I hate this: Python found at Pawn shop

Status
Not open for further replies.
Speaking strictly as a Python aficionado of many years' standing: they're grossly overpriced today; there's also not much chance their prices will ever reflect their actual value as shooters.
Click to expand...

I know what you mean, but sorry, the market is what it is. We may not think a Python is "worth" that much, but the market says it is. I don't like the price of gas, but it's still the price of gas.

There might be "better" guns. I've got a half dozen .357 Smith & Wessons. Two of them are Model 27's. Great guns. So is the Model 19. When I bought my first handgun years ago, I had a choice between a 19 and a Python, both still being made. Even then the Python cost about twice what a Model 19 did. I chose the Model 19.

The thing is, when I'm thinking about buying a Python, it's not to just get a .357 revolver. I've got those. I'm thinking about buying a Python. Nothing else will scratch that itch. I had a chance back during the summer to buy one, a beautiful 4", nickeled, with mother of pearl grips ,for $1100.00. I thought the price was too high. "I'll think about it." It was gone the next week. Man that gun was pretty. I'm still kicking myself for letting it get away.
 
Prices are what they are. The value of anything is exactly what someone will pay, no more no less. There's always the option of walking away because there's another one out there somewhere... unless there isn't.

If you want to see disparity between buying and selling you guys should shop used Harleys.... and this is coming from an Harley-only guy!
 
I agree w/ the 'show 'em your cash / checkbook / debit card' approach.

I have gotten good deals by holding my debit card / checkbook / greenbacks in my hand as I converse. it shows your a serous buyer, not a window shopper, dreamer or jaw-jacker.
 
at loacal gun shop there is a python for 1k and its stainless. looks nice and fat with black grips. Just shop around.
 
Even the fact that this thread has gathered so much attention speaks for itself. We're talking about a revolver here. And many people have followed the discussion and have had a say. Why? Because it's a Python. That's why they're worth so much. People like 'em.
 
I'm thinking about buying a Python. Nothing else will scratch that itch.
Click to expand...
Absolutely true.

I bought a 6" Python a few years ago. Box, papers, correct grips, 1978 model, etc. Pistolsmith said it appeared unfired except for factory test rounds. I paid a bit more than the 'book' price but was happy to do so. I shot it quite a bit, but could always shoot my 4" S&W M15 better. (I love that gun!) Bought another Python, not nearly as nice as Python #1, but is a 4" bbl. I shoot it better than my 4" M15! It's just the balance of a 4" feels so much better in my hand, I guess.
Because it's a Python. That's why they're worth so much. People like 'em.
Click to expand...
Yup. There is something to be said for pride of ownership, too.

Poper
 
I wanted a Python for 30 years but could never seem to come up with the cash. About 5 years ago I spotted a blued, 6" snake with box and papers at a LGS for $750.00. I realized they weren't getting any cheaper and I wasn't getting any younger so I bought it. I take it to the range about every trip and it is a pure joy to shoot. Saw a Python at the same LGS for $1000 last week that wasn't as nice as the one I bought. If you don't get this one, keep your $$$ handy and you'll come across another one. Good luck.
 
Bikemutt, I was sucessful purchasing my first Colt Python from a pawnshop. I used the same tactic as jspence mentioned above. I left my name and phone number when they were not willing to budge on the price. I found out that at the end of each month, the pawn shops need to generate sales. If they are behind on their sales in any given month, they will drop the price on just about anything in the store. My luck was I walked in to the pawn shop on the last day of the month. The manager told me he would honor my offer for an 8" pristine Colt Python (25% off). The orginal box for your python is worth $50-75 on ebay or gunbrokers. I am seeing pythons going for $1200-1500 in good condition. They are going up every year because they are in high demand and Colt quit producing them. Other alternatives are the stainless Colt King Cobra or a Python in poor condition. You can return a Python to Colt and they will restore the finish and action to factory original for a modest price based on the work required. If you buy one deeply discounted based on the poor condition, you can save some money. Good luck!
 
If you want this Python, get up off your butt and go get it! If you have this itch to own one, go get the scratchin' over with. I saw one in a case 26 years ago, gave the guy $100 to pull and hold it, got the rest of the $325.00 about an hour later, have never looked back! I know this is a hell of a long way from $1200.00, quit itching and go get it, when its sold out from under you, you'll kick yourself!! Then write us back and tell how nice it is, Merry Christmas!
 
You guys are killin' me, lol.

