“Poor old TTSH” on the prowl 
We don't see many "as-new" Pythons...
- Thread starter TTSH
- Start date
Riverboys
Member
Speaking as a minor player in this world, from what I see, you can buy a beautiful Smith for a Grand or less and have fantastic looking and shooting revolver that will impress and satisfy.
Python prices are all over the place, but I have no fear of losing money on mine. I bought it brand new in 1972 for $198.00. I shoot it with mostly 38's and have never had a problem with it. They are really nice guns, but I can't say I enjoy it more than any of my S&W revolvers. I recently bought a very high condition first year (1954) model 357. It is the immediate predecessor to the Python and is a much rarer gun (around 15K made). I paid $900.00 for it and felt like I got a very good deal. IMO, the Python with a 6" barrel is the prettiest revolver ever made, not taking anything away from the beauty of any S&W revolvers. Most of mine are post-war, pre-1957 guns. Shoot what you like and like what you shoot.
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That is the ball park price range , There is a gun shop in PA that always has a supply of Colt snake guns in stock from 2400,2900,3200,3500, but if I buy one for that I do not think I have any room if I had to sell . I do see clean used ones like 6 in at some shows in the 1700 range with some blue wear not hurt . I pass on them . I passed on a 4 in Diamond back 22 for 499 about a year ago had rubber grips they had it for a few weeks , I kick my self on that one .
bought this Python NIB back in 1982 for $420.00. It left Hartford in 1981. I think I fired a couple of cylinders of .357 through it, cleaned and lubed it carefully, and put it back in the box. I devoted a chapter to the Python in my book 101 Classic Firearms, and used this gun to illustrate it.
I'm thinking it's money in the bank...
John
I'm thinking it's money in the bank...
John
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S&WIowegan
US Veteran
John,
I have a Python that looks remarkably like yours but it is high-polish stainless. I bought it new in about 1990 and have shot it quite a bit. It came with Colt rubber stocks which I have replaced with a pair like yours. I recently brought it out of the safe to shoot but the action was jammed. It would not cycle. I got my Kuhnhausen manual and took it apart. Took me a long time to figure out the bolt and breech face had small burrs which prevented the bolt from engaging the cylinder. Very fine files fixed it. Shoots great!
I have a Python that looks remarkably like yours but it is high-polish stainless. I bought it new in about 1990 and have shot it quite a bit. It came with Colt rubber stocks which I have replaced with a pair like yours. I recently brought it out of the safe to shoot but the action was jammed. It would not cycle. I got my Kuhnhausen manual and took it apart. Took me a long time to figure out the bolt and breech face had small burrs which prevented the bolt from engaging the cylinder. Very fine files fixed it. Shoots great!
Update...
Well, the good news is that the Python I found predates 1998.
The bad news is that the gun appears, at first blush, to lack the MA pedigree that would make it readily transferable into MA. 
Bummer. 
But I'm not giving up. The selling dealer is checking further into its history. Keeping my fingers crossed.
However, for various reasons, it looks like nothing more is going to happen before next week.
Well, the good news is that the Python I found predates 1998.
The bad news is that the gun appears, at first blush, to lack the MA pedigree that would make it readily transferable into MA. Bummer. But I'm not giving up. The selling dealer is checking further into its history. Keeping my fingers crossed.
However, for various reasons, it looks like nothing more is going to happen before next week. gman51
Member
I saw at the LGS a like new in the original box 6" Python with a price of $9995. It was there for a month or so but someone bought it.
Some talk how high priced Pythons are and are not worth it but S&W has collectables that will claim those same high prices.
Personally I don't know of any revolver that is better looking than a Python. But we all know what personal opinions are worth. To each their own.
I so wish my S&W 627-5 pro had a deep blued luster rather than the blasted SS gray finish.
$2300 for a good grade Python is often the ballpark going price. Higher grades are sometimes up there with the clouds.
Some talk how high priced Pythons are and are not worth it but S&W has collectables that will claim those same high prices.
Personally I don't know of any revolver that is better looking than a Python. But we all know what personal opinions are worth. To each their own.
