ColtPythonElite
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No, there were not. MSRP was between $500 and $600 for a Python.
It you go to eBay, you can find a page from a 1983 Colt brochure with the price list.
I got my new Python out today…meh.
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No, there were not. MSRP was between $500 and $600 for a Python.
It you go to eBay, you can find a page from a 1983 Colt brochure with the price list.
Styx
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Still a lot of money for back then.
ColtPythonElite
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It was a lot of money, but I doubt if many paid full MSRP.
I've seen the receipt for the one my dad bought my BIL It was $375. I'm not certain what year that was for sure but I know it was either for his 21st birthday in 81 or college graduation in 82 or 83.
OP
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Targa
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This is just my opinion on the Python from limited use, obviously 50 rounds through a gun doesn’t mean much. I shot the the thing and with exception of the rear sight, which by the way gets under my skin that I had to order the Wilson Combat because Colt went with what they went with instead of something that even my $250 Rossi Plinker was able was to get right, the Colt is a fine shooter.
The bottom line for me….just talking for me, is that I want snake guns in my collection and for that the Python is an excellent addition to the safe and when/if Colt comes out with the Anaconda in .45 Colt I will be adding that as well for the same reason.
If all I wanted was a range gun to sling rounds, again just for me, Colt wouldn't be on my radar when the price of admission could almost cover a GP100 and 686 or a 27-whatever with money left in my pocket, all of which will sling those rounds just as well as the Colt. To me the Colt just doesn’t offer anything mechanically that stands out above the others.
The bottom line for me….just talking for me, is that I want snake guns in my collection and for that the Python is an excellent addition to the safe and when/if Colt comes out with the Anaconda in .45 Colt I will be adding that as well for the same reason.
If all I wanted was a range gun to sling rounds, again just for me, Colt wouldn't be on my radar when the price of admission could almost cover a GP100 and 686 or a 27-whatever with money left in my pocket, all of which will sling those rounds just as well as the Colt. To me the Colt just doesn’t offer anything mechanically that stands out above the others.
I picked up a 6 inch less than a year ago for a little less than msrp. The LGS had more than one so I was able to pick through them to check the sights. Found one that was OK. IMO the trigger in DA is way better than any of the Smiths or Rugers I own. Are they worth the coin? It really is ones opinion but I always wanted one and back in the day I could not afford one. Now days I can buy what I want within reason. The originals in the Royal blue were beautiful but they had their issues. If you shot them and not made them safe queens they would go out of time. I picked up KCT recently and besides the loose sight which I can fix it's a nice pistol. She shoots well with +p 38s but full house 357s seem a little stout for continuous use in that frame. Bottom line is I never owned anything Colt until recently. I always wanted one so I ponied up the cash and they fill a niche in my measly collection and shoot well. I just put a down payment on a 4.25 in Python since I was happy with the 6 in. Again are they worth the coin? That's a personal thing I guess...ymmv
Pure internet gas lighting. It stems from when PPC was a thing where high volume speed shooting will make everything go out of time, the problem was that the Colts weren't as easy of fix. Under normal use Pythons will last just fine.
I admire the original Python, but comparing the two pristine ones that a couple of friends/acquaintances have, I prefer my 1982 model 686 because it has a better action and just feels great overall. (To be fair, this particular 686 has an absolutely awesome smooth and light action, better than its 1983 model 586 sibling.) Both of these Pylon owners say the same -- the old 686 is smoother, has lighter/better D/A and S/A pulls, and simply has a better action and trigger. But they love their Pythons, they love fondling and admiring them, and would not give them up. I truly think a lot of it is the hype and emotion - legendary Python vs. pedestrian 686. I also think they agree, and have kind of said as much. And there's nothing wrong with either view because there's not an inherently bad or wrong choice between some of these very nice revolver options. Whatever appeals to the guy spending the money and owning the gun. The old model Smiths do it for me, though.Well I definitely paid for the name.In all fairness, I knew that going into it but I honestly prefer a 686 or GP100 over it. Very average trigger, loose rear sight (Will have to pony up the extra coin for a Wilson Combat rear I guess). Anyway, I walked away from the range thinking, meh..it’s an ok gun but certainly nothing special.
I haven't had a chance to handle one of the new Pythons.
I never had any Colt revolvers until recently because of cost. They, SA and DA revolvers, were well out of my budget.
I only had S&W revolvers in my early shooting days.
Since finances have improved during my senior years, I've branched out. Ruger revolvers look frumpy to me, but I've obtained some in interesting cartridges such as 44 Special and 327 Fed Mag.
