bmcgilvray
Member
There's nothing like a Python but then there's nothing like a Model 27 either. I don't consider the Python to be the pinnacle. That piece of real estate belongs to any of several Smith & Wesson models that could be named.
Python - today's price - wow!
- Thread starter ISCS Yoda
- Start date
That's a ridiculous price for a Python...
that does not have an original box or instructions.
The bidding on THIS one (fired six rounds only plus original box and instruction booklet) will start at ONLY $4500! Take a number, and the line forms on the right. Remember that these are no longer made, and they are rare in this condition complete with box. Check the beautiful condition and the silky-smooth action! These are even rarer in nickel, folks! This one's really cherry! Also, it's the desirable 4" barrel known as the Police Model! OK! Let's start the bidding! $4500 - do I hear five thousand? You, over there - did you hold up your card, or just throw up your hands? Don't let this one get away, folks. Hold it up there, Jennifer, so they can all get a good look at it! Do I have five thousand? This was the pinnacle of fine Colt revolver craftsmanship! Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
John
Reminds me of some ads I've seen on some auction sites recently.....
One might think that you wrote for a living!
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I love my colts as well....I am pretty happy that I have already purchased my pythons...todays prices seem to have no ceiling for the pythons,diamond backs and even troopers
brokenprism
US Veteran
If revolvers were guys, the Model 28 would be a lumberjack, and the Python would be a well-dressed metro-sexual. But both technically guys.
(To borrow from the Wayne's World dino/bronto one-up-man-ship skit, the Colt Single Action Army would be those guys' Father.)
(To borrow from the Wayne's World dino/bronto one-up-man-ship skit, the Colt Single Action Army would be those guys' Father.)
And the Detective Special and Cobra would be that ripped little loudmouth guy.
cobretti
Member
I had a nickel 4" 27-2 that was absolutely gorgeous but I just could not fall in love with it. I think that the N frame is just too big for a .357. To me, it's like a 9mm 1911. That's why I bought a 4" bright stainless Python. It's the perfect size for the round and has an amazing single action trigger. Now, I have three 29-2s, and it's all lovey-dovey there! Those aren't going anywhere! I even like my 19s more than the 27, and one almost has the same trigger feel as the Colt.
bigl1911
Member
Here we go with the Python comparisons again... Ferrari or Porsche.. Mustang of Camaro? First not all Pythons are created equally and not all Smith are equal. A Crappy Model 19 doesn't mean all 19's are crappy revolvers.. Apples to apple is a start.. Let's take two specific guns for comparison: A 1959 Python (handmade) and a Smith Pre 27. The Pre 27 (and other early versions) are arguably one of the best if not the coolest SW had to offer. The 1959 (1955 to 1963) Python are some of the best Colt could make. For you Python haters out there fire a well operating 1950's Python and tell us it is not a great operating and well finished gun.. Cost on a Pre 27 today... 2700 plus for a nice condition gun and box? 2700 for a 1959 - a decent gun (more exponentially as the condition increases with a box). We are not that far apart really and yes they are expensive.. There were only 2050 Python made in 1959. This is an uncommon gun and rare relatively speaking in 98% plus condition and super rare with the box. The detail of the 50's Python are second to none not saying Smiths of that era are not wonderful and finished well.. They are. The Colt Python 1950's era is the best of the best that Colt had to offer at the time.. And yes I love the Model 3 5 7 it just doesn't mean I dislike my Smiths. Stacking... It something you get accustom too.. If you started with a Smith you will hate it without working the gun for a while.. In fact, some may never care for it and good for them but it doesn't mean stacking is a bad thing. Single action a Python is second to none and they shoot holes thru holes.. 3500 for the Op's described gun for sale.. Ridiculous!! This is just an overpriced gun that has not collectors value and is too expensive as a shooter..
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Very well stated! No one has to agree with everything any of us say but when put like this, in this way....hard to argue or find fault! Let's use the automobile comparison as a good example: 1953......first year Corvette. Nice looking car, not a performance car by any stretch of the imagination. Very few made, very collectable, very expensive. 1954 same body, few different changes (all for the better) more produced less desirable less expensive. But, it was a better car! But, it wasn't a first year car, it didn't have the low production numbers that the 53's had and so on and so on and so on! As Bigl1911 stated, Colt made 2050 pythons in 1959. They only made 299 in 1955 and I have one of those. To some, it is one of the holy grains of guns. To others, just overpriced steel. For me: I have a first year Colt Python in extraordinary condition and it is the crown jewel of my collection. I love my Colts......AND, I love my Smiths!
