Why do Colt revolvers go for so much $ these days?
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357larry
Member
I used to have a number of Colt's. Carried a Python back when I was a LEO in the late 70's and early 80's. There was nothing about Colt's that ever made me feel they were superior to Smith & Wesson. When I started getting offers for the Colt's that were 3 times what I had in them, I sold them. I have no regrets.
I agree with feralmerril that Smith's feel better in the hand. Even with aftermarket grips it is difficult to make a Colt feel good. No doubt about it, Colt flunked ergonomics.
I agree with feralmerril that Smith's feel better in the hand. Even with aftermarket grips it is difficult to make a Colt feel good. No doubt about it, Colt flunked ergonomics.
Nframe357
Member
Name and that's all, I've owned the vaunted python and it went bye bye for another 686, no regret here. Colt's can't hold a candle to a proper older Smith.
bobbyjack
Member
Apples and Oranges Pythons and Reg Magnams!
Thats another story I'll take the Smith,heck even a 27 or 28!
Bob
Thats another story I'll take the Smith,heck even a 27 or 28!
Bob
stantheman86
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When I think of utilitarian, I think of Ruger revolvers. They carry up early so there's lots of room for hand and ratchet wear.....in other words, they'll never go out of time. They are not cosmetically perfect, but they last forever and they just plain work. They took the Colt-like look of the Peacemaker and made it into a tank tough working gun. They made a full underlug .357 that no one will ever have to tune to fix the timing. But........Ruger doesn't have the "romance" of Colt and probably never will.
S&W has been around long enough they have as much "name" as Colt does, but there's a lot of "romance" involved in gun collecting too. A lot of people hear the name "Colt" and they think of the Old West, Peacemakers, 1860 Army and 1851 Navy revolvers. When the average person hears "Smith and Wesson" they think of Dirty Harry. The only attachment I have to the Colt name is the M4 I carried in Iraq was a Colt, and it was the first weapon I fired in real combat. Other than that, I can take or leave anything made by them. FWIW most of the parts in that beat-up M4 probably weren't even made at the Colt factory anyway.
Most of the high condition Pythons hardly get fired anyway, and all the NIB guns just change hands between collectors. The Python has become more of a "status gun" than something valued for it's shootability. Among avid Colt collectors, if you don't have a 1st Gen Model P, a pre-A1 Colt 1911, and a Python, you're "not for real".
Basically, if S&W closed it's doors today the values of RM's, 27's, 29's etc.would reach the levels of the Pythons in no time. They almost already are, has anyone seen what the "pre-29's" have been going for?!?? Or a genuine military marked Schofield?
S&W has been around long enough they have as much "name" as Colt does, but there's a lot of "romance" involved in gun collecting too. A lot of people hear the name "Colt" and they think of the Old West, Peacemakers, 1860 Army and 1851 Navy revolvers. When the average person hears "Smith and Wesson" they think of Dirty Harry. The only attachment I have to the Colt name is the M4 I carried in Iraq was a Colt, and it was the first weapon I fired in real combat. Other than that, I can take or leave anything made by them. FWIW most of the parts in that beat-up M4 probably weren't even made at the Colt factory anyway.
Most of the high condition Pythons hardly get fired anyway, and all the NIB guns just change hands between collectors. The Python has become more of a "status gun" than something valued for it's shootability. Among avid Colt collectors, if you don't have a 1st Gen Model P, a pre-A1 Colt 1911, and a Python, you're "not for real".
Basically, if S&W closed it's doors today the values of RM's, 27's, 29's etc.would reach the levels of the Pythons in no time. They almost already are, has anyone seen what the "pre-29's" have been going for?!?? Or a genuine military marked Schofield?
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cantpickone
Member
I am usually shocked at the prices that I see people asking for Colt revolvers and can't imagine that anyone will pay anywhere close to what is asked, but maybe they do.
firearmsunlimited
Member
Not to knock Colt revolvers but the 3rd generation SSAs were certainly no gems! With the exception of a very small window of time most of them had extremely poor fit, poor finish and actions as rough as a cob.
Heck, you forgot to mention the Colt pistols. Ever hear of a Gold Cup National Match? It was advertised as capable of being a match winner right "out of the box." What a great advertising scam Colt pulled off on that one! The fact was that it wasn't even a good reliable feeding 1911. But then again it did have a nice polished blue job.
I have owned one Colt. I bought an Agent LNIB in the late 1990s. The pistol was made in the 1970s. I was just getting into pistol collecting then. Three things I have to say about that Colt;
1. The fit was amazing. The fit between the crane and frame un-noticable.
2. The bluing was unbelievable.
3. The trigger was ridiculously smooth right out of the box.
I had it for awhile, but when Colt said they were no longer going to make commercial pistols in the early 2000s, I sold it and made a pretty profit.
Colts are nice, but I like to shoot my pistols and I'll take a Smith to the range any day.
1. The fit was amazing. The fit between the crane and frame un-noticable.
2. The bluing was unbelievable.
3. The trigger was ridiculously smooth right out of the box.
I had it for awhile, but when Colt said they were no longer going to make commercial pistols in the early 2000s, I sold it and made a pretty profit.
Colts are nice, but I like to shoot my pistols and I'll take a Smith to the range any day.
S&W HE
Member
Everyone has the right to their own opinion. Here's mine.
After owning several Colt revolvers it's my considered opinion that they were and currently are overpriced.
The much revered Colt Python is based on the complex and delicate New Service action. Those of you who have taken the sideplate off a Python should easily identify with my comment. Double action shooters quickly note that the action "stacks" (pulls harder) when the hammer is back about half way through the DA cycle. Due to the distance from the backstrap to the trigger, many shooters with small hands and/or short fingers find obtaining a proper DA grip difficult if not impossible.
As for accuracy, Mr. Ransom's rest proved that the guns we tested -- Python, M27, M19, M686 -- all shot comparably well with Remington's 158 gr .357 Magnum ammo. Since none of us were bulleye shooters, we passed on the .38 Special "Target" loads.
So why did I own so many Colt Revolvers? The first one was because it was a "Colt Python" and I could buy it under wholesale, the rest because I could buy them "right" and trade them for the S&Ws I wanted.
After owning several Colt revolvers it's my considered opinion that they were and currently are overpriced.
The much revered Colt Python is based on the complex and delicate New Service action. Those of you who have taken the sideplate off a Python should easily identify with my comment. Double action shooters quickly note that the action "stacks" (pulls harder) when the hammer is back about half way through the DA cycle. Due to the distance from the backstrap to the trigger, many shooters with small hands and/or short fingers find obtaining a proper DA grip difficult if not impossible.
As for accuracy, Mr. Ransom's rest proved that the guns we tested -- Python, M27, M19, M686 -- all shot comparably well with Remington's 158 gr .357 Magnum ammo. Since none of us were bulleye shooters, we passed on the .38 Special "Target" loads.
So why did I own so many Colt Revolvers? The first one was because it was a "Colt Python" and I could buy it under wholesale, the rest because I could buy them "right" and trade them for the S&Ws I wanted.
Are they really? I see Python's on Gunbroker with sky high asking prices but do they sell for those prices? The ones I see in my favorite shop seem to be tagged about what a nice 27 would be tagged at. Maybe twice what a Model 19 would bring. Which is about what I remember them selling for new.
The beater Official Police I've got I paid less for than I did any Smith & Wesson I've got. Yesterday I looked at a Trooper MK III (IIRC) that was the same price as a Model 15 that was marked "reduced." The Trooper was a fixed sight gun, the 15 adjustable, but otherwise they seemed about equal. I've seen Model 10's for the same price.
Now, I don't see anywhere near the number of Colts that I do Smith & Wessons.
The beater Official Police I've got I paid less for than I did any Smith & Wesson I've got. Yesterday I looked at a Trooper MK III (IIRC) that was the same price as a Model 15 that was marked "reduced." The Trooper was a fixed sight gun, the 15 adjustable, but otherwise they seemed about equal. I've seen Model 10's for the same price.
Now, I don't see anywhere near the number of Colts that I do Smith & Wessons.
I kind of always wanted a 6 inch Python and I came real close once on buying one from a friend in the 90's for $600 which I thought that price was high then. Little did I know the would cost 2 and 3 times that these days. I think the allure for me was the vent rib barrel and the fantastic fit and finish of the bluing.
All that said I didn't buy a Python and now the desire has left me because of the high prices and the fact that they are no longer made. I much prefer my S&W model 29's and 629's these day because they are beautiful, easy to get parts for if needed, and most gunsmiths can work on them it needed.
All that said I didn't buy a Python and now the desire has left me because of the high prices and the fact that they are no longer made. I much prefer my S&W model 29's and 629's these day because they are beautiful, easy to get parts for if needed, and most gunsmiths can work on them it needed.
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Really the only Colt DA revolvers that seem to be priced "higher" than Smith's are the Pythons and Diamondbacks. You can get Army Specials, Official Police, Police positives, Officers Models etc at equivalent prices IMHO. I just bought a 1941 OM in .22lr, it is a sweet shooting gun and accurate, so is my K-22 Outdoorsman. I am mainly a S&W guy, but the older Colt DA's are nice guns.
Frank237
Absent Comrade
The past week or so the $1400 to $1700 Pythons I've seen on the various for sale sites have overnight gone UP to $2300+. And Python grips with asking prices of $200+ ar now not uncommon.
Unsure if any of these are actually selling.
I was never a big Colt fan, though certainly respected the brand. Colt to me meant 1911 autos more than anything else.
I did carry a 6 shot Detective Special for a year back in the late 70's but was ALWAYS a S&W guy.
Though have to say I DO have a LNIB blued 6" Python in the collection and I'm happy to have it.
I'm also unhappy unless I have a Walther PPK , at least one Browning Highpower , Colt Commander and Colt SAA in the safe.
FN in MT
Unsure if any of these are actually selling.
