Is the Colt Python worth the $?

Status
Not open for further replies.
I parted with this one just about a year ago. It was a 1968 2 1/2" Python. It was fired a total of 18 times. I miss the old pistol, but to be honest it was one of those I was afraid of scarring and scratching up. I wish to this day I had not let it go. It didn't go far, so I might have to see it back home. But yes, IMO, these are great top notch revolvers. I bet the accuracy can be rivaled or surpassed with the lesser expensive revolvers, but that action is slick as a ribbon. I am tempted to offer the guy one of my AR's for it back. He has been wanting one of them...

Python_zps4d9b5d8d.jpg
 
If you want a Python, you have to pay the going rate. It's no different from buying a Rolex over a Seiko. Both tell time, right? Well, Rolex has no trouble selling every watch they make.

Does that make them "worth it"?

Well, a commodity is worth what people are willing to pay, and Pythons aren't cheap.

I also am a GP100 owner, as well as a S&W 19-3 owner. They're fine guns. However, I wanted a Python, and therefore had to pay the price of admission.
 
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right? Well, I'm in the camp that finds a Python to be one ugly sumbiatch. To me, that vented rib is ridiculous. The frame is anything but symetric, least of all not attractive. Would I turn one down if offered to me? Heck no. Not to own and cherish, but to sell to someone who does slobber all over them at a HUGE profit. Give me a mint condition 60's-70's S&W anyday, they float my boat.
 
+1

I have plenty of fine old S&W & Colt revolvers every bit as good if not better then a Colt Python.

I always wanted one.
But the grip shape, and weight for holster carry always put me off of buying one.

However, even at this late date, if I ever run across a nice one at under a grand?
It's coming home with me to reside with the other S&W's & Colts.

I don't need one, and I don't lust after one.

But it is one of the few high points in American handgun manufacture never to be seen again.
So I still need to add one to my battery.

BTW: I no longer own a single Ruger handgun.

rc
 
Each Python was hand tuned by Colt experts to give the best trigger pull with least stacking possible with the old Colt mechanism. The result was that the Python is a superb gun IN COMPARISON TO OTHER COLTS. But it is not (IMHO) significantly better than many stock S&W revolvers and certainly not better than a tuned S&W.

The Python finish and workmanship is top notch, as one would expect from a custom, hand built, gun. They are truly works of art. Accuracy is excellent, but all Colt revolvers are accurate, the Python no more so than an OMM.

Naturally, all that hand work and TLC came at a price, and the Python always was expensive.

Jim
 
There are a lot of other reasons for buying a Python than just how accurately you shoot it. It is up to you whether any of those reasons mean anything to you - unless you were just looking for a reason to brag. ;)
 
I just got a Python today. Let me tell you, they are worth it. The trigger is amazing. I cannot wait to shoot it again. I was in gun nirvana today at the range. If only I had brought more ammo.
 
To any individual an object is worth only what they are willing to pay for it.

It seems that all these type of posts become either a "I have this other gun and like it better" or "I have one and love it to death" type of discussions.

A Python is a wonderful revolver with a great single action and a smooth double action trigger. I wanted one for years and when I stumbled across one a year and a half ago for $850 I bought it without hesitation.

I have Colts, Smith & Wessons and a few Rugers. All of them have a place in my safe and I appreciate them for what they are.

Is a GP100 "better" than a Python? No it's not. Will it shoot with reasonable accuracy for multiple lifetimes? Yes it will.

I have both and to me, all my guns have different personalities and I quit trying to compare them with each other to see if one is "best".

And as a side note, I have a four screw S&W M29 that has hands down, the best trigger of any handgun I own, but it is not quite as accurate as the Colt.

To the OP, if you can shoot that good with your GP100 you really don't need a Python. However, if you had one you just might find that your groups might improve a bit.
 
Last edited:
I have spent more than a few hours shooting old golf balls with mine, it has a leupold scope on it though. Worth the $475 I paid for it 27 years or so ago. Wouldn't have been as much fun if it cost $2K back then, because someone else would have it.
 
Python worth the cost today?

For me it depends on how badly you want a Python and what kind of disposable income you have available. I've owned a few Pythons. They were all sweet. But I was more interested in other Colts, so eventually the Pythons departed my accumulation as with limited funds, I had to prioritize my purchases. I knew I couldn't own everything.