Strykervet said he saw one at a local gunshow here in WA recently for $600 I believe. I have been to many of the same shows and can tell with laser precision if I had seen that one, and it was a 6" and not beat all to hell, it would have left with me. I very rarely see Pythons at these shows and when I have they are wanting gunbroker+ prices.

Ironically, when I went to get the serial number for the subject Python from the pawnshop, the counterman guffawed that another customer who was in earlier had just bought a 4" at the Monroe gunshow for $1600, and he had really wanted the 6", now of course said customer is kicking himself. Well, I find gunstore countermen in general, and pawnshop countermen in particular, to be endowed with more than their fare share of storytelling capabilities, almost up to fisherman standards. It may have been his way of trying to shake that wallet from my pocket.

No offense to gunstore countermen, or fishermen for that matter, all said in good natured fun.
 
NMGonzo said:
Don't.

I rather have something I don't mind getting dirty.

Like a dan wesson.
Click to expand...
No quarrel here, I've got a nice DW 715 8" that's a tack driver. I plan to pick up a 6" barrel for it one of these days.

Seen a few of the pistol packs around lately too, just have no use for the 2-1/2" or 4" barrels.
 
Python sold

Well, I stopped in to grab some ammo at the pawn shop today (believe it or not, their ammo prices are very competitive), there's a vacant spot on the shelf, under the glass, where the Python rested just a few short days ago.
 
buttmike said:
Well, I stopped in to grab some ammo at the pawn shop today (believe it or not, their ammo prices are very competitive), there's a vacant spot on the shelf, under the glass, where the Python rested just a few short days ago.
Click to expand...
That was quick. Also means the next one will probably be priced higher.
 
Funny, I took the new-to-me King Cobra to the range today and of course all the guys I know there wanted a feel :D

Anyway, the Python came up and one of the guy's said XYZ Pawn has one of those. So he called them and sure enough they have two.

Now if any of you guys think I'm crazy enough to go look at another Python at another pawn shop...:)
 
You buy a beautiful gun like the Python, shoot it, and it doesn't take long for a ring to be etched around the cylinder. Guns like this can either be shot or remain a safe queen. So what happens? Many people stick it in their safes and shoot their Ruger stainless Security-Sixes or, better, S&W 686s! Six-eighty-sixes often shoot just as well and are just as accurate (at least the first wave were). So if they want to keep their Pythons as beautiful as Highpower's, they have to keep them away from ranges! Highpower stated: "I just purchased a 98% Python a few months ago from a local gun store for $875 OTD. It is missing the correct stocks so I will have to put another couple hundred into it. I will easily have $1100 or so into it before I'm done."

A "couple hundred"? For grips?? Frankly, if I had Highpower's gun, it would never see the inside of a range. If I wanted a Python I could shoot, it would be a stainless steel...or a well used blued Python.

The guns are beautiful and accurate, but I don't have enough money to buy a gorgeous blued 98% model and then putting holster wear and cylinder ring around it. So it's best to determine what you're gonna use the gun for. But I agree with the rest. Twelve hundred it too much for a pawn shop gun. If anyone there had any sense, they would have bought the gun themselves and it never would find itself on a shelf. Still, someone must have wanted it and was willing to pay the price. Or perhaps they got it for less.
 
The Python was purchased new in 1980 and only comes out of the safe for an occasional photo shoot.
To answer your question, the grips do have an open backstrap and were purchased to enhance the beauty of the gun. They are not custom made grips but for those interested, they are manufactured by Altamont.
 
My friend has a Python and while I agree that it's smooth, I don't see what's so great about them that makes them worth two or three times as a used S&W or Ruger. On top of that I've noticed that the timing on his is a little off. It's my understanding that the Colt lockwork is more complex and possibly more fragile than most competitors. Personally, I'll leave them for the collectors and stick with shooters that I can use the hell out of and afford to replace if necessary.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

P
  • Locked
What About The Colt Python in .38 Special?
Replies
20
Views
1K
Olympus
Olympus
S
  • Locked
Today was my lucky day!
Replies
18
Views
1K
C5rider
C5rider
Elm Creek Smith
  • Locked
Dilemma at the Pawn Shop!
2
Replies
28
Views
2K
19-3Ben
1
D
  • Locked
i need a new gun... python?
2
Replies
26
Views
1K
dakotasin
D
B
  • Locked
So I got my Python...
Replies
24
Views
1K
hiram2005
H
Back
Top