I so wish my S&W 627-5 pro had a deep blued luster rather than the blasted SS gray finish.
$2300 for a good grade Python is often the ballpark going price. Higher grades are sometimes up there with the clouds.
As far as better looking.....Any 4" N-frame.
LOL!!!!
This time you had me laughing out loud. You are right. It is a ludicrous idea... for an old, lifelong S&W aficionado whose main thing is what I call "value collecting" (as opposed to collecting scarce, high-dollar, high-end collectibles). I only own three Colts in total and 2 of them are 1911's. Only one is a revolver and I'm not all that enamored with it.
But damn, that Python is a handsome gun.
I didn't even think about buying it. Seriously. I just drooled all over it and left the shop to go find my fried clams. Didn't give it a second thought until later that evening when I was talking with the good wife about my day. Her words: Buy it.
But how when it cost more than 3 times the most I've ever spent on a handgun and 4 times what's in the "Gun Fund" right now. 
It's a crazy idea for sure, but at my advanced age and with MA anti-2A restrictions, I'll never have a better shot at one. I could be dead before I ever even see another one sitting in a local shop like that.
The good wife was right. It's something I had to explore. Your points are well taken. It is certainly not the best value as a practical handgun (a local 6" pre-lock 586 for sale at $500 would likely work as well or better) and raiding the particular account I'd have to raid to pull it off could come back to haunt me. No question about that. This is not an easy decision. I have never done anything like this before... not in the firearms realm anyway... not even close. This would be a first!
I will think hard about your points. My mind is not made up. Circumstances may interfere anyway. This might all be a moot point. In fact, I'm going to get in touch with the guy selling the 586 and see if I can look at it tomorrow. That could end up being my consolation prize.
I don't think this Python makes terrific sense from a long-term investment perspective. Prices are already inflated to the point where it looks like a bubble. Will the bubble break someday? Probably, yes... right after I buy one.
Do *not* take this as representative of anything.“Poor old TTSH” on the prowl
You know my normal style... my normal modus operandi. Think of this as the exception that proves the rule. And I have many of them. And I'm still looking for more.
This is not going to displace any of my beloved S&W handguns. This is something different. I've gone to other brands before... just not to this level of (acquisition cost) insanity. 
Send that lugnut my way..
In my opinion, you are correct.
I think the Python is the best looking .357 revolver of all. And I say that as a Smith & Wesson revolver collector since 1976. In its day, I think an early Model 19 was its equal in the "good looks" category. I also think you could make the same argument of an early (pre-lock) Model 586. But the blue finish on the Python is very hard to beat. I sold the only 4" N-frame .357 Magnum that I ever owned.
To this day, I still can't remember why I did that. I recently found an early Performance Center Model 629 and I must admit... I would love to own it.
They can clean up nice.
Got this one from a retired copper in a trade.
He carried it while he was in uniform for about 10 years.
Before and after pic....
I took a chance and sent it to Ford's and I think they
did a very good job.
Got this one from a retired copper in a trade.
He carried it while he was in uniform for about 10 years.
Before and after pic....
I took a chance and sent it to Ford's and I think they
did a very good job.
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gman51
Member
WOW Ford did a fantastic reblue on your Python. Did it cost a couple fingers or a whole arm?
Never had a Python..... do have my Dad's 2" Dick Special and his 1930s .357 New Service worked over by Kings as well as a few .38 Diamondbacks and 2 inch Detective Specials over the past 40 years.
All things considered I'd rather have an early 4 or 6 inch 586........I much prefer the S&W action.
TTSH; for the kind of $$s your talking get yourself a 3 inch 66 and keep a $1,000 in your pocket.... or get the 66 and a 586 and still have money to take the wife out for a really nice Italian dinner!!!!
All things considered I'd rather have an early 4 or 6 inch 586........I much prefer the S&W action.
TTSH; for the kind of $$s your talking get yourself a 3 inch 66 and keep a $1,000 in your pocket.... or get the 66 and a 586 and still have money to take the wife out for a really nice Italian dinner!!!!
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Around $400.00...check out the website.
Reasonable IMHO.
I have about $1150 +- a few bucks in it.
I'll take it!
