I seen a beat up 6 inch python for $575 at a local shop....It locked up tight but had some end shake that was probablly out of spec...I checked a 586 at the same time and the Smith was supertight while the Colt "clacked" back and forth plus the Colt had some deep looking scratches on the side......"My thoughts"......Offer $500 for the Python and then send it out to a reputable shop for a complete overhaul and reblue,,maybe $250-$300............Or keep saving my peanuts and just pay $800+ for someone else's safe queen...Opinions please....
Colt Python opinions please...
- Thread starter rich e
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Save your Peanuts. Don't buy junk and then try to fix it.
You never can tell how much you'll end up dumping into it.
If it has deep scratches, you won't get them out and will have a reblued scratched up Python.
Unless it was junk and $300.
FYI: Safe Queen Pythons are bringing $1000 and way up.
Jeff (GUNKWAZY)
Smith357
Member
Colts are nice looking, well made revolvers, and pretty good shooters. Is the price justified??? Only you can answer that. I personally would invest the money in a 2 pre-Clinton Smiths.
Anonymous Coward
Member
I agree with Gunkwazy, for the most part. It's unwise to throw good money at a weapon that needs work, especially if you're not a gunsmith yourself.
However: If you can live with the scratched-up finish, perhaps you should find out how much Colt would charge to put the action right. You can attempt to have the finish redone at your leisure.
Still, you have to wonder what else happened to this gun if the action is rattling and the finish is torn up. That's not normal wear. There's no guarantee it will ever again work like new.
In any case, $575 is too much. Even $500 is excessive. Come back in two weeks and if the gun hasn't sold, make him a cash offer for considerably less than he's asking.
If it were up to me, I'd rather spend $800 on a working, well-finished gun than buy a $500 junker and spend $300 on top of that. Keep looking.
However: If you can live with the scratched-up finish, perhaps you should find out how much Colt would charge to put the action right. You can attempt to have the finish redone at your leisure.
Still, you have to wonder what else happened to this gun if the action is rattling and the finish is torn up. That's not normal wear. There's no guarantee it will ever again work like new.
In any case, $575 is too much. Even $500 is excessive. Come back in two weeks and if the gun hasn't sold, make him a cash offer for considerably less than he's asking.
If it were up to me, I'd rather spend $800 on a working, well-finished gun than buy a $500 junker and spend $300 on top of that. Keep looking.
The guy behind the counter told me..."You missed a like new one that went for $825 last week"..He said that to me while I was fondling the Colt...Thats when I remembered reading somewhere that Cylinder and Slide is a Colt factory repair shop..So..I figured for another 3 bills this one would be like new.....I think Guncrazy and AC's advice is smart..Just save for a nice one...
jlundy46
Member
I too think your best bet is to wait for a nice one to come along. Who knows what the cost of the mechanical repair would be, and Colt charges $225 plus $30 shipping for the Royal Blue finish on a Python. If there are deep scratches, they can't fix them. You probably would spend more fixing it up than you could get a nice one for. I paid about $800 for mine and there was a little wear on the bluing, so you can get a nice Python for a reasonable (by today's standards) price. The hardest thing for me was waiting for a lower priced one to come along!
Good hunting,
John
Good hunting,
John
as mentioned above...i waited quite a while and got mine for $700, has some wear on the bluing at the end of the barrel and on the cylinder, didn't have original grips, but the price was right...and i bought mine to shoot, not take up long term storage in the safe...
i would wait until something better comes along...
i would wait until something better comes along...
XavierBreath
Member
I would likely go for a Python with significant finish wear at the $400-500 mark, but I would not pay $500 for one that needed mechanical work.
Pythons have hand fitted actions. You cannot just drop in parts. Gunsmiths who can competently work on them are getting scarce. Better examples are out there for a bit more. A refinished Python will never reach the same value on the market as one that has a 95% or better original finish. Buyers and sellers are speculating all over the place on Pythons, and the one you held will no doubt sell for $500. The question is.......will the value still retained when the market settles? I'd pass on the gun you described.
Pythons have hand fitted actions. You cannot just drop in parts. Gunsmiths who can competently work on them are getting scarce. Better examples are out there for a bit more. A refinished Python will never reach the same value on the market as one that has a 95% or better original finish. Buyers and sellers are speculating all over the place on Pythons, and the one you held will no doubt sell for $500. The question is.......will the value still retained when the market settles? I'd pass on the gun you described.
