Think I found the reason why revolvers are falling out of favor

[CAJUNLAWYER]

There is a 2.5" Python in the classifieds that I really want to pull the trigger on but haven't. I notice that it is still listed which appears ot lead credence to my theory. Bullets for anything other than a 9mm are prohibitively expensive for one who does not reload. I like to shoot 158 gr JSP in a .357 and the best price I could find for a thousand was around $550. This as opposed to 9mm at a price of $220 delivered. I've already got two 357's that I don't shoot due to price of ammo and I can't see adding a third even if it is a Python Snubby or that 3.5" 27 that Pangris has listed.
Sad reality.

 

[Miracle Man]

I'm quite sure you're onto something. I'm a reloader so...but a week or so ago while wasting time a couple local retail stores. (the wife made me go) I priced some 45 LC ammo.

My Jaw hit the floor!!! Cheapest I saw was like $45.99 all the way through $60. There's no way I'm paying $1+ a round for 45 LC

Nope

 

[kamloops67]

There is a 2.5" Python in the classifieds that I really want to pull the trigger on but haven't. I notice that it is still listed which appears ot lead credence to my theory. Bullets for anything other than a 9mm are prohibitively expensive for one who does not reload. I like to shoot 158 gr JSP in a .357 and the best price I could find for a thousand was around $550. This as opposed to 9mm at a price of $220 delivered. I've already got two 357's that I don't shoot due to price of ammo and I can't see adding a third even if it is a Python Snubby or that 3.5" 27 that Pangris has listed.
Sad reality.

The price of membership has gone up ,but it’s still the best club in town

 

[shovelmike]

Good Point

I agree, I shoot my revolvers only on special occasions due to the cost of ammo relative to that of 9mm.

 

[yeti]

True. The new reality is 9mm rules the roost.
Not for me, but there is overwhelming demand for all things 9mm.

We gotta get you reloading Caj!

 

[petepeterson]

Not to argue with you, but it seems like a Python doesn't need to be shot that much to enjoy. I'd be happy owning one and shooting about a box a year.
Then you shoot up the 9mm to satisfy the practical side of yourself.

Or do both in one shot and by a Korth with a 9mm cylinder!

 

[Heinz]

Caj, this is my solution, Match the frame with 22cal. It is perfect in the K frames although I am also going to have to spring for a M17 in four-inch and a J frame in 3-inch

This solution probably has a corollary to your theory, why those 22 K and J frames are so expensive

 

[tops]

It has always been more expensive to go first class. Larry

 

[Brian Parrish]

The Good Ol' Days

There is a 2.5" Python in the classifieds that I really want to pull the trigger on but haven't. I notice that it is still listed which appears ot lead credence to my theory. Bullets for anything other than a 9mm are prohibitively expensive for one who does not reload. I like to shoot 158 gr JSP in a .357 and the best price I could find for a thousand was around $550. This as opposed to 9mm at a price of $220 delivered. I've already got two 357's that I don't shoot due to price of ammo and I can't see adding a third even if it is a Python Snubby or that 3.5" 27 that Pangris has listed.
Sad reality.

Nothing new but the numbers are different. Back in the late 90's I liked to shoot the S&W Model 29 but ammo was expensive. The Gun Rack in Kernersville sold 50 round boxes of 9mm at the register for $5.99. A 20 round box of Remington 44 Magnum was $8.99. Around the year 2001 I happened across a 6906 at the local cop store and bought it for over $200. It was a turn in from the Florida Department of Corrections. I used it to shoot those cheap 9mm FMJ's. Still got it, still love it. Great gun. Such fun!

 

[Bullet Bob]

If you can afford a Python, why worry about the cost of ammo? Do people who buy Bentleys concern themselves with the price of gas?

 

[rosewood]

If you can afford a Python, why worry about the cost of ammo? Do people who buy Bentleys concern themselves with the price of gas?

They shouldn't.

Unfortunately, some folks are bad at budgeting money and don't always take into account other expenses. They will buy a vehicle or something that is really out of their price range to show off. This is why our folks in our country are in so much debt.

Rosewood

 

[BAM-BAM]

That's about $400 in pre-Brandon dollars!!!!

 

[BE Mike]

I can only add that I am so glad that I started reloading back in the early 70's. I started loading .38 SPL with a Lee Loader, which is still available. For about the price of 2 boxes of factory .38 SPL ammo, you too can reload for and shoot that Python with the ammo you make.