I finally bought my first Colt revolver ever, a new issue Python. I feel it is easily comparable to my L-frame S&W revolvers and the finish is better. Does that justify the high price? It is what the customer is willing to endure.
I've since bought two Anacondas, a 6" and an 8". They have not been shot yet as they are waiting for my Brit son-in-law who is coming to visit at Thanksgiving. I figure he might enjoy being the first to shoot the new revolvers.
If they bring the Anaconda out in 45 Colt again, I'm in.
The Anacondas, like the Python, are comparable to the equivilent S&W revolvers.
I'm pleased with my Colt revolvers.
A comment on the loose windage sight, I hope those with loose sites know there is a lock screw on the windage blade that locks the blade in place. Not everyone may have that issue, but it did caught me off guard when I got my Python. It uses a 0.050" hex key wrench.
I only had S&W revolvers in my early shooting days.
Since finances have improved during my senior years, I've branched out. Ruger revolvers look frumpy to me, but I've obtained some in interesting cartridges such as 44 Special and 327 Fed Mag.
I finally bought my first Colt revolver ever, a new issue Python. I feel it is easily comparable to my L-frame S&W revolvers and the finish is better. Does that justify the high price? It is what the customer is willing to endure.
I've since bought two Anacondas, a 6" and an 8". They have not been shot yet as they are waiting for my Brit son-in-law who is coming to visit at Thanksgiving. I figure he might enjoy being the first to shoot the new revolvers.
If they bring the Anaconda out in 45 Colt again, I'm in.
The Anacondas, like the Python, are comparable to the equivilent S&W revolvers.
I'm pleased with my Colt revolvers.
A comment on the loose windage sight, I hope those with loose sites know there is a lock screw on the windage blade that locks the blade in place. Not everyone may have that issue, but it did caught me off guard when I got my Python. It uses a 0.050" hex key wrench.
Styx
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So the loose rear site issue is as easy as tightening a screw and a little loctite to fix?
I think so, basically the same gun.
Very hard to beat the pre-war Colts, look at that checkering even on the cylinder release.
This 1965 Colt Trooper has an action to die for, better than my older Python.
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Whenever I open thread about Python, everybody is talking about its trigger, for some is marvelous, for some is nothing special. And, of course, fit and finish. But no word about accuracy, so I am wandering is anybody taking new Python to the range?
A good friend had 3 Pythons (old ones), all 6", one blue, two stainless Ultimate. Blue one was "safe queen", but Ultimate ones he used just for DA shooting, with 38 Special ammo. So, I never learned how accurate were those revolver. But I know that both Ultimate ones leaded barrels badly, that he was pulling through barrels Lewis lead remover after every few dozens rounds. Contrary to that, S&W revolvers he and I had, didn't have such problem. Well, yes, but after at least box or more, and just minor leading strikes. BTW, all bullets were the same configuration, all from the same WW lead.
A good friend had 3 Pythons (old ones), all 6", one blue, two stainless Ultimate. Blue one was "safe queen", but Ultimate ones he used just for DA shooting, with 38 Special ammo. So, I never learned how accurate were those revolver. But I know that both Ultimate ones leaded barrels badly, that he was pulling through barrels Lewis lead remover after every few dozens rounds. Contrary to that, S&W revolvers he and I had, didn't have such problem. Well, yes, but after at least box or more, and just minor leading strikes. BTW, all bullets were the same configuration, all from the same WW lead.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
True enough. However, I've never heard someone say they were not accurate. In fact, it's the reason why people would go to the trouble of putting a Colt Python or Anaconda barrel on S&W's and Rugers. I'm probably going to order a new Anaconda in the weeks ahead. It will be a hunting gun so I'll mount a scope and give a range report.
My sight was not loose, but I could not move the windage blade until I found out about the lock screw. If this screw is left loose, the windage blade may be a bit loose as well. Just a thought to consider.
I have not tested my hypothesis though, just a mechanical engineer's intuition..
Old Dog
Member
Oh yeah! I believe I've mentioned accuracy in several of my posts in which I've waxed enthusiastic about my new Pythons. In a word, outstanding. I'll post some target pics after my next range visit this week. I'll take a couple S&W .357s for comparison purposes.
wcwhitey
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Partially true. I saw problems with them before Al Gore invented the internet. For sure it was on well used guns. Wasn’t that big of deal as every Smitty at time could fix one or Colt would take care of it. Colt even recommended a periodic check up. They are beautiful guns, never saw one that cost less than $600 back when a Model 19 went for half that new. The new price does not bother me, at todays prices it’s not a bad deal for the level of machining, fit and finish that I have noticed from the new ones I have handled. I do feel bad for the OP it always stinks when you don’t feel like you got your moneys worth. Give it some time, good revolvers get better with some shooting and cycling. Let those internal parts mate up and smooth out.
