Really, it depends on a lot of factors~! For example, a roughed up Colt
Python probably would be worth less, than say a very minty, UNFIRED
Smith & Wesson model 27-2; especially if the S&W's barrel length is
3.5" in length. Or it could be vice versa. Colt offered many more of
the factory finishes, than Smith & Wesson did; so that too would
come into play. One of Colts finishes that I liked, was the old Colt
Guard; or electroless nickel finish, but it was only offered for a'bout
2 years I think~? While S&W's "Deep Blue" and Colt's "Royal Blue"
were both very pretty on new [older] weapons; I'm a Smith kind'a
guy, so I give the nod to them. Also, both firm's regular nickel guns
were a beauty too behold~! Another one of my favorites in my Colt
D-frame 2" factory nickel Detective Special with original grips; as
its only been test fired at the factory, and cleaned up it shines like
new money. Its from 1971, the 2nd issue (1947-1972) and needless
too say, I'm also very proud of it. I have a couple more nickel Smiths
[a 4" model 10-5 from the early 60's, and a 19-3 from 1975] but I
will save their history for another time~!