1961 Colt Python

[Justlearnin]

Hi everyone,

I hope this is an appropriate question, as I am new to the forum. My father recently passed and left his 1961 Colt Python 6 inch, Blue. He fired it once at the range to make sure it worked. It was then put away and never fired again. It looks brand new to me - just beautiful. Anyway, any idea of what this might be worth? I've tried adding some pictures. Thanks in advance!!!

Forgot - I am assuming 1961 because that what the tables show for Colt Python. It is in the very low 18000's.

 

[Phydeaux642]

I recently saw a later model unfired 6" Python sell for $2,100 locally. I'd say north of $1,500 depending on where you would sell it, but I hope you don't sell it. I sold an inexpensive over-under about twenty years ago that my dad gave me and I have regretted it ever since.

 

[Justlearnin]

Thanks Phydeaux... I'm not sure about selling, but curious about the value. What if I kept it and used it once in a while at a range. Would that diminish the value greatly?

 

[tasco 74]

Please keep it....................

that revolver is a great herloom from your late father........... i would keep it and cherish it and shoot it all i wanted............. when you do just think your father is smiling down on your enjoyment of the gun....... if it were me that's what i'd do................

LIFE IS SHORT.......

 

[Shadan7]

Justlearnin, that revolver is probably worth somewhere in the neighborhood of $2k. Perhaps less, if it has any marks from handling.

But I agree with what the others have said - keep it, if you can. And shoot it, if you want. But treat it with care, and respect, as a family treasure.

Those Pythons are among the best guns ever made (I have one, and truly love it) - but nothing will replace the value of having it and keeping it in your father's memory. Trust me on this.

Jim D.

 

[Ateam-3]

Amen to Tasco 74! While I agree that it should be worth some figure north of $1500, how can you put a value on it as an heirloom passed from father to son. Before considering a sale, hold it, shoot it and reminisce about your dad. Treasure these moments and the memories they remind you of.

 

[Justlearnin]

You guys are great

Thanks for the warm responses, my father would appreciate it! Part of the complexity is that my wife is a non-gun person so that would take some serious work. For that matter, I have never been either. I'm not opposed, and in fact with the current administration, it makes me want to have a gun for the first time just on principle. And just looking at this thing makes me want to fire it. So, if I can get wife's approval. I'll keep. But it's nice to know that it's in the 1500 - 2000 range.

 

[Phydeaux642]

I'd say that if you shot it you would probably have so much fun that you wouldn't want to sell it. If you're not sure about guns and shooting right now, then take it and put it in a safe deposit box. In time you may change your mind and if not you may have something to pass on to an heir. Selling it wouldn't be an option for me.

I've got a Ruger Single Six setting next to me that was my dad's and I would never sell it. My grandpa had an old Colt SA wheelgun that went to my uncle when my grandpa passed. My uncle then gave it to his son who ended up pawning it for, I'm guessing, drug money. I should have taken it home with me.:banghead:

 

[GUNKWAZY]

Sorry about your father, congrats on a beautiful Python.

Jeff (GUNKWAZY)

 

[Justlearnin]

Thanks Jeff. The gun is beautiful isn't it? That thing is even older than I am! Only by a few years...

You guys have probably seen a ton of these, but I'm adding another picture. Will be fun to give it a try.

 

[tasco 74]

i guess i'd never assume to ask my spousal units permission on anything.... i'd say get some mild .38 spl loads and take her to the range to shoot with you while explaining how much this piece means to you.......... mine has her father's colt det spl he used to carry when was a town cop here....... i load mild .38 spl rds for her and she really enjoys shooting it with me at the range........ her father passed several years ago and left it to her.... that's a beautiful colt.... i never tire of seeing pics of great guns..........

LIFE IS SHORT.....

 

[tiders]

Get a safe for the gun. Then tell your wife how much this means to you and how the gun is something with deep emotional connections to your father. Tell her it will always sleep in the safe and parting with it would somehow leave you feeling cut off from the memory of your father.

If she is safe and if you explain in a soft voice that loosing this gun also means an emotional loss for you, my guess is that she’ll be more likely to consent than if you go rational on her.

Of course you should have had this argument a long time a go. I haven’t been married for eons but I found that my marriage like razing my child. It’s a bout defining boundaries.

 

[Shear_stress]

Please find a way to keep that gun.

 

[Cocked & Locked]

Nice Python you have sir! Having belonged to your dad makes it even nicer. Pythons are "keepers."

 

[HexHead]

I just recently got a Python. Everyone I've spoken to that's had one and sold it has regretted it. Every one.

 

[Justlearnin]

Another nice one C&L! Luckily the one I have inherited is the same color combination and is my favorite. Well, not even one person suggests selling, so guess I'll have to keep it! Need to figure out how to make that o.k. at home...

 

[peyton]

I told my kids when I die they get the guns, until I get reincarnated!!! How is that for karma?? I have passed several to my four kids with the stipulation that I MIGHT WANT THEM BACK WHEN I AM 90!!

 

[liviussteven]

i would not even think about selling that gun... but if i did .. i'd start the bidding at no less than 2K.

 

[SaxonPig]

It might sell for $2K, definitely would go for $1,500. Earlier is better on Colts. If you had the box you could add $200 or so.

 

[liviussteven]

I think everyone here has said about the same thing... they wouldn't sell it!
i would buy one like you have in that condition for 1500.00 in a heart beat!

if you sell it... you probably will spend the money.. then not have the money or the gun.
AND... its not going to go down in value.. if you take reasonable care of it.

 

[sachmo]

I recently sold a very nice Python. Man what a dumb ass. Its one of those things that if I could go back in time and change I would. If it were me I wouldnt even consider selling it. I have a few like that that I have deep regerts selling, like a nice Freedom Arms .454 for example. Time to change the subject getting really depressed here.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

I just recently got a Python. Everyone I've spoken to that's had one and sold it has regretted it. Every one.

Count me in. But I didn't mind getting 2 1/2 times what I paid for it. The circumstances under which I had to sell it were regrettable.

The revolver in question might well bring a couple of thousand bucks, especially if the original box and papers can be found. There is nothing wrong with shooting it on occasion, but any finish wear can markedly detract from its value.

 

[Justlearnin]

Hi everyone... just to answer the question, it does have the original box and papers. But, being from 1961, the box is a little beat up, with tape on a couple of corners (it's not one of these nice new plastic cases). It was fired twice (as in two rounds), then cleaned, and went on a tour of different top closet shelves for the past 48 years...

 

[Justlearnin]

I'll probably find a nicer case, shoot it once in a while, learn how to clean it really well, and just keep it in great condition. This thread has made me want to just keep this one as is, and get another to take the the range!! :banghead:

So if I can have a little fun and not hurt the condition, I'll do that...

 

[2nd 41]

Colt Python. Worlds nicest/coolest Revolver. Another "Keep It Please" post.
Shoot it, enjoy it, cherish it. It's a family keepsake.
AND, it will keep going up in value. But somethings do not get sold.

edit: I had and sold a Stainless 6". At the time it seemed like the right thing to do. I will always regret parting with it. Everything else that I sold I bought again for double/triple. I cannot replace the Python:banghead: