My Shooting partner's find (psst... Colt Python) & Storytime!

[Black Majik]

Well... I had an interesting day today.

My highschool friend that got me into shooting (technically) and sportbike riding found some handguns her dad had store for over 20 yrs.

A little history:
She invited me to shoot w/ her and her friend in August 2003, a few weeks before my 21st birthday. I've always been interested in shooting, but never took it seriously. After I went shooting and 20 days after my birthday I picked up my NRM Colt Government. I ended up taking more interest in shooting than her, but she's still almost as enthusiastic in shooting as I am.

Well, she recently found a few pistols her father had stored away while she was growing up. Her father has approved of putting the pistols under her name since he doesn't have any more use for them anymore.

In the pack was:
- 2 S&W J-frame .38 specials (1 in decent condition, 1 w/ a lot of holster wear on the cylinder)
- a Browning hi-power (I've never shot one before, really look forward in trying it out)
- A BLUED COLT PYTHON!

The Python was absolutely almost immaculate. From what I've seem looked to be 95%+

I forgot to check out the serial number to ask about the date it was manufactured... but this thing was a beaut! I never really was a fan of revolvers... but I've read a LOT about the Pythons and Anacondas on here and how they're highly desired. It even crossed my mind to maybe convince her (or her father if she does get it put under her name) to sell it to me

We're hoping to get the pistols & revolvers checked out by my gunsmith as soon as possible, to see if the guns are safe to shoot and transfer the guns to her name.

But damn, ever since I got home... all I've thought about was the Colt Python.

~~ Which reminds me... 2 years ago one of my other closest friends had his father hand down to him a Model 29 S&W in 95% or better condition also, in deep deep blue. To this day he's still yet to shoot the .44 Mag because he doesn't have time. It just sits locked up in his closet. Beautiful piece.

Why cant my dad ever hand me down old beauties like these.

Question: Approx. how much would a good condition M29 blued 6" and a Colt Python Blued 6" cost? Both in 95% plus condition.

Even though I'm not much of a revolver fan, and if the Python checks out to be good should I try to buy it from her? Truthfully I've kinda kept her in the dark of how much these guns are desired.

Whew... my heart is fluttering. I've never felt this way of revolvers before. I think the main reason I'm so intrigued by these two revolvers is because of how highly desired and difficult to obtain these revolvers are (from what I've heard).


Question: In your position, which would you go for? a S&W M29 or a Colt Python. Assuming same caliber (I know the Python is .357 and the 29 is a .44)

Thanks.

 

[Majic]

Ball park figures should be around $700 for the Python and $450 for the Smith. With you being where you are add $200 to the Colt and $100 to the Smith. Be aware that age will raise the prices. Dating the revolvers will help with a more accurate price scale.
I personally would go for the Python. I am partial to Colts and also much rather shoot .41mags over the .44mags. If it was a M57 instead of the M29 then the decision wold be harder for me. If in doubt go for the oldest one.

 

[Beetle Bailey]

tsk, tsk. Lusting after other people's guns, eh? I've never done that before . Well, if it was me, I'd be lusting after the Browning , but it sounds to me like you should keep talking anxiously about the Python "When can we shoot it?" "Ya know, that's a really nice looking gun. . ." and see if she will offer it to you .

 

[4v50 Gary]

11th commandment: Thou shalt not lust after thy neighbor's arms.

 

[Greg L]

A girl in Ca with a collection like that who likes to shoot & you aren't married yet? What are you waiting on (unless of course BM happens to be of the female persuasion herself in which case I withdraw the suggestion )? Even if it doesn't work out & you get a divorce don't you get half of each other's stuff .... .

Seriously, I would let her know that you would like to be first in line if she ever decides to sell any of them. Worst case she doesn't sell but you still get to shoot them every now and then.

Greg