Stolen

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hammers2121

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I had/have a 1975 Colt Python .375 Magnum that was in very good condition. It had less than 500 rounds through it. I purchased it from a family member on the day I turned 21 and have kept it locked in a safe for 99% of the time. Last November I decided to have it reblued because of some holster burn on the tip of the barrel and the cylinder. I brought it to a Gun Dealer in town (to remain nameless for now) to send to Colt for a factory refinish. After getting the run around for a few months about what happened to my gun( he had sent it for repair not refinish, by mistake) I demanded the return of my revolver. He told me he would track it down but he was not exactly sure where it was. I reported it lost to the police and amazingly when the police investigated he told them it was stolen from his shop. When I went back to discuss whether he would purchase me another Python or monetary value, he said since I tarnished his name by calling the Police, he would only give me the Shotgun News value of a couple hundred dollars. I asked for 750.00 trying to be fair, and he said you can buy them all day for 200.00 dollars and that is the most he would give me, and if I didn't like that to call an attorney. He says he is not responsible for the theft of it, even though he didn't report it as stolen till the police showed up to investigate. Oh, he remembers the gun, said it was a nice gun, but he lost all records of it including the claim ticket(I have the other half with the serial number).

If anyone comes across a 1975 Colt Python blued with a 4" barrel Serial Number E90603. Please call the police or contact me.
It is reported to NCIC as a stolen firearm. The situation has been reported to the ATF also.

Since I have to take him to court, any estimates on it in 80-90% condition would be appreciated. Some holster burn on barrel and cylinder, all original with never any work done on it.
 
At this point, I he deserves whatever they give him. I emailed them the police report and as of yesterday he had never reported it stolen to them. It has been well over a month since the investigation ended. I have tried to be civil with him, but he will not return my phone calls and if I go up there he will be to busy to talk. I have a meeting with my attorney this afternoon on which course to take. I even asked him to replace it with a Python in similiar shape and he refused. This was the 1st gun I ever purchased and the pride of all of them. I have a KMW hunting rifle from Terry Cross and I value the Python more than it in terms of sentimentality. I just wanted the numbers out there in case someone runs across it one day. Probably not, but it is worth a try.
 
Go to small claims court; he'll have to give the fair market value. Go to Gunsamerica.com and print out some "for sale" listings to justify the amount you're suing for. If you have a ticket stub from him, you should win easily. You won't need to pay a lawyer and the loser of the case is usually ordered to pay damages and the small claims filing fees. Remember to sue for the filing fees, too. If you don't ask for them, they won't be awarded to you.

I'm sorry to hear what happened. That bites it, sine qua non. What a crook....

PS: You will keep us informed? Who is this thief anyway? Post a name so no one else gets cheated.
 
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Attorney in the family, she is doing it for no charge. At this point I want to make sure he pays in everyway possible. Between attorney fees for him, actual property loss, I'm also gonna go for a future value since I never wanted to get rid of the gun, he is gonna pay more than the 750.00 I originally asked for. I am a very nice person, but I do not take it lightly when someone tries to screw me.
 
he said you can buy them all day for 200.00 dollars
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If that were true I would have one. I think that most people would like to know this guys name so we know who to stay away from.
 
Sounds like an ATF audit would not go well for this guy.

Ditto! I'm no big fan of the ATF, but in an instance like this I would gladly drop a dime on this guy. Did the police report this to ATF or did you?
 
As soon as I talk to my attorney, and she says it won't hurt anything. I will see her tonight, she is in court today. I should be posting it tomorrow and I may attach a copy of the police report.

I told him to get me a couple of the 200.00 ones, and I would pay him for all but one. He refused. Hmm.........

He was trying to bluff me into taking the 200.00 is what I think, but I wasn't bluffing when I said he would hear from my attorney. He is a NRA instructor in town that teaches concealed carry, I think they will be the next ones that get a copy of everything that is going on.
 
