We don't see many "as-new" Pythons...

[TTSH]

... coming up for sale here behind enemy lines in Massachusetts because they are not on our MA Approved Handgun Roster. Dealers can't sell or transfer them unless they predate our 1998 anti-gun law (the one that established the roster) and were legally-owned within the state at some point at or before that time.

So it was quite a shock when this poor old man traveled down into Little Rhody for fried clams on Friday and stumbled upon a magnificent pristine perfect 6" Python on consignment at a dealer down there tagged at $2,395.00. As high as that price is, I've seen a lot higher for lesser condition guns on GB. But, of course, GB is GB.

I told the good wife about it when I got home and now she wants me to buy it. More specifically, she wants me to make a substantial, reasonable offer on it using money I had set aside for another important purpose. Of course, I would first have to prove that the gun predates the 1998 law and hope that the gun was once previously legally owned within MA... and then find a MA dealer willing to import it... a long shot situation at best. Nonetheless, I agreed to do the research.

My question is this: I see Python asking prices all over the map, but it's difficult for me to know what they are really selling for (i.e., what they are really worth) in the "real world" of local gun shops and private parties and not the Internet. I have nothing to go by because Python sales here in MA are so rare. What would be a reasonable "no laughter" first offer you'd make for a 6" blued Python in top condition, but without any box or papers?

I know my Smith & Wessons (more or less). I do not know Pythons. All help (and/or jokes) appreciated. Thanks!

 

[murphydog]

I think the dealer has it at a fair price. Good luck on the research and negotiations.

 

[Old_Cop]

You hang around the barber shop, pretty soon you'll get a haircut.

 

[moralem]

That number is right in the ball park.....with box and papers you can add another 600 dollars. Here in Texas they would be asking for 2500-2800. Offer a bit less but be ready to pay the asking price. Your not getting robbed but you are not stealing it. Good luck.

 

[TTSH]

I think the dealer has it at a fair price. Good luck on the research and negotiations.

That number is right in the ball park.....with box and papers you can add another 600 dollars. Here in Texas they would be asking for 2500-2800. Offer a bit less but be ready to pay the asking price. Your not getting robbed but you are not stealing it. Good luck.

Thanks guys. I guess that's both good news and bad news... good news that it isn't wildly overpriced to begin with... and bad news because $2,395 leaves me somewhat short of safely and realistically achievable. I was thinking if $2,000 or so would cut it, it might make sense. Like I said, I really don't understand the Python market. I can't see one going up very much from its already inflated value. So is there downside risk? Lord knows that I can't afford to be much upside-down on an investment that large... not as things stand right now.

Nonetheless, I will call the shop when they open on Tuesday morning and get the serial number of the gun so I can check the date of manufacture. I'll also try to find out how long the gun has been there on consignment. That always matters.

 

[challer61]

I’ve sold three 6” bright stainless with all papers this year. All fetched 3700.

 

[TTSH]

I’ve sold three 6” bright stainless with all papers this year. All fetched 3700.

Mama Mia! Too rich for me.

I shouldn't even be considering this potential purchase. The most expensive handgun I've bought in the last 10 years was only $750. That Python is out of my league. But I'm an old man now and don't have many years left. I suppose that if I'm ever going to own a Python, it better happen quickly or else. And if not this gun, maybe another one not quite as nice/pricey and already in MA? Who knows?

 

[s&wchad]

A 6” blued Python is probably the most common variant. The grip and box style should give some idea when it was made, but the serial number will tell you for sure. That’s a fair price, even for a late production gun. If it’s an early gun with the fully checkered stocks and the correct box (without styrofoam inserts), it’s a screaming deal!

Michigan has handgun registration and I recent phoned our State Police firearms records bureau and was able to get information on a gun originally registered in December, 1943. I’d get the serial number of the Python an contact your State Department of Criminal Justice Information Services. Good luck!

 

[OLDSTER]

A local collector has, IMO, a most outstanding Python set. He's been offered LOTS $$$ for it but, wisely, won't sell and doesn't need the dough. I've been trying to get him to send me a photo to post, but he stays "pretty close to the vest". The set is all five barrel lengths ( 2 1/2, 3, 4, 6, 8,) in unfired, unturned ( yes I mean the actions have not been cycled !! ), royal blue, consecutive SNs, in a presentation box. I've seen them a couple times, but this collector has never even shown them in public, or any where else as far as I know. !!!

 

[TTSH]

A 6” blued Python is probably the most common variant. The grip and box style should give some idea when it was made, but the serial number will tell you for sure. That’s a fair price, even for a late production gun. If it’s an early gun with the fully checkered stocks and the correct box (without styrofoam inserts), it’s a screaming deal!

Michigan has handgun registration and I recent phoned our State Police firearms records bureau and was able to get information on a gun originally registered in December, 1943. I’d get the serial number of the Python an contact your State Department of Criminal Justice Information Services. Good luck!

Once I have the serial number, I should be able to get the date of manufacture and, if pre-1998, my FFL should be able to find out if the gun has any previous MA history. It does appear to have its original Colt grips, but the box and paperwork are not with it.

 

[s&wchad]

The original box and papers adds a fair amount to the value. The Mrs. obviously loves you and wants you to be happy, but you should give this some serious consideration. Personally, I wouldn't put $2400 into a 6" blued Python without the box and papers, unless it was an early gun with the fully checkered grips.

