Python for 2 of my M1 Garands ???

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ACES&8S

ACES&8S

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Just got a serious offer for trade.
A Colt Python I used to own but got such a good $$$$ offer I had to sell it.
I had bought it for an investment plus I love old revolvers especially S&W but
Pythons & Diamondbacks are on my list as well.
She want's to trade even, her PERFECT, 6" Blue, unfired, 357 mag, Python
without a box.
For 2 of my M1 Garands. One from 1952 & one from 1954, both in good to very
good condition. Both shoot & function great with my reloads.
The Python is easier to price, about $3500, the Garands are impossible for me
to figure since the serial #, furniture, & metal & rifling condition seems wildly different
with the same problem in prices. Some Garands are priced at 2X a Python & looking
at the ones for sell, mine are better looking & bound to shoot just as good.
Also I heard a big load of Garands will be or has been released.
My question is are the Garands going to increase in value to where 2 of them will
surely outprice the Python & has the Python reached it's limit.
 
My opinion, as a shooter and engineer:

The Python is a beautiful example of a single action (sorry, double) revolver. . . and you can buy a couple better-tuned revolvers from brand-name smiths for that money. The genre is alive and well.

It's likely that no one will ever make an M1 again. The closest you can find is a semi M14 clone. That action is genius, and the inventions therein can be seen repeated and improved in many later designs.

Keep the Garands, buy an excellent mid-60s S&W K or L frame and send it to someone like Bowen to tune.
 
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edwardware said:
My opinion, as a shooter and engineer:

The Python is a beautiful example of a single action revolver. . . and you can buy a couple better-tuned revolvers from brand-name smiths for that money. The genre is alive and well.

It's likely that no one will ever make an M1 again. The closest you can find is a semi M14 clone. That action is genius, and the inventions therein can be seen repeated and improved in many later designs.

Keep the Garands, buy an excellent mid-60s S&W K or L frame and send it to someone like Bowen to tune.
Click to expand...

Python is double-action.

I'd keep the M1s and chamber one in .308 to use cheaper ammo in like the Navy did.
 
I would keep the Garands. Even common, correct M1s from H&R and SA in condition as you are describing are generally auctioning north of $1500, IH and Winchester, as well as "special" models double that. Pristine examples are getting much harder to find, they will hold value, and likely none of the future imports, if they come will be anywhere near correct, matching and pristine. As above, they ain't making them anymore. I think the current Snake Gun craze may be a bit of a fad. I'm not a pistol nut or a collector, I shoot what I own, so take my advice with a grain of salt, but I would never trade a fine rifle for a fine handgun. Tell us more about the Garands. Maker, any special features, original, matching, etc and I can help more with a monetary figure on them. I trade extensively in WWII military rifles.
 
One is H&R Feb 1952 in very god condition & the other is Int Harv April 1954, both shoot fantastic &
almost & sometimes do touch holes at 30 yards with my reloads made just for them.
I am the same, I collect WW11 firearms more than anything else except S&W revolvers.
Everything matches on them with original furniture & complete trap door accessories.
This all started when I took them for an appraisal & they couldn't come up with a price
because of the wide dollar range from $950 to $3000.
She overheard us & made the offer, fell in love with history.
 
ACES&8S said:
My question is are the Garands going to increase in value to where 2 of them will
surely outprice the Python & has the Python reached it's limit.
Click to expand...

You did not say where you got your Garands. Are they from CMP. What grade are they.

By far, the bulk of the Garands sold by CMP are service grades or lower. I believe service grade Garands are going for about $1000 or so these days.

True CMP Collector grade Garands go for astronomic figures but they are few and far between these days. M1C's are also high dollar.

With CMP getting another batch of Garands, prices won't climb much in the short term. It is hard to say what will happen in the future.

In my opinion, if you really want the Python, the trade is a good deal for you. But it is hard to say you could replace one of your Garands in the future that is as nice as your current ones.
 
Without seeing them in person, just going with your description, both of your rifles are on the A list. The H&R isn't highly collectable, but as pristine, matching, assuming good TE and muzzle gauging (you can order the guage from CMP or others for a reasonable price, or get them gauged by many gunsmiths, if you do want to sell them, a serious buyer will want to know this figure). H&R value at a good live auction is probably near $1500. The Harvester IS highly sought after and collectable. With same caveats as the H&R, you're looking definitely North of $2000, probably closer to 3k at a good auction with knowledgeable bidders. One with some minor condition issues and non-original (arsenal replacement stock) with CMP letter sold locally for $2600 about a month ago. I'd say absolutely no deal. The IHC alone may be a fair even money trade for the python.
 
I am going to dissent- but only IF, as I infer from the title, you have other Garands?

I am facing a similar dilemma about selling one of my 3 M1 Carbines to fund something different, which will likely never come along again. I think I'm going to do it.

If you have more nice M1s, I say go for the trade. Good luck!
 
Keep the Garands! And I'm not just saying that because the H&R and IH are the two I really, really want. I love Pythons, wish I still had mine, but please, keep the Garands!
 
Assuming that the Python is indeed worth $3,500, that's more than two run-of-the-mill postwar Garands. I would make the trade if I collected Colt snake revolvers.

As far as rarity, it would be easier to replace the Garands than the Python.
 
Check these two places, first Guns International for prices on the Colt.
Then CMP for a price on a run of the mill M1. A "Sniper" model built on a service grade gun is $3,000
A service grade gun is about $1080.
There are NO national match grade rifles.
One other thing, you did not mention the maker of your M1 rifles.
 
Two M1 Garands that will provide endless enjoyment for yourself at the range versus handling the Python with oil infused gloves as to not hurt the value. Also, you can take those who have never heard BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG, PING, and watch them smile.

No question in my mind I'll go with the shooters that also have more upward potential on value than a Python which is slowing down it's upward pace on value.

I like @edhardware's post, keep the Garands and find a nice old S&W to tune up, that can be shot without fear of losing extreme value.
 
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