ColtPythonElite
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Lots of people bring up the fact that a Python cost more in the past and currently costs more than some .357 revolvers made by other manufacturers. Pythons were always billed as a premium revolver at a premium price. Colt has now and has always had a lesser priced .357 alternative for the budget minded.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
And apparently they haven't looked at the MSRP's of current Ruger and S&W equivalents. The GP is $1000, while the Super Redhawk is $1460. The Anaconda listing I'm eyeballing is $1400.
Styx
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The problem is venders and retailers are selling the Colt Pythons and Anacondas for $200-$800 over MSRP a lot of the time because people are willing to pay it whereas S&W and Rugers are selling a hundred or two below MSRP.
Yes, both Ruger and Smith have more expensive 357, 44mag, etc models that retails for $1200-$1400.
OP
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Targa
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Come on now, there is a big difference. You are going to pay MSRP for Colts, at least pretty close. If you pay MSRP for a S&W or GP100 you did it by choice.
Exactly Styx and Craig knows that.
Here is a link to a $1000 MSRP GP100 https://www.kygunco.com/product/ruger-1705-gp100-357-mag38spl-4-stainless
And a link to one of those $1400 MSRP Super RedHawks https://battlehawkarmory.com/produc...-6-round-black-hogue-tamer-monogrip-stainless
If you can find a Python or Anaconda that much below their MSRPs you should buy a couple of them.
Exactly Styx and Craig knows that.
Here is a link to a $1000 MSRP GP100 https://www.kygunco.com/product/ruger-1705-gp100-357-mag38spl-4-stainless
And a link to one of those $1400 MSRP Super RedHawks https://battlehawkarmory.com/produc...-6-round-black-hogue-tamer-monogrip-stainless
If you can find a Python or Anaconda that much below their MSRPs you should buy a couple of them.
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Years back, when Python was still in production, I was reading article about Colt manufacturing methods. One of the things was that barrel groove dia is .355", while other manufacturers are using .357" barrels. Also, after barrel was done, a tungsten carbide ball was pushed through. Apparently, it makes barrel more uniform. Unfortunately, I didn't remember when ball was pushed, before installation, or after.
Apart from high quality barrels on Python and Anaconda, there is no question that their very nice design appeals to many. IMO, Python has such beautiful shape, that I would expect some sort of design award. Also, new Anaconda is also very nicely designed, I like it more than old one. I would say that a new hammer, that looks very similar to Python's, has to do something with it
Talking about nice design, Bowen has as an option S&W barrels on his SA Rugers:
More here http://www.bowenclassicarms.com/workshop.html .
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
I'm well aware of the difference in street price. Folks paying over MSRP are obviously knowingly paying the premium due to demand versus supply. It's all beside the point. The Colt's have come down to MSRP or below, the one I quoted above is $100 below MSRP.
The point is that they are not that divergent in price as people imply. Ruger's whole marketing strategy was to save customers money with less fit & finish than S&W and Colt. S&W has since degraded their product line closer to Ruger. Whereas Colt is still trying to deliver a premium product.
On a single action, the DA barrel isn't so much as an upgrade as it is on a double action. That's because putting a barrel on a single action made from premium Douglas/PacNor stock is much easier than that for a DA. It's easier to do the premium barrel than a DA barrel. On a DA, the opposite is true.
The point is that they are not that divergent in price as people imply. Ruger's whole marketing strategy was to save customers money with less fit & finish than S&W and Colt. S&W has since degraded their product line closer to Ruger. Whereas Colt is still trying to deliver a premium product.
On a single action, the DA barrel isn't so much as an upgrade as it is on a double action. That's because putting a barrel on a single action made from premium Douglas/PacNor stock is much easier than that for a DA. It's easier to do the premium barrel than a DA barrel. On a DA, the opposite is true.
Zebraranger
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I've been on the Colt forum for a few years now and there's been lots of complaints about the new Python. Colt will never be able to replicate the quality of the older hand fitted Pythons by master craftsmen, just not cost effective to do so. I am glad that they brought back the snake line though, hopefully they will get better.
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