I reported to the ATF, I left my numbers and name and they called back within the hour. I emailed them the police report and a timeline of everything that went on. They had no record of him ever reporting it stolen. If no one ever reports him, he would rip someone else off down the line. I had not been on here in the past because I was trying to believe that it was an honest mistake. But 200.00 was a slap in the face.
 
Sorry to hear about this frustrating experience. That dealer is scumbag, I hope you find a replacement soon.

Have you talked to Colt to see if he even sent it to them?
 
I hate to point out a blinding flash of the obvious, but he sold the gun. Be interesting to see what he has in his book when the BATF checks. I bet he sold it "legally" per FFL laws no less. Grand theft or felony fraud with the local cops is my bet. Sue him.
 
What a complete tool. I hope you beat this guy in court AND bring some ATF heat down on him.

BTW.... Smart move in NOT disclosing the name or location of this shop. Maybe once the dust settles from this case you can give us details, but definitely wait until then.
 
To the original poster sorry to hear about your gun. That dealer is a lowlife scumbag and a thief to boot. Why don't you go there some night after he closes his shop(make sure there no witnesses) and pistol whip him. I bet after the third of fourth hit across the face and hes busted open,he'll remember real quick where your python is...just joking ;-) Okay but seriously this guy probably kept your gun for himself or sold it as another pointed out. And he probably offered you the $200 to make it look legit on his end

Come on who in their right mind would sell a python for $200? That would be like selling a brand new Cadillac escalade for $5,000. Its an insult that he even suggested that you can buy one for this price,where? cause I want three of them. This guys is a P.O.S. that should be stripped of his FFL and thrown in jail,he gives all honest gun dealers,trying to make a honest living a bad name. I hope you win in court or get your gun returned.
 
Virginian said:
I hate to point out a blinding flash of the obvious, but he sold the gun. Be interesting to see what he has in his book when the BATF checks. I bet he sold it "legally" per FFL laws no less. Grand theft or felony fraud with the local cops is my bet. Sue him.
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Exactly my thought, when I started reading about the runaround, if the ATF checks his books (maybe your attorney has a way to have them openned) it will be found in there, either way, he knows what happened to it, keep us posted and good luck.
 
The Standard Catalog of Firearms (2007) values it at $700 - $1050 (Very Good - NIB condition) and designates it as a "Sleeper" with "rapidly rising value and/or significant collector potential."

Good luck!
 
STATEMENT OF INNOCENCE & IGNORANCE: I do not own a Python and have never owned a Python (although I certainly would like one), nor have I ever stolen gun or owned a stolen gun, so this question is hypothetical...

Let's say Mr. Unethical Gunshopowner DID sell or trade it. New "owner" later decides to sell it, not knowing it's hot. How far down the pipeline will "owners" be prosecuted for having stolen goods, not knowing it was previously stolen? I ask, wondering if local gun shops are able to report innocently receiving stolen goods ~ they bought/traded for it b/c it wasn't yet reported stolen?

In other words, I'm a couple hours from SE Louisianna. Would it do any good to pass this info to the shops I frequent here in NE Houston?

There's a fellow on Texas Guntrader who has a 4" Python for sale. I'm trying to get a DOB on the pistol for you...

Q
 
He sounds like one of the lowest forms of life. I hope the Feds stick it ot him hard.

Out of curiosity, how come you didn't send the gun to Colt yourself? It is my understanding that that is perfectly legal to do.

I feel your pain when it comes to thieves. I recently had a bicycle stolen from me (along with other items) that totalled about $1,100.
 
Since I have to take him to court, any estimates on it in 80-90% condition would be appreciated. Some holster burn on barrel and cylinder, all original with never any work done on it.
Click to expand...

See what Cabelas is selling them for. Sorry to hear this. Good luck. I hope the guy goes to jail....and you get your Colt back.

Cabelas: Colt Python 4" Blue .357 Mag
Ref. Number: 1224518 Status: Sold! Price: $1599.00
 
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