Python Purchase Help Pls.

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charleslee

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I want to buy a Python as a collector piece, exc.-ANIB cond. w/ box, papers, etc. I know it's gonna run around $1600.00. I know one w/ a Royal Blue Finish would cost around 2K so a regular blued finish w/ suffice. What do you recommend as far as yr., barrel length, & anything else I've forgotten? Thank you for your help!
 
I know one w/ a Royal Blue Finish would cost around 2K so a regular blued finish w/ suffice.
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To the best of my knowledge, blued Pythons were made with only one finish. Stainless steel Pythons were available with standard and bright-polished finishes, and I believe nickel-plated Pythons were available with traditional bright nickel and dull electroless nickel. Only Dfariswheel could tell us for sure.

If you shop around, you should be able to find a worthy Python for less than $1,600. As for the barrel length: only you can say what you like. The six-inch barrel is the commonest, followed by the four-inch, the 2.5-inch, and the eight-inch; there were also a very few three-inch Pythons made, and probably more fakes than Colt ever made. I recommend following Python sales—not asking prices, but sales—on the auction sites, as well as hanging out at http://www.coltforum.com

Best of success to you, eh?
 
Yes, I don't recall Colt ever having a "regular" blued finish for the python. Their prices have gotten completely out of control in recent years in my opinion. With the economy, people are having to sell guns because they have to so you might find a beauty at your price point but unless you're lucky, you'll have to be pretty patient. People are expecting an awful lot of $$ from a collector grade python these days.
 
Hello Charles, I have a couple of Pythons and all blue Pythons came from the factory in Royal Blue. There are nickle, and stainless Pythons as well. My first handgun is a 6" Royal Blue Python I got in 1979. The Colt Forum is a good source for information on Pythons and other Colt firearms. As for recomendations they run the gammut. For me I started my Colt collection with a 6" now I have both a 6" and a 4". I carry the 4" more than the 6" now a days. If you want one for collection only try to find a true 3" Combat Python or a normal 2 1/2" Python. There is no difference other than the 3" barrel. Expect to pay a premium for these. For shooting the 4" or 6" will suffice. The Python is a subject unto itself in the Colt line up. Happy hunting and good luck.
 
Here are a few semi-coherent things to consider:

By the time the rabble (that's us, or me at least) start thinking something is a good investment idea, the ship has sailed. I think 5+ years ago would've been the right time to start thinking about grabbing older guns such as Pythons, they've already appreciated a lot and I don't know how much more room up at the top there is.

That said, as far as I know no one has plans to make any more, so it's not like its a "bad" idea.

I wouldn't buy one I couldn't shoot (without drastically lowering its value). I'd much rather have two firearms I could shoot than one I couldn't. And you'd only need half the increase per gun to break even, so to speak.

I also see the gap between fired/unfired narrowing, with more room for appreciation at the lower end. Just look at the prices crappy condition older model S&W's are going for, let alone the good ones.

With those caveats, luck on the purchase!
 
Pythons were Royal Blue

1600 is probably about right for an unshot, box and papered gun.

As Jeff Cooper said " The Python is expensive, and it should be."

Earlier models are more collectible. The 50's are the most desirable.


I am a shooter so that is not my market.

Good luck
 
I agree that $1600 is about the going rate for a NIB Python blue 4" or 6" today. Just a year ago, I turned down a NIB 6" blue for $1200. I regret that decision.
 
I believe the 6" was the most common barrel length. Then comes the 4" and then the 2.5".

I chose the 4" and I'm very happy I did.
 
charleslee

CPE is a late model Colt expert and is always in the market for Pythons, Anacondas and King Cobras.

He has his leaned finger on the pulse of the market.

Nice guy too.
 
there are a few pythons:

the 3-in california combat pythons and the 8-in target model chambered in .38 special only. I remember only a few hundreds of these were produced. There's also one, bearing the name of Boa. I do not remember how special the Boa is and I just remember the specifications are the same as a python.

The prices for these hit $4K easy.
 
Python

Thank you very much, gentlemen. I greatly appreciate it. I w/ get 1, I just don't wanna get burned or ripped off price wise or cond. wise or inauthenticity wise. Must research & know the seller or try my best to. So much out there that's faked today-boxes, etc., & guns are reblued, grips changed, all kinds of stuff done, I found out. Pain in the neck! But that's what it has come down to, unfortunately. Lot's of unethical people have emerged trying to capitalize w/ the Python market. Nothing new. Oh well, Email me pls. if any of you honest, decent folk wish to part w/ one. [email protected].
 
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