Conundrum - Colt

[jpatter]

I was offered the chance of picking up a used Colt Python, and its a beauty, I am just not sure if I should. I have a S&W 686 6" that I really enjoy, but it is tempting at under $1500. I was hoping I could get talked down before I buy something I probably should not.

Thanks
J

 

[wkuban]

You should get the Python or a Python anyway. Not to compare with the 686, you'll probably shoot the 686 better in D/A, maybe not in S/A. Pythons are great guns, smooth as glass, crank back the hammer and it feels like it's on ball bearings. I'm not sure 1500.00 is a good price tho.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

How much under $1500?

 

[jpatter]

Well, they offered up the price at $1400, and looking at some prices from gunbroker, it seemed like a good price, but that is why I was hoping to be talked down. I really like the S&W but a trade up to a Colt at a discount would be great. It is not something I was looking for, but the oppurtunity smsee really hard to pass up.

 

[bannockburn]

jpatter

It looks to be nickel plated; how the finish look overall? Is there the original box and paperwork? Also very important how does it check out mechanically?

And maybe most of all what's the price and is it negotiable?

Actually as far as talking you out of it, I think you may have come to the wrong place for that kind of advice.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

If the nickel is in good shape and timing/lock up are correct $1400 is a fair price. I think Gunbroker prices are nuts. One day I am going to list my meager collection on GB and hope the high rollers pay enough for me to retire...LOL.

 

[smkummer]

Get what you want

If you like nickel, then maybe its for you. I have had good luck with flitz making nickel look new again if its not worn down to the copper. Every revolver person should obtain at least one python in there lifetime. Decide what barrel length and finish (Royal Blue, Bright nickel, Coltguard-matt nickel, Stainless or Bright stainless) one desires. Personally if it were down to only one for me it would be the original royal blue 6 in.

 

[silicosys4]

I just looked on a couple of online auctions other than Gunbroker, and all I could find for Pythons under $1500 were a couple of reblued guns that were listed as "shooters". I have been keeping my eye out online, and yea....a year ago $1.5k was about the price for a good condition Python,
Now its about $2k,
With mint and rare versions listing for as much as $3k-$4k

If it were me, and it were in good shape,
I'd pick that Python up.

 

[788Ham]

Regardless of finish, I'd pick it up, pronto ! Yes, Smith used to make some nice revolvers, but if you snag this beauty, you'll not be sorry ! Listen to ColtPythonElite, he definitely knows of what he speaks, maybe some time on here you can look at some of his iron, fantastic collection, very enviously speaking of course.

 

[DPris]

Make an informed decision re the Python.
Colt is losing the ability to service them, and if you plan to shoot it much eventually that'll become an issue.
You can't get the things worked on by just any ol' corner gunsmith.

If you're not entirely sure it's what you want, don't get it just because "Everybody should have a Python!"
Denis

 

[silicosys4]

Make an informed decision re the Python.
Colt is losing the ability to service them, and if you plan to shoot it much eventually that'll become an issue.
You can't get the things worked on by just any ol' corner gunsmith.

If you're not entirely sure it's what you want, don't get it just because "Everybody should have a Python!"
Denis

Probably not a great idea to trade his 686 in on it if he's looking for a gun to shoot a lot, I'd definitely try to keep it rather than trade. The python is more of an experience and a benchmark for certain criteria than a gun, from what I've heard...never having had the pleasure of handling one myself. I have heard its a very pleasurable experience, though.
But I wouldn't say a barn find Cobra isn't worth buying unless you know how to work on it. If it ain't broke now, treat it well and shoot it enough to enjoy it, and enjoy watching its value climb.

 

[rswartsell]

I'm thinking with DPris,

Pythons anymore are a collector item to me. If I could afford it I would jump a truly good example at that price. For a shooter though I'd stick with the 686 and if its a good one you really aren't losing a whole lot.

 

[jpatter]

Thanks

Thanks for the replies. I would not trade in my 686, I like it too much, and the finish on the Colt from what I remember was flawless, but I would see it again in person before any money changes hands.

Long story short, from the photos he sent me, and your comments, I think I might have to go for it.

 

[Dr_B]

I'd buy it. If its in good shape, snap it up.

 

[L-Frame]

If you have the money, they are beautiful guns. But, I've own a few very nice pythons over the years, and I've always sold them because I couldn't afford to keep something that expensive. I always kept thinking how many 686's or GP-100's I could buy with this. AND, my current 686 is a prelock model that has an action job and I'd put it right up there with every python I've ever owned in terms of smoothness and accuracy.

Like I said, they are gorgeous, but sometimes they seem to take on sort of a mythical status with some people. If money's not an issue, go for it, but I sure wouldn't squeeze my finances for one.

 

[bikemutt]

Its too bad a prospective buyer can't rent a Python to try shooting it first. I don't know that its going to be everyone's cup of tea. As an investment, they are proven leaders, you pretty much can't go wrong.

For me, the Python and it's smaller cousin the Detective Special, were not comfortable to shoot, felt as if there was too much recoil feedback to my trigger finger. As a result I sold those particular Colts.

On the other hand the King Cobra delivers the shooting goods for me, it is my favorite shooting handgun.

As far as value goes for the one you are considering, it seems priced at market for a nickel specimen. I've seen several at guns shows for $900 or so, but they are used up or beat up.

Considering I just bought a mint, nickel 4" 586 for half the Python price, which, with a $50 local action job, will feel pretty close to an unmolested Python, I wouldn't buy the Python. But to each his own certainly.

 

[pendennis]

Buy it. At less than $1500, it's an absolute steal, and the prices are not headed south any time soon. You'll recover your cost, plus a profit, when/if you sell it.

I paid $1300 for a nickel 4" model last summer, and I thought I stole it. Nickel Pythons are a bit more rare than the blued models, so they bring a premium based on relative scarcity.

It a different experience shooting a Python, or any Colt for that matter. The action continually "stacks" as the trigger is pulled in double action mode. It's the nature of the Colt "beast".

As to stocks, there are any number of after market stocks out there which are superior to the 3rd generation stocks that are on your potential revolver. 2nd generation stocks are preferred by a lot of folks, and there are Hogues, Pachmayr's, and others. I have several sets of Herrett's Shooting Masters on mine, which I modified to fit my hands.

Downside to the Python, is that parts are getting scarce in the case of a repair. Even more scarce are competent gunsmiths. However, that's the case with a lot of older revolvers.

 

[S&W-Keeper]

I have Pythons, and Diamondbacks, love them, but I cannot see paying the asking price of them, these days.

 

[Jim K]

It is this simple:

They aren't making them any more and lots of people with money want one.
If you get a nice one at the right price, snap it up before someone else does.

You literally have nothing to lose.

Jim

 

[Bill4282]

Asking price and buying price are two different things. Make a decent offer and see if the seller bites. Sellers can always go down but not up.