 

[Breakaway500]

Racing fuel is about $12/gallon. Have I slowed down because of it? Nope.

If I have ammo on the shelf I shoot it. When I need more I may complain..but I buy it..IF I want ammo on my shelf.

Sacrifices have to be made for things you truly enjoy.

If didn't already have a 2.5" and a 3" Python I'd be tempted by those two that are listed for sale..and the 3" is at a bargain price!

 

[biku324]

I've got a small stash of Federal American Eagle 158 grain JSP marked $29.99; I thought THAT was outrageous at the time (2015? 2016?).

 

[IAM Rand]

Or do both in one shot and by a Korth with a 9mm cylinder!

Sorry, almost spit my coffee out on this one. I would rather spend $600 on 1k rounds of 357/38 and then learn to reload than spend $4-$7k on a Korth. I think you kinda missed the OPs point. Besides, there are other less expensive revolvers that shoot 9mm. Not knocking Korth, just in a whole nother ballpark.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Lately I’ve been shooting mostly 9mm and 22s.

 

[Well Armed]

There is a 2.5" Python in the classifieds that I really want to pull the trigger on but haven't. I notice that it is still listed which appears ot lead credence to my theory. Bullets for anything other than a 9mm are prohibitively expensive for one who does not reload. I like to shoot 158 gr JSP in a .357 and the best price I could find for a thousand was around $550. This as opposed to 9mm at a price of $220 delivered. I've already got two 357's that I don't shoot due to price of ammo and I can't see adding a third even if it is a Python Snubby or that 3.5" 27 that Pangris has listed.
Sad reality.

The new Colt Pythons were selling hundreds above MSRP for years and venders could not keep them in stock until recently. They're still popular and selling well as are S&W, Ruger, and Taurus revolvers. You have to be careful about taking anecdotals and correlations and then making broad assumptions and seeing causations that aren't really valid in the grand scheme.... Ammo is expensive, but people can still afford it. People are still shooting and can afford to buy 223/556, 7.62x39, 308win, 45acp, 10mm, etc ammo and the guns chambered in these calibers. Guns chambered in those calibers are still selling well. What makes you think that people can't afford to shoot 38/357 anymore?

That Python could still be listed for a plothera of reasons, but you seemed to paint a narrative behind one possibility which is ammo prices. It could be the price of the Python which and most do not want to spend that much money. It could be that the Python is used and the OP is claiming it's new. It could be that most don't want a Python with a 2.5" barrel, and it would have sold a long time ago if it had a 4" barrel. It could be that it's just posted on the wrong forum, and it would have sold quickly on the Colt forum or GunBroker....

There are a plothera of reasons why that one ad didn't sell. If your narrative is that the Python still hasn't sold because revolvers have fallen out of favor because of ammo prices, then logically other revolvers for sell in the Marketplace shouldn't be selling either right? That's not the case, and that alone disproves your theory.

My theory is it's because the 2.5" Python can be had REALY NIB from a FFL for under $1300, but the seller is selling his used Python for $1400. Next, I don't believe the 2.5" are as popular as other barrel lengths. If the OP lowered his price to $1150, I'd bet it would sell quickly.

 

[djohns6]

I've always been a huge fan of the 4 " Model 19 Revolver . I had a nice one many years ago and I foolishly let it get away from me . I lucked up on another one two years ago . Almost brand new . 38 Special ammo is a little pricey , but I'll pay it . I REALLY like Model 19's ..

 

[sophie]

There’s no doubt that .38 Special, .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, and .32 S&W Long, factory ammunition cost more money, and the list goes on. For years now the market has been flooded with 9mm pistols whether they be metal or composite or combination. The panic for the American public to buy a gun in the last 4-5 years has been 9mm in some form. The .45 caliber and .380 caliber are on the popular list also. A lot of members on this forum weren’t raised shooting revolvers like a lot of us so the interest is not there. Don’t get me wrong, I like to shoot my semi-auto’s and my revolvers too. Fortunately I reload so a shortage of the revolver ammo I listed above is not a problem. Nevertheless I still buy factory ammunition too. I’ve done it too long to change now. Got to go now, my FFL just called and said the S&W Model 30 just came so I’ll need to go pick it up. Guess I better order some .32 S&W Long Wadcutters too.