Inquiring about a Colt Python

[10-Ring]

I have wanted one forever & finally ran into one today. Now I have a few questions.
1. The guy said that it has a 4" barrel, but visually it looks to be around 3". Does Colt measure diff'tly?
2. Are there Pythons out there that are more attractive to own than others? The guy in the shop wasn't sure of the age of the thing, but it looked fairly new...(I wish I got the ser #

 

[stans]

Barrel length on revolvers is measured from the muzzle to the cylinder face. If the Python in question has two vent slots along the barrel rib, it is a four inch barrel. If it has one slot, then it is probably a 2 1/2 inch or a rare 3 inch barrel.

 

[dfariswheel]

The really "attractive" Pythons are the very early production 1950's guns.
This is mostly a collector's issue, shooter's are always attractive.

Guns aren't bottles of wine: There are NO "vintages", where one year of production is great, and another is bad. Each gun must be judged on it's own merits.

If the gun looks good to you, and is properly in time, it probably IS good.

If it looks Ok, and you have the money, GO FOR IT.

 

[10-Ring]

How can I judge value of this gun? It is tagged @ $1000 + fees I'd be much happier if it weren't going for full retail!

 

[Monkeyleg]

10-Ring, there's a whole bunch of factors that figure into the price equation. First, as mentioned, what year was it manufactured? A 1950's gun is worth more than a 1960's, which is worth more than a 1970's, which is worth more than a 1980's. After the 1980's period, the age of the gun begins to be less of an issue because of methods of production (no more hand-fitting).

Does it have the original box or case? An early Python that has a box is worth maybe $50 to $100 more than one without a box. (I've seen boxes sell for $50 on gunbroker.com, even with the serial numbers marked on them).

How much wear is there on the gun? How about scratches? Are the sideplate screws buggered up from someone trying to do his own gunsmithing?

It sounds like you have the hots for this Python, and you're in a hurry to decide. That's the wrong mindset. $1000 will buy you just almost any Python you want.

Check out the closed auctions on gunbroker.com to see what the real selling prices are.

 

[10-Ring]

This gun is at least in 99% condition. It has been shot, but not much. IT does come w/ a box...a blue plastic one, if I'm not mistaken. I'm not sure of its production time, but I think it was recent.
One more detail, the grips are wood w/ finger grooves & Colt logo.

Yeah, checking out gunbroker.com sounds like a good idea.

 

[JLB]

That sounds like a Python Elite, which were the last few year's production, made in the Colt Custom Shop.

The plastic box means it's a fairly new gun.

 

[bountyhunter]

How can I judge value of this gun? It is tagged @ $1000 + fees I'd be much happier if it weren't going for full retail!

10-ring: I saw a "restored" Python at Sportsmen's Supply in Campbell (Kali) a few years back for $1000. For that $$, you got a perfect deep gloss blue finish, professionmal action job that was as good as I have ever done on my SW's, and it was a real beauty. Don't remeber the actual age of the gun, it looked brand new. Just my guess, but $1000 is probably not too far out of line for a real nice one depending on what part of kali you're in.

 

[bountyhunter]

Kali DOJ Approved List

Shows this Python is legal here:


I3060CS Python / Stainless Steel


Any Python which is already legally in the state can be bought through using a private party transfer from the original owner.

 

[Standing Wolf]

In addition to the good advice given by others above, let me add a quick and easy trick: if the front sight is anchored with a single pin, the Python is probably a 1972 or later model, whereas if it's secured with two pin, it's [/I]probably[/I] a 1955–1972 model.

I think there was some overlap between the single- and double-pin barrels; I'm very sure the threads were changed concurrently with the number of front sight pins. How do I know? I've got a lovely brand new Python Elite barrel that can't be put on an old frame.

 

[10-Ring]

Checked, it's a Python Elite...if that matters

 

[Randy63]

I had a Python Elite for about two weeks a couple of years ago. Even though I'm an S&W guy I just had to have a Python.

IMO the Elites are Pythons in name only. The fit, finish, and action are nothing like the earlier Pythons. Take a look at the front sight. It's a 10 cent piece of plastic held in place with one pin . For $1000....Come on.

The Elite I owned was accurate but I became disillusioned. For $1000 I want a Python that is a Python. I did wind up with the real deal. A few months ago I found a 4 digit Python from 1959 in excellent condition in its original box for $850. Now this gun is something to behold. It's a piece of art. If I were you I'd hold out for an older one.

K22

 

[10-Ring]

k22 - Yeah, that the one I want! That's an awesome looking Python in that pic I guess the quest is still on!

 

[Standing Wolf]

I guess the quest is still on!

Here's the good news: the quest is still on.
Here's the bad news: it never ends.

 

[4v50 Gary]

The early Pythons were certainly something to behold. The best finish in the industry, bar none. The smoothest trigger of all revolvers. It was the Cadillacs among Chevys, Fords & Dodges. Then the polishing went down and with it, the bluing. Later Pythons were poor by comparison.

 

[Nando Aqui]

This is my 1974 vintage Python. I shot it quite a bit when I bought it, and won several matches with it, but haven't used it in a while. It is in like-new condition, with no wear anywhere. True, the blueing and shine are unique. I had forgotten how the trigger was (is), so I just tried, and it is super smooth in double action, and is practically a hair-trigger in single action.

The grips on the revolver are Eagle Grips No. S59, and the original grips are by themselves.

Alex

 

[Gandalf]

My early 80s engraved stainless.

 

[tex_n_cal]

occasionally you will also find one with Elliason rear sight...perhaps a little better than the Accro that was on most of them.

They are truly special revolvers.

 

[madhatta]

I had heard a lot of complaints about certain newer production colt revolvers, particularly the python. I kept telling myself that it just could not be, how could colt put a gun out of there, out of the custom shop at a price of over 1k ? I have a 60s python that I love, so I have not had the need or desire to even handle a newer one. Well this past weekend at a show, I did handle a new python. And I saw what some people are talking about. The fit and finish were just sub par. It just did not seem like a qualitly firearm. The cylinder release was SO SO loose, that I thought it was gonna fall off !!!
As I said, this really surprised me- they can't all be this bad.
If I wanted a python, I would keep looking for an older one. It is one gun that I keep seeing ALL THE TIME, because I guess people know what they will bring and want to get some $$$$ out of them. I would buy a slightly worn, carried older python at a price approaching 1K before I would think about buying a current production.
*A credit to colt though- their current 1911s !!! I do not think these can be beat at any price right now. I handle every one I see- and have not been disappointed yet ! I want to take ownership of 2 or 3 or 4 !! soon !

'hatta

 

[Randy63]

I had my 59' Python (pictured above) to the range this afternoon. I put 150 rounds through it (100 .357's and 50 .38's). Let me tell ya, even though I prefer the triggers on Smith & Wessons, this is one great shooting revolver. At 20 yards shooting unsupported I made one ragged hole with 18 rounds of .357 158 grain ball ammo (with two flyers). I'm not the best shot either.

I bought this revolver because I wanted a nice collectible representative of Colt's finest. I was only planning on shooting it once and then retiring it to safe queen status. I don't think it's gonna work out like that though. I've already had it out three times. It was a nice sunny day here in NE PA today and I was planning on shooting one of my Smiths but the Python called to me again!

Randy

 

[AR-15Nutt]

S/N By Year......

OK !!!

thanks for the info guys, now what i want to know is, is there a S/N by year list any where, like there is for AR-15s ???

i want to replace a Python that i sold many years ago, my memory is a bit faded, but i seem to recal it was a 5 digit S/N.....