1961 Colt Python

[MCMXI]

I have a Python (4" stainless) that I bought new in '92 and I'd NEVER sell it. I paid something like $700 for it back then and could care less if it's worth ten times what I paid since it's not for sale.

If your wife finds out how much your dad's Python is worth, and given the fact that she's anti-gun, I bet she makes you sell it.

One of the many things I love about firearms is that they retain their function if not their value. I have a Winchester '97 shotgun made in 1921 that shoots and works perfectly today just as it did when it left the factory almost 90 years ago!! How many things in life can we say that about.

As for owning firearms and not using them ... what's the point? It's like putting seat covers over the seats of a new car ... who are you saving it for? Your dad had a stunning Python and only put two rounds through it .... what a waste of a fine revolver. I hope you keep it and put 10,000 rounds through it and think of your Dad whenever you shoot it. Maybe your dad was saving it for you.

 

[SaxonPig]

It's real easy to say "don't sell it" when you aren't the one who owns it and maybe needs the money for something else. When my dad died mom sold all of his guns so we could eat for a while. Do I wish I had them now? Of course. But that's the way it goes.

Yeah, with the box I would ask 2K and probably get it. I wouldn't PAY that much for one but that's what I would ASK for one.

I paid $300 for the 6" (20 years ago), $500 for the nickel 4" (8 years ago) and $600 for the blued 4" (3 years ago). Would like to have a 6" in nickel but not at the $1,200+ routinely asked. I guess I have enough.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Justlearnin,
Sorry for your loss.

If at all possible I would keep that revolver. Even if it were a piece of junk I would tell you to keep it because it was your father's gun but it's the furthest thing from junk that you will ever find. IMO the Python is the revolver that all others are compared to.

 

[Justlearnin]

Is this safe?

Saxon - That is a nice looking collection! I'm glad this is what I inherited!


Everyone - What do you all suggest regarding having the revolver checked out before firing? From the Colt forum last night, I saw a thread regarding timing issues with Colt Pythons, and how you need a very high level gun smith that really knows the Python to do the intricate maintenance needed. Since this has been sitting unfired for 48 years, I wonder if it's going to blow up in my hand!

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[Cougfan2]

Before my Father passed, he know he was dying of cancer. He knew both my Brother and I would want his Win. M12 shotgun if for no other reason that we didn't want it ever to leave the family. He did the best thing he could have done and willed it to my son, his only grandson. I can still imagine Dad smiling down from heaven when we handed his M12 to my son.

 

[Racinbob]

Beautiful Python. I'll chime in with everyone else and beg you to keep it. My Dad passed away a few years ago and now I'm caring for his 6" S&W 66. He bought it new in 1982 and everytime I have it out I fondly think about all the informal shooting matchs we had in the back yard over the years. My 66 isn't worth what your Python is in dollars and cents but I wouldn't even think about selling it for $2k. It's far more valuable than that...to me.

 

[Justlearnin]

Racinbob,

You're a gun safety officer... What do you think about the question in my most recent post? What should I have checked out prior to using, given that I am a Newbie and this is such an old piece? It was only fired a couple of times, so maybe it would act like new, but I don't know...

Thanks!

 

[Cocked & Locked]

Everyone - What do you all suggest regarding having the revolver checked out before firing? From the Colt forum last night, I saw a thread regarding timing issues with Colt Pythons, and how you need a very high level gun smith that really knows the Python to do the intricate maintenance needed. Since this has been sitting unfired for 48 years, I wonder if it's going to blow up in my hand!

The gun should be fine. Its basically new and unlike a battery powered clock ain't gonna go out of time just sitting around.

 

[dfariswheel]

I would advise giving the Python some fresh lubrication.

After 40 plus years whatever was in there has long since dried up.

Give a small drop or two of a good lube down the front of the cocked hammer and a drop into the center of the cylinder at the front where the crane enters it.

Operate the action a few time to distribute the lube and you're good to go.

 

[Justlearnin]

Excellent, thanks guys!

 

[Racinbob]

I'm pretty good with Smiths but don't know much about Colts. I would think that your's would be find by just following the great advise posted here. If there's ANY doubt or concern, a good gunsmith needs to check it out. As mentioned already, it sounds like Colt's aren't easy to work on.

 

[bflobill_69]

OMG Don't sell that gun... unless you want to sell it to me CHEAP =P

...seriously they will never make em like that again

I have used Break Free CLP on the internal trigger parts of a relatives Diamondbacks - with very good results

Bflobill69

 

[bflobill_69]

Quote: "As for owning firearms and not using them ... what's the point?"

Amen 1858

Bflobill69