I was never a big Colt fan, though certainly respected the brand. Colt to me meant 1911 autos more than anything else.
I did carry a 6 shot Detective Special for a year back in the late 70's but was ALWAYS a S&W guy.
Though have to say I DO have a LNIB blued 6" Python in the collection and I'm happy to have it.
I'm also unhappy unless I have a Walther PPK , at least one Browning Highpower , Colt Commander and Colt SAA in the safe.
FN in MT
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sw44spl
Member
I have a 1938 4inch OP and a 1965 5inch OP both shoot very accurate but double action pull is not what a smith is.I got them because sometimes andy and barney carried them from time to time.I have 2 colt 1911s a gov model and a combat commander. bot h are very accurate.I feel if you want a 1911 you cant beat a colt. why buy a copy when you can have a colt. I love my smiths but I sure would hate to see colt go under.
I agree with "dfariswheel's" statement: "The Colt Detective Special is the best quality and most accurate snubby revolver ever made". Especially the 1st gen. models of the 1930's. However, the Colt Python is no match for an "old model" Smith & Wesson model 27. The Python's lock work is too flimsy and has bad timing issues. However, I will admit the Colt Python sure is pretty to look at and has some what of a better buff and blue job than the 27. The old S&W 27 has a far superior lock work and trigger not to mention it's more accurate if you have a good smith do the same trigger work that was done on the Python. I own both and if one had to go it would be the Python.
oberon
Member
This is a pointless argument, but I'll make it anyway.
I am really a S&W man. Those guns suit the very definition of what a hand gun is. Why is it, then, that I own more Colts than S&Ws?
2 of my last 3 aquisitions are S&Ws. I outfitted my son with a 66 recently.
So, why is that?
The whole culture of firearms encompasses a broad swath of modern industrial history. There have been, are, and always will be companies whose purpose is to produce the best product they can at a fair and marketable price. Colt and S&W have been the benchmark for quality, reliability, and performance scince...always. There can be no arguement there. If 2 engineering firms seek to build a high performance machine of a type that must conform to certain specifications, then both will produce something that meets those specs. They won't be alike, but they will be competetive. That's a fact.
So when we compare who has what and how much and why, just be aware of the simple free market economy that drives the gun business.
It ain't so much the intrinsic characteristics of the individual product, that affects the cost, but the understanding, preference, and need of the consumer.
A crappy beat-up gun that goes 'bang' is infinitly prefereble to no gun at all.
You can never have too many guns, but you can have too few.
I am really a S&W man. Those guns suit the very definition of what a hand gun is. Why is it, then, that I own more Colts than S&Ws?
2 of my last 3 aquisitions are S&Ws. I outfitted my son with a 66 recently.
So, why is that?
The whole culture of firearms encompasses a broad swath of modern industrial history. There have been, are, and always will be companies whose purpose is to produce the best product they can at a fair and marketable price. Colt and S&W have been the benchmark for quality, reliability, and performance scince...always. There can be no arguement there. If 2 engineering firms seek to build a high performance machine of a type that must conform to certain specifications, then both will produce something that meets those specs. They won't be alike, but they will be competetive. That's a fact.
So when we compare who has what and how much and why, just be aware of the simple free market economy that drives the gun business.
It ain't so much the intrinsic characteristics of the individual product, that affects the cost, but the understanding, preference, and need of the consumer.
A crappy beat-up gun that goes 'bang' is infinitly prefereble to no gun at all.
You can never have too many guns, but you can have too few.
firearmsunlimited
Member
In 1973 I owned a Colt Trooper and a S&W 27. Obviously to compare those two model would not be an apples to apples comparison, however, I found the Trooper to be so inferior to the 27 that I just could not abide the loose lock-up, excessive end shake, inferior finish and stocks of the Trooper so down the road it went. To this day I have never regretted selling it for less than the purchase price. In defense of Colt, in 2002 I purchased a 3rd SSA from the great Harrison Carroll. Initially I did not want a 3rd due to their poor reputation. Since Harrison was the recognized authority on SSAs I relied on his contention that there was indeed a small window of time during which Colt did produce a very high quality 3rd. I must say that he was absolutely correct. The fit and finish is impeccable and trigger is surprisingly smooth. Earlier this year the Arizona State Legislature voted to adopt the Colt SSA as the state firearm.
My wife's Mustang has jamed 3 times in the last month, my 4516 never has and we're talking several 1000 rds.
colt triggers are different and if you aren't used to them they feel strange. however, after pulling triggers on colts for over 45 yrs and tens of thousands of rounds, i don't find them a problem. if you can shoot a colt, the smith is easy.i have one python with a minimum of 12 thousand rounds through it. after about 7500 i sent it to colt for their tuned action. and the result was outstanding. with over 4500 rounds since then it shows no out of time any other problems. if this is delicate,fine it suits me. btw is started out with a model 15 that got shot a ton too and still have it. for an earlier poster, the python lockworks started with the new army not the new service which is a bigger framed gun.