10-Ring
Member
My Python needed a little finish work but is perfect function. I would much rather have function over asthetics since ALL my guns are shooters...I don't have enough $$ to have safe queens
svtruth
Member
Waiting
until nex Thurs when I can pick up my LNIB, SS, King Cobra. It'll be my first Colt. $663.00 OTD.
until nex Thurs when I can pick up my LNIB, SS, King Cobra. It'll be my first Colt. $663.00 OTD.
mljdeckard
Member
A nice 6" python is on the short list of handguns I want. But I wouldn't get one that is completely hammered.
A friend of mine who is now deceased let me shoot his many years ago, and it is still my feel for the perfect revolver.
If I'm not mistaken, the Colt Custom Shop will still custom build them.
A friend of mine who is now deceased let me shoot his many years ago, and it is still my feel for the perfect revolver.
If I'm not mistaken, the Colt Custom Shop will still custom build them.
dfariswheel
Member
- Joined
- Dec 26, 2002
- Messages
- 6,656
If you decide to buy it, I'd recommend sending it to Colt for repair.
They do absolutely top quality work, and will be both cheaper and a LOT faster than Cylinder & Slide.
mljdeckard:
Colt no longer makes the Python, PERIOD. The Custom Shop included.
Their web site is WAY out of date.
They do absolutely top quality work, and will be both cheaper and a LOT faster than Cylinder & Slide.
mljdeckard:
Colt no longer makes the Python, PERIOD. The Custom Shop included.
Their web site is WAY out of date.
Anonymous Coward
Member
According to this web site, the end shake you describe is not a terribly uncommon problem with Pythons:
www.yarchive.net
www.yarchive.net
The Lone Haranguer
Member
Were I in your shoes, I would spend the extra money for one without all the end shake and play.
For some odd reason I've run across a couple that had bent ejector rods. How this part would get bent puzzles me. It would have to be some kind of abuse, e.g., firing a very hot load that stuck in the chamber and then pounding on the rod with a hammer to get the cases out.
For some odd reason I've run across a couple that had bent ejector rods. How this part would get bent puzzles me. It would have to be some kind of abuse, e.g., firing a very hot load that stuck in the chamber and then pounding on the rod with a hammer to get the cases out.
MAN....You guys are picking up nice pythons' for $600-700..My local shops are jipping people..I think I will hold off for a nicer specimen,maybe I'll get lucky like some of you.. None of my handguns are beat up and to have a python as my most beat up one is kind of silly...
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=63866758
Well here we have a 6"/blued. It is an older gun (I can tell by the box) and when it comes to Pythons, older is better.
The stocks have been replaced, but if the ultimate buyer doesn't like them they can be changed. A trigger shoe has been added, but it can be removed. The sights are aftermarket, but better then the ones usually supplied on a Python.
It is in good shape, and a close-up of the cylinder shows no sign of a ring. This revolver has seen little use.
Starting bid is $800.00 and so far nothing has been offered.
If future bidders don't run it up it represents a steal...
Well here we have a 6"/blued. It is an older gun (I can tell by the box) and when it comes to Pythons, older is better.
The stocks have been replaced, but if the ultimate buyer doesn't like them they can be changed. A trigger shoe has been added, but it can be removed. The sights are aftermarket, but better then the ones usually supplied on a Python.
It is in good shape, and a close-up of the cylinder shows no sign of a ring. This revolver has seen little use.
Starting bid is $800.00 and so far nothing has been offered.
If future bidders don't run it up it represents a steal...
Yikes !!!
Trigger shoe, altered sights (just look at that front blade), wear up and down the barrel and muzzle, incorrect stocks.
The original 1/2 moon stocks alone would be worth $150-$200 to replace.
It's not a seldom used Python and does not represent a steal of a deal.
I would have a tough time shelling out $800 with-out really going through that gun with a fine tooth comb. It looks well worn to my eyes.
Just my 2 pesos.
Jeff (GUNKWAZY)
This is NOT the norm, but rather a good deal that's found from time to time.
There are deals to be found out there, but you have to put in the time to find them. You can't just go on GB or AA and expect to find Pythons for cheap.
You need to deal with a private party at a local gun show or have a good friend with a gun shop that's willing to give you smokin' deals.
The more people that find out they will no longer be making any Pythons, the more good deals will go away.
Hang in there. If you have patience and don't force a deal, you will be able to come across a steal of a deal from time to time.
