[Randy63]

Although an S&W guy I've always wanted a nice Python. In the past couple of years I've had two of them. The first was a 1980 model that I bought before I knew what to look for when buying a used Colt. It was loose and I traded it in a few weeks for a new Python Elite. The general fit, finish and quality of Elite didn't impress me at all (it had a PLASTIC front sight blade). I was lucky and sold it for what I had into it. I had given up on Pythons until today.

I found this near mint in the box 4 digit Python from 1959.

http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/May/20035256025998905055464.jpg
http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/May/20035251587850236255750.jpg
http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/May/20035255575735720043336.jpg
http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/May/20035257275434453091994.jpg

The fit, finish, and feel of this revolver is outstanding. They just don't make them like this anymore.

Do any of you guys have early Pythons?

K22

[Randy63]

I think this Python was built in 59'. The serial number is 80xx. Can one of you Colt guys please verify this for me?

TIA,

K22

[Old Fuff]

1959 is correct. You have an outstanding revolver that was made "when they did it right" Enjoy your find.

[Standing Wolf]

I've looked at new Pythons several times in the past few months. Without exception, the triggers have been @#$%^&!, and the fit and finish were no better than Rugers used to be given—not to mention the $1,000+ price tags.

Your four-digit Python is the real thing. Congratulations!

[Litlman]

K-22. I said it before but, I will say it again, NICE! I am sure that you will Enjoy it. Have your S&W's accepted the "snake" into the fold? Hah! Standing Wolf, That clutch of "snakes" is truely impressive!

[BigG]

Nice Snake! Enjoy that puppy! :D

[9mmepiphany]

very nice snake...

that is the first snake i've seen with the original stocks, they are so much nicer than the later, poly coated, "wood" stocks

[Gordon]

Nice , nice, nice!:)

[Rob96]

If I may ask. What shop in PA did you buy that? In one of my local shops I had seen one exactly like that.

[stans]

Hey K22, one big question. Are you going to shoot this Python, or is it just for collecting?

[Randy63]

Originally posted by Rob96:
If I may ask. What shop in PA did you buy that? In one of my local shops I had seen one exactly like that.

Actually I bought this one at a gun show held over the weekend in Matamoras PA.

Originally posted by stans:
Hey K22, one big question. Are you going to shoot this Python, or is it just for collecting?

This one certainly is collectible but seeing that it has been fired before I will shoot it. Probably mostly .38's though.

K22

[9mmepiphany]

the twist of your rifling is 1 turn in 14" and is optimised for the 148gr hollow base wad cutter. you really owe it to yourself to run at least a few boxes through it... if for nothing else, just to have nice little cloverleafs to show off.

my snakes always liked the speer 140gr jhp .357 magnum loading too

[Rob96]

K22, if you want a mathing one, I can tell ya where it's at.:D

[mini14jac]

I talked to a guy from Georgia on Monday, who just picked up a NIB 1960's Python.
Get this:
He wanted to go to an estate sale, but got there too late, after it was over.
He asked the lady if she had any guns left.
Apparently, her recently deceased husband liked to buy guns, put the receipt in the box, and put them on a shelf.
That was it. No shooting, just buy and store.

She said that all she had left was one gun that a couple of people had looked at and passed on.
A S&W .38 service revolver, don't know the model number. Not fired, NIB, with the receipt for $99 in the box!
She didn't like guns, and all she wanted out of them was what the husband had paid.

He says "Have you got anything else?"
"No....wait, there is a box up there."
She gets down a dusty box, and it contains a NIB Python, with the receipt for $299!!
She says she'll take $400 for both guns.
The guy asks if anyone has told her she is selling the guns too cheap, at least half of their value. (He's afraid that if he takes advantage of her, he'll end up shooting himself in the foot, or something.) She says no, he is the first one that has said that.
She wants the guns out of her house. $400 firm.

He had the .38 at the range. He had taken it to a 'smith and had the trigger worked on, etc.
I didn't get to see the Python.
He impressed me as a shooter, not a collector, so I'm guessing his Python is going to get a workout soon.

I always meet guys who have found deals like that.
If I was Captain Ahab, I can see me yelling at a passing ship "Have ye seen the great whale?".
They answer back "Aye, we killed her yesterday." :(

[Randy63]

Originally posted by Rob96:
K22, if you want a mathing one, I can tell ya where it's at.

Don't tempt me Rob! Seriously, I am sooo pleased with my Python I could see myself buying a vintage 4 incher down the road. By the way how much do they want for it? Does it have the box? What kind of condition? I paid $850 for this one and feel I got a fail deal. I shouldn't even be asking these questions. I've already spent way too much on new acquisitions this year.

mini14jac, great story. I've gotten some deals along the way but never that good.

K22

[Rob96]

K22, yes they do have the box, and this specimen is in primo condition. Price listed on the tag is $1199. I don't know if it is unfired or anything.

[Randy63]

That sure is a collector's price...I'm sure someone will buy it though.

K22