[rock jock]

Advertised as "mint" condition, Royal Blue finish, 4" model. $640.

What's the verdict? Should I grab this or pass?

[rock jock]

The guy dropped the price to $625. He said on the phone that it an older model and has had perhaps 50 rounds through it.

[LWCmdr45]

An "older" model (pre-1991) should have checkered walnut stocks; if it's a 4" with the Hogue rubber monogrips, it's post-1991. (If it's pre-'85, post the serial number and I can tell you the year of manufacture.) Blue Book puts the values with the Royal Blue finish at $775 in 98% condition to $650 for one in 95%.

Should you buy it? Have you always wanted a Python? Were you hoping for a 4" blued model? If so, and the condition checks out, go for it. But, if you wanted, say, a 6" barrel or one in stainless, they're not that uncommon and I'd wait for one I really wanted. ("But, that's just my opinion and I could be wrong!")

Steve

[Powderman]

Inspect it closely. I would go maybe $550.00, maybe as high as $600.

[Standing Wolf]

Sounds right to me. I've seen similarly described Pythons going for considerably more. I'm not sure they're intrinsically worth more, but they're often worth more in the market than they're actually worth as shooters.

The four-inch is a great Python: handy, but with a long enough sight radius for excellent accuracy.

[rock jock]

Well, I ended up buying it. The gun is absolutely pristine, with the only mark a small 1 mm spot on the muzzle that is completely unnoticeable. Other than that, the gun is in basically new condition. Funny thing is, I never had any real desire to own a Colt revolver, but now that I have it I can really appreciate the craftsmanship. In full lockup, there is zero movement of the cylinder. The action is like an old-world clock. And, my goodness, there is no discernable cylinder/forcing cone gap, I mean none! When I hold it up to a lamp, I can just barely make out the thinest sliver of light. Sights are right on. Grips are perfect - looks like they just came out of the factory.

Can anyone tell me the date of manufacture? The serial # is 234XX. Also what is this worht? I would place the condition at 99%.

[rock jock]

Oh, a pic.

[rock jock]

And another.

[10-Ring]

If, upon closer inspection, I was satisfied in its condition, I'd buy it!

[Quantrill]

The older Pythons are gems. To be savored and enjoyed. I have a late 1950s model and it never ceases to amaze me. Check the other Python thread by TwoBlink, it will add to your enjoyment. Quantrill

[kumma]

- Also what is this worht? I would place the condition at 99% -
not to sound course but its worth whatever you paid for it. when you sell it you'll know how much that someone thought it was worth. :p

sounds like a nice gun, stop worring about "book" value, if your happy with it thats all that matters.

[rock jock]

sounds like a nice gun, stop worring about "book" value, if your happy with it thats all that matters.
Kumma,
I asked a simple question. If you don't know the answer, kindly move on. Don't criticize me for asking.

[Standing Wolf]

Sweet!

You've got an older model. You can tell by the pair of pins holding the front sight in place.

[rock jock]

Any idea of the date?

[EJ]

I don't have my book here -- I'm not at home and won't be for a day or so-- (Tax time ya know:rolleyes: )

BUT
\
With no "E" prefix or suffix it is a pre-'71 --
That means it was shipped with a target proving it could put all five (Why five and not six I don't know) in one ragged hole --(Granted at 25 feet -- but any testing is better than none) -- and it has the Royal blue finish and action job which Colt custom shop charged hundreds of dollars more for after about 1973--

A real prize at a fair price--

[Johnny Guest]

rock jock, didn't look as if kumma was being critical so much as supportive about your new revolver. His answer was really right on point. If you gave $625, then it is worth $625 to YOU. I like Colt DA revolvers, and I would give $450 to 500 for a similar piece in the DFW area. That's how much it's worth to me.

If you really want to sell it so soon, then shop it around a bit and see what you're offered, and that is the worth to that particular buyer.

In answer to the other part of your question:
234XX, with no letter prefix or suffix, shows to have been produced late in 1962. E234XX in 1971. 234XXE in 1976. L234XX, also in 1976.

Nice piece.

Johnny

[rock jock]

Sorry if I seemed irate, Johnny. I just took kumma's reply as being a bit condenscending. I have no desire to sell the gun and I am not worried about whether I got a good deal or not. That is not why I am asking its worth. I am simply curious as to what its market value is, i.e., the average sell price for a similar age Python in similar condition. Plus, my wife wanted to know since the purchase was unplanned. ;) I appreciate the information, though. It didn't look like there was a letter prefix on the serial number, but I will double check.

[JohnBT]

That's a $700 to $800 gun in a store around here - maybe more at a gun show.

Things are high here. Thirteen years ago a NIB blue 6" Python was $849 in one local store and $599 in another.

John

[colubrid]

Well I for one am gald someone answered the question. There are inquiring minds here that need to know!

[Topgun]

I believe that 1mm spot on the muzzle is a factory reject mark indicating that the cylinder didn't have enough barrel clearance to work properly and they were selling these rejects for $49.95 to gunsmith schools for instructional purposes.

But.....if you like it, that's all that matters. A worthy possession needs no price.

:D

[444]

Around here, I would say that is a good price bordering on low. I would have bought it at that price and been happy about it.

[Master Blaster]

Congrats Rockjock you done very good, you may never see another in that condition for sale again, around her I would guess that gun would go for about $1000.


I believe that 1mm spot on the muzzle is a factory reject mark indicating that the cylinder didn't have enough barrel clearance to work properly and they were selling these rejects for $49.95 to gunsmith schools for instructional purposes.

That sounds like SOUR GRAPES TO ME, my HORSE S*** detector is ringing. An the reason why colt would not take about 2 minutes to back the barrel off, or adjust the cylinder is?

After all at the time this gun was made there was a lot of handwork, and they had real gunsmiths there, I'm sure its easy to fix a lack of barrel cylinder clearance.



:confused:

[rock jock]

Thanks, MB. It is a very nice gun. I haven't had a chance to test it out, but will post a range report ASAP. I re-checked the serial number; there is no letter before or after, so if Johhny guest is correct it is a 1962 make. Kinda neat owning a revo that old.

[10-Ring]

Very nicely done ;) I look forward to seeing some pics & reading how well she shoots :cool:

[Mike Irwin]

Bring it to Northern Virginia and you can easily flip it for $1,000 plus.