I was just playing with my 38 Target Python (in fact here is a picture of the crappy Python). Feeling kinda bad for my fellow Smith owners stuck with those nasty Pythons that are not as nice as Smiths. Those of you that want to get rid of the nice ones send me a message...

 

[bigl1911]

OK, honest question here..

The protruding muzzle on the Pythons and Anacondas...why?

Functionally, the only thing I can say I don't care for on a Colt is that awkward to operate cylinder release. Maybe just me, but I don't find them convenient to use compared to a Smith or Ruger.

This is exactly what a Colt guy would say..

 

[Daimler1989]

My first wheelgun back in 1983 was a 6" Python, made in 1980. I did shoot ok with it. I bought a 29 6" in 1986, and traded the Python in 1987 for a 4" 27-3, that i still own. I bought a 624 4" and a 27-2 5" later on. And I still own a 17-3 that I bought around 1985. I'm a S&W guy. Not because the Python is bad (in fact it is a very good revolver), but because the S&W is better. The Python satisfies your eye, the S&W satisfies both your eye and your needs.

regards from Germany
Ulrich

 

[PA Guns & Ammo]

I like Colt's but I LOVE Smith and Wesson's.

 

[skeete]

jack the toad _ the same is true of a 59, 65 and 69 yellow Corvettes I have owned.I wish i had them. Price on quality items just never go down. Sure maybe a Glock will still be selling for $550 in ten years. They are great guns but they are like shovels which also will sell for the same price in ten years.

 

[bigl1911]

I was thinking about this threat last night and rethinking my "Crappy Python Post" from last night. As mentioned, not all Pythons are created equally some are more expensive than others and yes in general they are for those that bought in the day today the prices are in the stratosphere. You think the guns are bad go out and find an AC Cobra 1965.. Truth is the same can be said with Smiths if they are rare. Let's do some number crunching.. Smith - A good complete 19-4 is say 750 to 1000 dollars for perfect and complete. Great gun not ridiculous but not a 250 dollar gun either. I recently bought a 1950 Colt Police Positive 32 for 995 dual tone nib. Not rare but uncommon in this condition and 32. Did I overpay and is it not a great gun? You tell me. I am just trying to compare apples here and don't get the panties all bunched up I'm a Smith guy too..

So let's look at a next step in the numbers game say a K32, a good gun complete from 2500 to 5000k depending on year.. Sounds like Python numbers... Are all Pythons expensive? No, relatively not.. A good Python shooter can be had for 800 a really nice one in 98+ box 1500... Ok so lets look at rare.. My Target posted earlier they made 251 of this model in nickel.. Last year you could buy one nib for 2000 maybe 2500. Today 4000 to 5000k. Is it ridiculously expensive? Maybe but it is rare and people have finally figured it out. OK, let's get serious with SW a nice Registered Magnum cannot be had for less than about 8K to 10k today in 98 plus condition blue... Try 35K with provenance!! How many were made and is it rare? A nice condition 1958 Python in 98 plus today is about 4k on the higher side without a box maybe 6 with one. They made 1800 of them that year and they were handmade guns. Is it rare... No, but that year is limited which makes a 58 vertically different than say a 55 in comparison (300 made) as an example (4 dig verses 2 or 3 digit SN#) In 1981 Colt made 59,481 Pythons and hell yes they are overpriced in general but there are certain ones like my Target that are rare.. I think they made 3000 blue targets that year.. If my history is correct they were poor sellers and the 8" barrel Target guns left over were converted to California Combat models with 200 made total. Cannot be touched for under 7k today hacked more like 10k- A Cali Combat... Outrageous? Not to those that buy them and these collectors are not dumb buyers... Not my thing and I wouldn't but G-d bless those that do.. You would see me with a Blue 30's RM first.. My first Python was purchased last year. It is a blue Custom Shop with an optional Ellison rear sight and a Partridge front sight. This is relatively rare for a off the top of my head 90's model year gun... It is accurate (amazing actually) and amazing in SA... Yes the DA is stacking (nothing wrong with it), but again this specific gun was made for target shooting not service. I paid 1500 with after market grips... Did I overpay for a 99 plus condition gun basically unfired? I enjoy it and what I have to say is buy the gun not the hype and yes it is easy a 2500 gun today if I sold it. Better than money in the bank but you can't buy dumb without thinking and researching. Will it go down in value? I don't care it isn't why I bought the gun. Sure there are those that are paying amazing numbers for unfired nib gun that are relatively common, then again there are those that are buying Python limited number product models as good investments.. I can't stand the Elite Model but they are 5k today.. I wouldn't buy one with plastic front sights.. Me as a collector I don't care about the investment.. I buy what I like and win some lose on a few question buys but thus far haven't been sorry about any of my guns... I do want to make a comment about double action.. You LEO guys out there please feel free to add. If you want to compare service guns DA then you have to look at Colt Police Positives, Model .357 (Pre-Pythons) and Trooper models in service trim... Apples to Apples... Really great post OP.... Last comment for those that want a Python and cannot afford one look at a shooter grade Model .357 Pre-Python - an easy under 1k gun without box and the stuff that some would say is better as a "shooting" revolver then a front heavy Python...

