Time came to stay away from vintage Pythons ?

[dekibg]

Not that I would have money to buy one at the moment anyway, but I came across a comment somewhere recently, where a gunsmith apparently gave him advice not to go for one bc “ spare parts for original Pythons are harder and harder to find, and fitting is very time consuming and requires a great deal of skills “? Thoughts?
Also, I think for mid-age/older crowd where I belong too , is hard to accept that modern computerized machining may produce possibly even better quality than skilled tradesmen several decades ago?

 

[Whiskeyhotel2020]

It maybe true that a machine may give more precise lines and measurements but the right craftsman will put soul and pride into a piece of work that no machine could ever match and that is worth something still.

 

[UncleEd]

When it comes to broken/worn out internal parts, I always figured
a skilled firearms expert/machinist could duplicate those parts.
Just a matter of finding that skilled person and paying for the
time and effort/efforts to get it right.

Money often can fix all. But how much money, that's the rub.

 

[shoebox1.1]

When the likes of Frank Glenn and few others are gone. It’s over. I don’t see a need for old
Python except for collection pieces. No one does bluing like that anymore. Finest handgun I ever fondled was a 4 inch python. Trigger was “next world” but my match champion almost feels as good.

 

[J-Bar]

Money often can fix all. But how much money, that's the rub.

Grandpa said "With enough money and a big enough hammer, you can do anything you want."

I think the key phrase is "...with enough money..."

 

[jmorris]

Old stuff in good shape will remain as valuable as they are rare and desired.

If you want to beat on something, get a hammer.

Thats the way I look at them before I buy. Even then, you don't know what stuff is going to be worth a lot, down the road.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Meh, I've worked on my own Colt E/I frames, basically the same as the Python. There's nothing supernatural about them and plenty of print and online resources detail how they work and proper assembly/ disassembly. Most parts are interchangeable with the gazillions of Troopers, Army Specials, and Official Police models out there- not to mention some new production of hands and other small parts by Jack First- so they are obtainable if you're willing to pay. Having a buddy who's a machinist helps too.
Heck, the New Army action was much more complicated and fragile- a Python is a breeze by comparison.

So, I guess it boils down to how mechanically inclined, dedicated, and/or well heeled you are.

Buy a clean, low-mileage example, shoot a couple hundred .38s a years from it, and you'll likely never need any parts or repairs anyway.

 

[CajunBass]

I recently passed on a "legacy" Python that was what I think is the rarest Python of all. One with enough finish wear to to make it a shooter, but not enough wear to really hurt the gun. Just enough. It was a 4" model, and had a black/red box with papers and "stuff" with it for $2000.00. I didn't ask if they could go any lower. I handled the gun, dry fired it a time or two, (seller OKed it). Hemmed and hawed, and finally passed. I wanted it, but I didn't want it that bad. I figured someone else would want it that bad, and sure enough, it was gone yesterday. No regrets.

I've already got two of the "new" ones. They pretty much satisfy my "itch" for a Python. I never think about things like spart parts and repairs. I sent one gun back to the factory in my life, a Ruger Security-Six. It got fixed and sent back. Other than that, I've never had a gun break. So, spare parts are just not something I ever think about. Or getting them worked on. Just never needed it.

I don't think the Pytnon "old" or "new" are THAT much better than any other 357 revolver. I have owned one of the "old" Python's, a 1964 model that was also a shooter and I shot it it. It was nice but it wasn't any better than a Smith and Wesson or a Ruger, or heck even a Taurus, AS A GUN. One put bullets on the target just as well as the other. At least I can't shoot any better with one.

BUT...they are a Python. A Python, IMHO, has "something" about it, that is hard to define. I don't think "you" buy a Pyton because it's "better" than other guns. "You" buy a Python because it's a Python. Simply because you want a Python and nothing else will fill that want. At least that's the way it's been for me. YMMV as they say.

 

[Oldschool shooter]

I shot an older Python, It was a fine revolver and the blueing was unmatched. I had a S&W Model 27. Even my friend that owned the Python thought the action on the 27 was better. Still, there are those willing to pay a premium for that Pony logo.

 

[Old Dog]

Valid question.

In my opinion, the only reason to stay away from the old Pythons is the absolutely ridiculous prices they're currently commanding. Having said that, were I earning an additional $100K a year, I might snatch some clean specimens up. I mean, I could afford even one of the overpriced ones, but my priorities are elsewhere.

is hard to accept that modern computerized machining may produce possibly even better quality than skilled tradesmen several decades ago?

There does seem to be a consensus among a lot of knowledgeable folks in the industry that the new models will prove to be more durable and hold up a lot better than the old models.

 

[Riomouse911]

Its like buying a vintage car, motorcycle, boat or airplane.

Its going to cost $$ to get into one and to maintain it (if you use it). But there is a pride-in-ownership feeling that comes with having a nice one, so if the overall cost isn’t a burden then by all means go for it.

Stay safe.

 

[1KPerDay]

Pride of ownership has value. Whether it be genuine Harleys, vintage Porsches, Camaros, Aquarivas, warbirds, Gretsches, Rolexes, or Colts, etc. (Or Filson vests LOL.) Sometimes you want the "real thing" and the ideosyncracies or quirks of the design are part of the charm and ownership experience. You don't buy a classic based solely on reliability or performance. At one time, it may have been the best that could possibly be made, but technology, materials, workmanship, and manufacturing change.

Personally I don't have a lot of desire for a new Python, especially at the asking price. The aesthetic changes bother me, regardless of whether it's objectively a better design for durability. Maybe they'll be classics as well someday. I like the original Python quite a bit, but it has its quirks now just as it did when it was first built. I love my 3rd Gen Colt SAA (and waited several years and paid well over MSRP for it), but my crappy Uberti/Stoeger has an objectively better trigger and smoother/lighter action and I shoot it a lot more.

 

[Mark_Mark]

EVERYONE STAY AWAY FOR OLD COLTS!!!

so I can buy more & cheaper !!! PLEASE

Same with Old Smiths! They are JUNK! sell sell sell sell

 

[Mark_Mark]

Pride of ownership has value. Whether it be genuine Harleys, vintage Porsches, Camaros, Aquarivas, warbirds, Gretsches, Rolexes, or Colts, etc. (Or Filson vests LOL.) Sometimes you want the "real thing" and the ideosyncracies or quirks of the design are part of the charm and ownership experience. You don't buy a classic based solely on reliability or performance. At one time, it may have been the best that could possibly be made, but technology, materials, workmanship, and manufacturing change.

Personally I don't have a lot of desire for a new Python, especially at the asking price. The aesthetic changes bother me, regardless of whether it's objectively a better design for durability. Maybe they'll be classics as well someday. I like the original Python quite a bit, but it has its quirks now just as it did when it was first built. I love my 3rd Gen Colt SAA (and waited several years and paid well over MSRP for it), but my crappy Uberti/Stoeger has an objectively better trigger and smoother/lighter action and I shoot it a lot more.

Colt SAA generation still confused me. What year is your Gen 3 SAA

then the New Frontier even confuses me because they call those Gen 2’s (I think)

 

[1KPerDay]

Colt SAA generation still confused me. What year is your Gen 3 SAA

Depends on whom you ask. Some say 3rd gen is 1976-current, other say
Third generation (1976–1982)
Late Third/Fourth generation (1994–Present)

Mine was made in about 2016 IIRC. So maybe late third or fourth if you subscribe to that line of thinking.

 

[Miami_JBT]

EVERYONE STAY AWAY FOR OLD COLTS!!!

so I can buy more & cheaper !!! PLEASE

Same with Old Smiths! They are JUNK! sell sell sell sell