First Handgun: Colt Python

[Target Practice]

You know, I've had mixed luck with firearm purchases over the last few years, I've got some good ones and I've got some lemons, but every once and a while that special one comes along and you have to grab it. In this case, it was my first handgun bought after I turned 21.



Colt Python, 4", .357, SN 54XXXE. Bought it on consignment from the original owner, a CHP officer who used it as his carry piece. You can see some holster wear at the end of the barrel, and there is some on the cylinder as well, but over all it is in great shape. Nice tight lockup, and a trigger that is smoother than most butter. Sticker said $599, all told (including tax, DROS, and HSC) it came out to just under $700. So, help me validate my purchase. Did I do good?

 

[Gator]

Nothing like starting out with the best!

 

[Janitor]

Very, very nice. Yes. You did _real_ good.

Some day I'll get a Python too. They are wonderful revolvers.

 

[HighVelocity]

Nothing like starting out with the best!

My thoughts exactly. It'll be real hard to beat that deal. The Python is as much a work of art as it is a firearm.

 

[NoahFN]

You did very well.

Not only is it an excellent piece, Pythons are only going up in value.

 

[GUNKWAZY]

Sweet, Nice find, thanks for sharing.

Enjoy, Jeff (GUNKWAZY)

 

[rags]

Hello everyone, I am embarrased to say this, but 6 years years ago a co-worker asked me if I would be interested in buying his handgun. He said he bought it new in 1982 or somewhere around there. I said bring it in. Inside his box was a mint Colt Python 4 inch, nickeled, original box and grips. He wanted 200.00 for the whole thing. I asked to hold onto it for a day or so to have it checked out. I took it to my local gun dealer and had him check it out. I am not that familiar with colts and I understand that they were plagued with timing problems. My guy said it had two cylinders out of time and what appeared to be a little rust under the grips. My guy said it would be about 40.00 to repair. I brought the colt back to my coworker and told him if he would deduct the 40.00 from the price. He said he couldn't, that he needed the cash. So that is the one I always say that "GOT AWAY" :banghead: BTW, research from here clued me in, that it was not rust, but the brown undercoating for the nickle, that was slightly showing. I find out later that the Colt was probably worth 600.00 or 700.00 dollars. Six months after that, Colt stops making the Pythons. Just my luck !!:banghead:

 

[JimJD]

Mmmmmmmm, MMMMM!!!!

That's one heck of a way to start off in the world of handguns!
Very nice.

 

[Standing Wolf]

Sticker said $599, all told (including tax, DROS, and HSC) it came out to just under $700. So, help me validate my purchase. Did I do good?

That's an excellent price in the People's Republic of California, since Pythons can't be so-called "imported" from the United States.

 

[JasonR]

I am in San Luis Obispo as well, and have been searching for a Python. Where'd you buy it?

Are Colt Pythons and Anacondas not on the DOJ list??

 

[Target Practice]

I bought it at 4 Season's Outfitters on Higuera street. Apparently, they had put it out on consignment just a couple of days before I laid eyes on it. Before that, they sold a 6" Python for $1200, but that one was a little out of my price range

 

[RON in PA]

I'm going to be an SOB and say you did OK pricewise for a Cali. Python, but you could have bought a new or used 686 or new Ruger GP100 and lots of ammo for a lot less and had a better gun, reliability wise. Pythons are fragile beasts especially when shot DA and go out of time. You seem to like the trigger pull, but was that DA or SA. Colt SA triggers are great no doubt, but I don't like their DA pull.

 

[capnrik]

I'm going to be an SOB and say you did OK pricewise for a Cali. Python, but you could have bought a new or used 686 or new Ruger GP100 and lots of ammo for a lot less and had a better gun, reliability wise. Pythons are fragile beasts especially when shot DA and go out of time. You seem to like the trigger pull, but was that DA or SA. Colt SA triggers are great no doubt, but I don't like their DA pull.

Truly, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, including me. My opinion is that the Python is the finest .357 revolver ever built.

 

[MountainPeak]

I believe you did fine on your first purchase. I agree the Pythons aren't the stoutest guns out there, but then again, they have appreciated in value much more than many others. I have a Python, and I've never had a problem with it, but many others have reported problems on the gun boards I frequent. How much is true, and how much is Colt bashing, well you judge for yourself.