1954 dual tone..

 

[Tom_R]

I still kick myself for not getting a Python and a Model 19 or 28 10 years or so ago when they were "Affordable". But c'set le vie!

I do have a 19 and a 28 now, along with some other Smith's.

A Python will probably never happen as I am the only handgun collector in my family.

My Step-Father has said his Winchester 12 Gauges will be coming my way though and someday I'll get "My" .22 Marlin back from him too.

 

[Maximumbob54]

If this is going to continue to go on then I guess I will at least admit that a certain amount of the Python glory hogging is pretty much hype. But then I also think the same thing about older S&W's. There is a massive amount of "they don't make them the way they used to" about most things and the sad truth much of the time is that's pure hype. Thank goodness they don't make most things the way they used to. Most things are safer, more durable, longer lasting, andin general better made with modern manufacturing. I've been known to blast S&W and other brands for poor quality but the sad truth that most don't accept is you have ALWAYS had to due a good inspection on any firearm you have bought. There have been turkeys released from the factory for a long time now.

 

[southflorida-law]

Pythons are over-rated.

Actually I feel the older Smiths are under-rated. Pythons are so beautiful that a lot of people pass by the Smiths.

I can say that I love to shoot my 6" SS Python I bought new in 1984 (under $400.00) but I really love shooting my "new" 66-3 I bought from my buddy (who bought it new). In my mind that 66 is every bit the gun my Python is.....an more, I can carry it everyday!

 

[Maximumbob54]

I think the M10 is under rated.

 

[skeete]

l just love a Python trigger...Smith too.... l just ''LOVE'' Bryers Chocolate AND Vanilla.. Cant choose.. So l do BOTH..

Same for TRIGGERS..........Same for GUNS..........

sw282 Bryer's now uses locast bean and gum agar to save money for the same reason many companies use MIM parts. Bryers used to have pure ingredients but times have moved on. Now the only company for ice crean I trust is Hagan Diaz (sp?)

I totally agree enough of the MIM parts thing, what ever makes you comfortable and whatever you believe in.

 

[Coaltminer]

Oh dear me. Got a '76 4" Python and a few Smiths, even a brand R and a brand T! There are guns and then there are firearms. Mine all shoot, all of them pretty well, but that Python, well, yeah, the DA trigger stacks, but it still hits in that mode. The SA is 2.75 lbs and shoots like a long barreled gun. Trouble with me is, I like everything that fires bullets, dang me! Been that way a long time, it's not going to go away, thank you God.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

I have a 6" Python from the custom shop that my wife bought for me in 1980 for building her a house. She paid $480.00 for it. I still have it.........Nice gun but no Smith. Had a nickel 4" .22 diamondback for 27 years. Sold it and used the proceeds to buy a 4" 617.
Timing on the I & D frames usually goes out if you shoot them much. The double hand will usually compensate for it as you pull the trigger it will push the cylinder into battery.

 

[LimaCharlie]

I collect 1911s, Colts, Ruger single-action revolvers, and S&W double-action revolvers.

 

[xfarfuldog]

I love K and L frames. I have 4 of them. I am desperately seeking a 3" no lock 686. But WADR they aren't Pythons. I have owned my Python for 30 years and carried it as a police officer. It will leave me when I pass on and then go to my son.