People with more money than patience end up doing stuff like this...
http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=62179410
or this....
http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=62539033
Jeff (GUNKWAZY)
OLDFUFF...That looked like the one at the shop except the one at the shop had bad scratches on the left side of the barrel...Right by the PYTHON 357...Some of the scratches looked deep!!....I'm holding this at the gunshop thinking...What dumb*** would do this to a Colt?? Thats why god made Taurus,Ruger,Police trade-in Smiths,etc.etc...You don't beat up a PYTHON!!
GUNKWAZY....That is insane...I can't belive people are paying $2300-3200 for pythons....I know they are unfired and don't even have a ring on the cylinder but come on...One thing to think about.....At least those beautiful Colts are going to loving homes..Probably locked up in a nice Fort Knox gun safe...I just wish they were going in my Fort Knox gunsafe.......
GUNKWAZY:
Trigger shoe: Leave it or take it off.
Altered sights: The rear one is O.K. The front blade is inexpesive, and pinned so it's easy to replace.
Wear up and down the barrel: Wear my foot! What you see is a hot spot from the camera's flash. Blame it on the high polish Colt gave it.
Stocks: This piece is a shooter, not a collectable. Decent wood stocks can be had for far less, or one could keep the Pachmayrs that are on it.
Last but not least, I know the seller, and they are O.K.
Gee... The Old Fuff wasn't born yesterday...
Trigger shoe: Leave it or take it off.
Altered sights: The rear one is O.K. The front blade is inexpesive, and pinned so it's easy to replace.
Wear up and down the barrel: Wear my foot! What you see is a hot spot from the camera's flash. Blame it on the high polish Colt gave it.
Stocks: This piece is a shooter, not a collectable. Decent wood stocks can be had for far less, or one could keep the Pachmayrs that are on it.
Last but not least, I know the seller, and they are O.K.
Gee... The Old Fuff wasn't born yesterday...
Rich E ,
The funny thing is that they are not even hard to find Pythons or limited edition guns. They are not rare barrel lengths or rare finishes. They are run of the mill 4 inch & 6 inch stainless guns.
It makes me glad I have the ones I have in my collection.
Jeff (GUNKWAZY)
The funny thing is that they are not even hard to find Pythons or limited edition guns. They are not rare barrel lengths or rare finishes. They are run of the mill 4 inch & 6 inch stainless guns.
It makes me glad I have the ones I have in my collection.
Jeff (GUNKWAZY)
Response to Old Fuffs post.
Trigger shoe: Leave it or take it off.
***Take it off and leave set screw marks on the trigger.
Altered sights: The rear one is O.K. The front blade is inexpesive, and pinned so it's easy to replace.
***No big deal, but still have to order a new one.
Wear up and down the barrel: Wear my foot! What you see is a hot spot from the camera's flash. Blame it on the high polish Colt gave it.
***That's not the Royal Blue finish, it's those tired eyes that can't see the easy to see muzzle & barrel wear. Heck even the right side of the rear site shows wear. Yikes.... it's been holstered many times.
Stocks: This piece is a shooter, not a collectable. Decent wood stocks can be had for far less, or one could keep the Pachmayrs that are on it.
***If the stocks are no big deal, Buy a nice Python and sell the stocks for the $200.
Last but not least, I know the seller, and they are O.K.
***I know the seller is OK as well, I've bought many things from them.
If you scroll through the feedback enough, you'll find a couple that are marked GUNKWAZY.
The Python in question would rate out at about 80%.
Jeff (GUNKWAZY)
Trigger shoe: Leave it or take it off.
***Take it off and leave set screw marks on the trigger.
Altered sights: The rear one is O.K. The front blade is inexpesive, and pinned so it's easy to replace.
***No big deal, but still have to order a new one.
Wear up and down the barrel: Wear my foot! What you see is a hot spot from the camera's flash. Blame it on the high polish Colt gave it.
***That's not the Royal Blue finish, it's those tired eyes that can't see the easy to see muzzle & barrel wear. Heck even the right side of the rear site shows wear. Yikes.... it's been holstered many times.
Stocks: This piece is a shooter, not a collectable. Decent wood stocks can be had for far less, or one could keep the Pachmayrs that are on it.
***If the stocks are no big deal, Buy a nice Python and sell the stocks for the $200.
Last but not least, I know the seller, and they are O.K.
***I know the seller is OK as well, I've bought many things from them.
If you scroll through the feedback enough, you'll find a couple that are marked GUNKWAZY.
The Python in question would rate out at about 80%.
Jeff (GUNKWAZY)
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