A new Colt Python was my second Colt. First a H&R Sportsman M999 was purchased and shot lots for a couple of years. Next, came a 4" Colt Diamondback 22 which forced the H&R into retirement... it's about 5x the gun to me. No. 3 was a 6" Python. I liked the Python but it and they have never made me do the dance. A Colt Trooper Mark III is my primary 357 mag shooter now and I like it just as well. But I bought it after production stopped and my interests shifted back to 357' revolvers.

What caused the shift back to 357's and 38spl's? Very simple.... CCW.

So, worth it? I would buy one if I felt it was a tremendous bargain simply because I know I can resell it for more if I choose to get rid of it. As far as shooting goes, I think they are right up there with M27 Smiths and I would prefer the Python. But I am very happy with my Trooper Mark III.

Better than a Ruger GP-100.... definitely yes. But can you afford a Python? I have a GP-100 too. Nice functional gun, but I prefer the Colts.
 
The question, in my mind, is do you shoot single action or double action?

If you shoot double action, then no, a Python with it's classic Colt V mainspring is not worth it as a shooter. It may well still be worth it as a collectible but you might just find, as I did with several Colts over the years, that you just like shooting S&W revolvers more and can shoot better with them. That's my preference - it may or may not be yours.

Now if I found an old Smyton at a gun show that I could afford, I'd probably hurt my arm getting out my wallet... ;)

Enjoy either way.
 
Now if I found an old Smyton at a gun show that I could afford, I'd probably hurt my arm getting out my wallet...
Click to expand...

A Smython (Model 19/Python) or a Couger (Security Six/Python) would be nice. The Python half always seems to be the barrel. That is where you find the accuracy .

I collect gun magazines. I have thousands dating back to the 60's. Several articles about the hybrids. Back then the articles were less tainted by commercial interests, so when I look for a review that is where I turn.

One article describes a test with the model 19 in its original configuration. Then they test the model 19 with the Colt Python barrel (Smython). The accuracy shows an improvement with the Colt Barrel. The article goes on to explain the improvement lies in the twist and taper of the Colt barrel. They tested several bullet speeds, and found the higher velocity bullets grouped about the same in both models, but the Colt barrel clearly had the advantage with the slower bullets.
 
Last edited:
Hello friends and neighbors // Yes, they are worth the extra dollars.

If you offer me a holster worn, Pac. Myer gripped Python for $800 you won't have it long.
Especially if it is a late 50s early 60s DOM.

If you offer me a NIB with all accessories Python for sub $1600. I'd at least check DOM and probably buy if I had the funds.

The rare .38special only, or 2 1/2",, or Colt Guard or Elite would be a bit more.

Well done with the GP100, my favorite or go to revolver is the S&W, 586, 6".
I have and shoot Colt, Dan Wesson, Ruger and S&W .357s and enjoy them all.

Trigger pull, balance, grip size, front and rear sights...there is a lot going into comparing one revolver to another but I never met a Python I did not like.:D
 
Strangely, perhaps, but I'm drawn more to 9mm's shooter than to a pristine example. Very nice.

9mmepiphany said:
Sorry, $800 isn't going to pry it from my hands...it has saved my life too many times
Click to expand...

No worries here - 'tis a fine reminder that some provenance must be earned, not bought.
 
Thanks. It has a special place...like Bilbo's Sting

The other side has about the same wear...but it is honest wear...the backstrap is so devoid of finish that I've had folks ask, when it was holstered, if it was a brushed stainless finish

LewsPistols032.jpg
 
skidder said:
Poor man's Python.... $380 OTD.


ColtLeft.jpg
Click to expand...
skidder:

That is a real nice trooper you got there! Congrat's! You are right about these being a poor man's Python! I picked up an identical 6" Trooper to yours recently-but(Gasp)here in CA I had to pay $200 more! It's vintage year is dated 1968.
 
Hello friends and neighbors // 9mmepiphany that is a fine example of a "well" used Python. Glad it has served you "well".

That is a little more finish challenged then the one I bought but it would certainly do for $800 compared to other offerings. Especially with the history.

My 1935, Colt, Official Police, with vintage TylerT looks almost like your Python.:D
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

cdahl383
  • Locked
Colt Python
Replies
18
Views
1K
BigBlue 94
BigBlue 94
T
  • Locked
Colt python
Replies
23
Views
10K
dfariswheel
D
B
  • Locked
Colt python .357
Replies
12
Views
2K
Starter52
S
J
  • Locked
Help need with Colt Python information
Replies
7
Views
1K
rfo1
R
D
  • Locked
Colt Python Info
Replies
14
Views
2K
welldoya
W
Back
Top