Here's my limited knowledge on Python grips. There were 4 types used over the year and all had gold Colt medallions. The first type were fully checkered and can bring $500 or more.

On the second type, the checkering came up to about the center of the medallion and the top border had a curve in the middle to clear the medallion. The top of the checkering was below the medallion on the third type and went straight across at an angle. Nice 2nd and 3rd style grips can bring around $300.

Late production guns had either rubber Pachmayr Presentation or Grippers (both with gold Colt medallions). They're worth substantially less.

 

[TTSH]

Late production guns had either rubber Pachmayr Presentation or Grippers (both with gold Colt medallions). They're worth substantially less.

No rubber grips fortunately. They are very nice condition high gloss wood grips... likely not of the first type you describe.

Based on what (very) little I know, I think it's a pretty good bet that this particular Python predates 1998, which would be a good thing in my situation.

 

[mauser9]

Well best of luck TTSH with your decision! Cannot believe all the hoops ya gotta go through around Ma. Sounds ridiculous. Every time I hear Python mentioned I recall the Python Hunter's model on the cover of Shooting Times or Guns&Ammo years back. Came in an aluminum case and had a long barrel with other items included. Kinda like to have that "new in box" these days.

 

[s&wchad]

Every time I hear Python mentioned I recall the Python Hunter's model on the cover of Shooting Times or Guns&Ammo years back. Came in an aluminum case and had a long barrel with other items included.

Thanks for reminding me.
8" barrel, Leupold scope, Zero Halliburton case, tools...
Back in the day, I remember seeing one at a local show and thinking, $1000 is just nuts!

One recently sold at auction for over 5K.

 

[Sevens]

Well, dating that particular Python should be easy, it's as simple as the serial number.

I have basically zero interest in them. One of the intrinsic characteristics of collectibles, especially collectible handguns is scarcity and rarity. It seems to almost be a hardly known or rarely spoken bit that half a million Pythons were made. Certainly, there are irrationally rare variants (and the most modern very rare variants almost define the term "gaudy") but your basic 6-inch blued Python isn't even scarce, let alone rare.

Basically, I love the firearms hobby and community, especially the modern handgun side, so Python people are *MY* people, but I simply can't and won't ever pile on the Python bandwagon. That's just never gonna happen.

If you want a revolver that you can sell for profit, this does seem like a solid opportunity. If you are drawn to the mystique, I certainly understand that.

Otherwise? Given the kind of buyer and collector that we've come to learn about you in the pages of this forum, I think this is a ludicrous idea.

But then again, I can't even halfway entertain the subject of the Python craze without the word "ludicrous" bursting out of my mouth early. And often.

 

[Texas Star]

It's your money, but I can't see paying over $1,000 for any Python as a practical handgun. They are FAR overrated!

I say this after owning two that I bought new in retail stores when they were a regular Colt offering. Both had six-inch barrels and both were extremely accurate. BUT they were no more accurate than my three S&W M-27's or a Manurhin MR-73. Actually had a Colt New Service .45 made about 1936 that shot about as well, considering that it made larger holes in the targets.

The great issue with Colt revolvers designed before the MK III and later series is that they go out of time much sooner than do Ruger and S&W guns. A very famous pistolsmith told a pal of mine that he would re-time his Python, but it would again need work after as few as 500-1,000 rounds, especially if he fired many .357 rounds.

Friend, it's cold reality that unless you are truly wealthy, it 's not a good idea to seek expensive guns or other items. They're just realistically beyond reach for most people. That's why I have a Winchester .270 and not a Westley Richards rifle. Well, if I could afford to pay maybe $30,000 for the WR, I could afford my Winchester, too, and I do love it. I don't buy my shoes at John Lobb, or drive a Lamborghini. I do own binoculars by Leica and Zeiss, but they were a reach for me, and I use binoculars far more than I do guns. And I can't now buy the latest binoculars from these firms, which are pretty close to the price of that Python that you want.

We have members here who can seemingly drop $10,000 for a Registered Magnum or some other treat. That includes fine engraved guns.

BUT if your circumstances are such that spending this money for a Python is risking being without whatever you were saving that money for, you should pass on the Colt. It's just not worth that much as a shooting .357. It really isn't!

 

[mauser9]

Thanks for reminding me.
8" barrel, Leupold scope, Zero Halliburton case, tools...
Back in the day, I remember seeing one at a local show and thinking, $1000 is just nuts!

One recently sold at auction for over 5K.

Your welcome. Wish I would have saved the issue! Seemed like a ton of money at the time but sure would have been a good investment. The one that still haunts me is that Colt Sheriff reproduction model with the 3 inch barrel I could have scored! Sometimes it pays to whip out the ole plastic!

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

I've owned one from the Colt custom shop for 39 years...Ain't no big deal. They are highly over rated. As shooters S&W's and Rugers are MUCH better. These High $$ pyhtons never get used. They are put up and just bragged about by the owners. BTW I've had to retime mine twice. And Its shot very little.
IN all fairness they are a $500 at most.

 

[diyj98]

I've always felt they were overrated as well. I've owned several Pythons over the years but never found them magically accurate and I much prefer S&W lockwork for a gun I'm going to actually use. Investing or collecting is one thing, but I'll take a S&W for my own use.

 

[mauser9]

Wonder if the prices will climb even higher for the Python? Seem pretty steep now!