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GF
Member
I guess I'm in the minority ... I bought one a coupla' years ago TO SHOOT! 
Found one with a little blue wear on the end of the barrel & a turn line.
I guess I could trade it away for a hand full of government issued paper ... NAAAAAHHHHH.
GF
Found one with a little blue wear on the end of the barrel & a turn line.
I guess I could trade it away for a hand full of government issued paper ... NAAAAAHHHHH.
GF
bigl1911
Member
$9,000+ for a 4-digit?
I wonder what my 1957 4-digit would bring....tempting....
I wonder what my 1957 4-digit would bring....tempting....
Personally, I'm an S&W guy and cannot understand the price of Pythons. I've owned three and wish I had not sold the Combat Python (a 3 inch bbl) only because I let it go for $465 in 1993 and they're fetching 15 times that now. I never thought it would be worth collecting. Back then, a used Python was worth $400.00, period. It's hard to believe $5,000.00+ prices on guns that were made in the hundred of thousands. I think some years exceeded 65,000 pieces. So it is with Colt. Seems kind of unfair, since the Model 27 (in my S&W-biased opinion) is a better gun. Better lock work, more reliable, at least as accurate. One of my Pythons used to bind up.
MrTrolleyguy
US Veteran
I wanted to own at least one Python. So I jumped on a beauty with box...and I think I have the papers. Bright stainless steel to boot.
I paid the going price and was happy to pay it. It is such a nice specimen.
But what is it worth now? Any guesses?
Paladin8520 could your conjecture on current market prices be right?
I have the carton also.
Sure is purtey!
I paid the going price and was happy to pay it. It is such a nice specimen.
But what is it worth now? Any guesses?
Paladin8520 could your conjecture on current market prices be right?
I have the carton also.
Sure is purtey!
I've never.......
I've never been that crazy about the Python. I thought the vent rib was kind of like a spoiler on a car. Just doesn't do anything for me. I get the feeling that Colt was trying to make a revolver that looked 'bad'.
I've never been that crazy about the Python. I thought the vent rib was kind of like a spoiler on a car. Just doesn't do anything for me. I get the feeling that Colt was trying to make a revolver that looked 'bad'.
bigl1911
Member
$9,000+ for a 4-digit?
I wonder what my 1957 4-digit would bring....tempting....
Maybe 4 to 6k.. Maybe more at auction if two people have to have it to fill a hole. It is crazy but not that crazy... It is not different than SW either insofar as condition.. Unfired 99 plus box accessories all perfect demand a different number to a select group of collectors.... 3900 made in 1957.. For comparison a Model of 1950 (pre 26) in 45 ACP total 2768.. (98% 1400 value).. Which is the better buy? Your gun is starting to look like a 3K Python.. Still you will see 4 to 5 for it from the Python nuts depenting on condition and timing.. I'd buy the Smith first.. Oh wait a minute!! I did buy a 1950 and I have 57 too and I paid more like 3k 98 plus..
..
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bigl1911
Member
People are starting to realize some Pythons like your old combat which was a cut down 8" done so because the longer barrels were not selling and Colt was overstocked are rare (I think 800 hundred). There are people buying smart and others buying foolishly. Here is an example:
This is a Target 38 nickel unfired with the box..I bought it earlier this year and it has done nothing but made me money if I sold now. 251 made. Rare. However in 1980 Colt made 15k Pythons. I bought an unfired 99+ and complete 8" 1980 blue Python recently in the box complete at the exact price a Pre 27 would run me today. BTW fewer 8" guns than 6' no one wanted them at the time.. If prices are out of hand it goes for Smith too.. I also in the last year purchased a 56, two 57's and a 59 Python at reasonable prices 98% and they have all made money!! Same goes for Colt Model .357 (Pre-Pythons) My Python purchases over the last year my guess are 35% to 40% up.. Better than a bank but I didn't buy to sell which is probably why I am making good investments. Back to OP example at 3500..I just picked up two Colts this week each just a hair more than 3500 asking for the example Python no box. Tell me which are the better buys:
Colt 1911 Government Model Made 1916
Colt 1905 Made 1909
For those of you that don't think Smith are high dollar here are two examples in comparison (and don't forget a 1955 Python there were only 299 made)
Triple Lock - New Century
RM Nickel
Apples to Apples.. Comparing a 1955 Python in a box like new on a dollar value to other common year Pythons is like comparing a Registered Magnum like new in the box to a Model 27 like condition.. I love my Smiths and I love my Colts including one of my favs a Pre 27...
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