Python - today's price - wow!

[ISCS Yoda]

Check this out from a LGS:

Colt Python 357 Mag 6" Bright Nickel Revolver

•Stainless finish is in excellent condition, with maybe one or two minor handling marks.
•Rubber Pachmayr grips are also in excellent shape.
•Barrel measures 6" and features a vent rib.
•Mechanically, the gun is in excellent functioning condition and shoots great.
•Does not come with the original box or paperwork.


$3499.99

I admit it's gorgeous (they have pictures) but, still, depending on what, exactly, I want, I could obtain between 5 to 7 different S&Ws for that money. If I want new, fancy ones I could still get 3 Pro series or Champion series S&W wheelguns and have money left over.

Is it the panache, the fact they're not made any longer, or what, that justifies a price tag like that?

***GRJ***

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Don't understand it either. I own a python from the custom shop(1980) and I much prefer my 27's & 28's to it. Pythons are overhyped fragile revolvers. If you shoot them much they go out of time. Happened to my python & diamondback. Hand to peen the hands on both to get timimg back on. I think most colt collectors are "fondlers" rather than shooters. I know my son(colt collector) is one.

 

[perfectcircle1]

Ill have to agree, although they are awful peeeerty id put my beater model 15 up against one anyday

 

[LimaCharlie]

I have both Colt and S&W revolvers. My S&W revolvers get carried and shot more often. The price on older collectable S&W revolvers is also getting crazy. Part of the Colt double-action revolver price is they are no longer made. Part of it is the Colt name tied to the old west history. I have Colt revolvers that were purchased within the last two years that I could double my purchase price on today if they were for sale.

 

[Engineer1911]

Pythons and boats are alike, two happy days: the day you buy it and the day you sell it.

My Python has been gone for 16 years, and the boat will probably leave next year.

 

[JohnHancock]

Pythons have always had appeal, but I have to say the whole "Walking Dead"/Rick Grimes/Pop Culture thing is driving the price right now as well.

 

[Frizzman]

I've had two Pythons in the past. I wasn't that impressed with them and wound up trading them. I always liked my 1968 vintage Highway Patrolman better when it comes to a heavy duty .357...The only reason I would like to have them now is to sell for the current prices they bring. I had a slicked up Lawman Mk III that had as good an action that I shot just as well...So, unless one has a snake obsession and plenty of money to spend, I don't see paying that...Wouldn't it be amusing if Colt brought out new Pythons? Not likely but I would think it would be interesting to see the effects.

 

[DR505]

Heard of a recent 4 digit Python selling at auction for $9,000+. Crazy.

 

[Cpo1944]

I just traded my 4 inch blue well worn python for two new in the box unfired Ruger New Vaqueros .357`s, and I am very pleased . I figure the Rugers are worth $1500, maybe more ,and the old Colt was worth $1400 max.
I wouldn`t/ couldn't sell or trade it for any more than that and still sleep at night.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

I figure the Rugers are worth $1500, maybe more

Full retail, with tax, yep, that's about right. I wonder what my old Vaqueros are worth these days..........?????

Glad to see y'all are on the same wavelength as I am in re these Pythons.

***GRJ***

 

[Harkrader]

It's collector frenzy. As shooters they are very nice, but not THAT nice. Fit & finish are tops, but I do not operate a museum.
I would likely not be able to afford one of these, today. Wouldn't pay today's prices, either.

 

[gustmez1]

Bought my first six inch nickel Python in 1970. Still have it. Still beautiful and pristine. Cost me almost a weeks pay. It was difficult to buy it at that price. Now I am retired and a new one would still cost me more than a weeks retirement check and still difficult to purchase. Prices are relative I guess. Sure are a joy to own. They may be overpriced and over hyped, but they make me happy as do my S&W's.

 

[arjay]

Today's prices convinced me to sell mine.

 

[Old cop]

Anybody know what my 1968 blued Cobra .38 w/a bobbed hammer would be worth? Other than the hammer it is in like new condition, no box.

 

[tim c]

i sold my 2.5 python that had been refinished with robar np3 and magna ported for $2300 6 months months ago no box on GB that i payed $800 for 2 years ago now thats a profit i like. by the way that money turned into 3 smiths with $800 left over.

 

[Frank237]

The past several years I have run into a half dozen old Colt revolvers, LNIB or NIB, at very reasonable prices and snagged every one of them.

Have a 6" blued Python I paid $1200 for. A pair of NIB Detective Specials, 2", blued that were $550/$600 each. Was given a 4" nickle, 4" Diamondback in .38 Spcl from my wifes Dad.

Grabbed a circa 1944, US Property marked, Official Police in easily 95% shape, appears unfired, so ridiculously cheap from an estate I hate to post the price.

I'm certainly an S&W guy but if I can snag older Colts, High Standard target autos, quality 1911's or BHP's....I grab them. Toss in Freedom Arms too but they are hardly ever a bargain.

Yeah Pythons are currently HIGH..but they will go even higher in the future.

 

[tom2beagles]

Colt Pythons

Around 1976, two gents were shooting at a state range. One had the Python and the other gent the S&W Model 19, both six inch. I asked to hoist each gun. Bought a 19. I did purchase 2 Pythons, one in 2009 and one in 2010. Just had to get it out of my system.

 

[*chris*]

Is it stainless or nickel? If stainless, not a terrible price, if nickel it is pretty high.

What I find fascinating is the quantity of NIB never shot pythons that seem to be all that is for sale. I think there are a few big name dealers that are refinishing all these revolvers and pumping up the price.

I currently have a 4" blued python that has honest holster wear. Sold a 6" nickel one last year for stupid money. I shoot it every once and a while, but my 686 with 4" barrel has a better trigger (gunsmith treated) and seems to shoot better than both of my pythons.

Chris

 

[BE Mike]

Bought my first six inch nickel Python in 1970. Still have it. Still beautiful and pristine. Cost me almost a weeks pay. It was difficult to buy it at that price. Now I am retired and a new one would still cost me more than a weeks retirement check and still difficult to purchase. Prices are relative I guess. Sure are a joy to own. They may be overpriced and over hyped, but they make me happy as do my S&W's.

I could probably squeak by on a weekly retirement check for $3,499.99.

 

[swsixgunner]

I'm not paying that for any gun. $1k hurts bad enough.