Why did I go to the LGS today?!

[FlSwampRat]

I am not saying Colts are bad revolver but when I look at it objectively I don't see the functional reasons why the prices are so high other than scarcity. YMMV for sure!

With over 35 years in the pawn biz, I've had the discussion innumerable times about value. It's relative and, even more than beauty, is in the eye of the beholder.

What's a 1 x 2 x 8 piece of lath and a yard of canvas cost? Add in the cost of some paint. What's the Mona Lisa worth? Not that a Python is the ML of firearms, but I would argue it's a work of art.
I've seen paintings sold at auction for 6 figures and up that I wouldn't give house room much less pay for.

No matter what thing is being sold, there's folks who would agree it's worth the paid price and others who would think the buyer is a fool for overpaying so much. Always comes down to the person validating the price by voting with his money.

 

[BobWright]

Looks like first thing to do is find some grips befitting a Python. I'd expect grips like those to be on a Heritage Rough Rider!

Bob Wright

 

[BobWright]

Now to spend the next few weeks working up some mild loads to shoot.

Check your overall length. Pythons have short cylinders.

Bob Wright

 

[CajunBass]

Looks like first thing to do is find some grips befitting a Python. I'd expect grips like those to be on a Heritage Rough Rider!

Bob Wright

They're not as pretty as the old Colt grips, but I like the way they feel a lot more than I did the ones on my old Python. The old ones got really wide at the bottom of the grip and that sharp checkering was like holding onto a wood rasp. These are really nice for shooting, IMHO.

Check your overall length. Pythons have short cylinders.


Bob Wright

<lol> I found that out over the weekend. I've pretty much worked with 125 grain bullets in the past, and they've never been a problem. Worked up some 158's over the weekend, and well, we'll just say they're going to have to be reserved for one of my Smith and Wesson's. Just a tad too long for the Python.

 

[mcb]

With over 35 years in the pawn biz, I've had the discussion innumerable times about value. It's relative and, even more than beauty, is in the eye of the beholder.

What's a 1 x 2 x 8 piece of lath and a yard of canvas cost? Add in the cost of some paint. What's the Mona Lisa worth? Not that a Python is the ML of firearms, but I would argue it's a work of art.
I've seen paintings sold at auction for 6 figures and up that I wouldn't give house room much less pay for.

No matter what thing is being sold, there's folks who would agree it's worth the paid price and others who would think the buyer is a fool for overpaying so much. Always comes down to the person validating the price by voting with his money.

I agree we vote with our wallets. My post was simply a forum expression of that "vote".

As you highlighted in my post, functional, I don't see the functional justification for the cost of the Python. That is fairly easy to objectively evaluate unlike things like ascetic beauty. For my use the "beauty" is a non factor to me I am not a collector. My revolvers are used for hunting, carry, and competition. For those uses it is fairly easy for me to justify a S&W and very hard to justify a Colt. If you choose a Colt for other reasons then it may be worth the money but for me they are not worth it.

I probably should have kept my opinion/evaluation to myself on this but Colt seems to get a pass as both a company and a product due to their place in the history of firearms and not based on actual current capabilities and quality of the products they offer. Don't take it too seriously I am a S&W fanboy to the core...

 

[bannockburn]

STRSAdam21

He also had a 4in King Cobra that I liked, but once I saw the Python I was drunk on wheel gun lust.

Now that's sounds like some serious revolver romance going on there!

Here's hoping she can shoot as good as she looks!

 

[bannockburn]

FlSwampRat

Tell me about it, my first gun purchase in spring of 1974 was a 6" Python. All because of this:

That was the first magazine I bought as a kid just because of that awesome photo on the cover! The color two page photo spread with the article was icing on the cake!

And yes...I still have that magazine!

 

[Jonesy814]

I think the new Pythons look great but if I manage to get anything near the MSRP saved in my gun fund I will look for a 3.5" S&W model 27. That's my grail gun, but if I had a spare $3000 I'd get one of each though

 

[RikSors]

That’s hard to resist.

It’s like being a kid going to a toy store. I follow a simple mantra every time I go inside a gun store.

I always put my hands inside my pocket because just like a sign that says “You break it, you pay for it”, of which in my case is “You fondle it, you buy it”.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Id never have a Colt for my ONLY revolver....but since Ive got all the S&Ws I want-

I wouldnt mind adding a Python for comparison, and it is a beautiful peice of functional art in its own right.
I probably would sell my vintage Trooper though (assuming I like the Python), as I have no desire to start a Colt collection too. One nice example would be enough for me.

 

[SRSTAdam21]

Id never have a Colt for my ONLY revolver....but since Ive got all the S&Ws I want-
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I wouldnt mind adding a Python for comparison, and it is a beautiful peice of functional art in its own right.
I probably would sell my vintage Trooper though (assuming I like the Python), as I have no desire to start a Colt collection too. One nice example would be enough for me.

very nice my friend. That is a beautiful collection!

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

very nice my friend. That is a beautiful collection!

Thanks! You got a hella nice Python!

 

[Thibaut]

I agree we vote with our wallets. My post was simple a forum expression of that "vote".

As you highlighted in my post, functional, I don't see the functional justification for the cost of the Python. That is fairly easy to objectively evaluate unlike things like ascetic beauty. For my use the "beauty" is a non factor to me I am not a collector. My revolvers are used for hunting, carry, and competition. For those uses it fairly easy for me to justify a S&W and very hard to justify a Colt. If you choose a Colt for other reasons then it may be worth the money but for me they are not worth it.

I probably should have kept my opinion/evaluation to myself on this but Colt seems to get a pass as both a company and a product due to their place in the history of firearms and not based on actual current capabilities and quality of the products they offer. Don't take it too seriously I am a S&W fanboy to the core...

I am here for your opinion/evaluation. I hope you would say the same for me. Otherwise; why bother?

 

[sequins]

Those new pythons are SO SWEET. I really like them. Great luck on your part for even finding one, I hope it brings you many, many years of joy (I know it will!!!)

 

[mcb]

I am here for your opinion/evaluation. I hope you would say the same for me. Otherwise; why bother?

Most certainly, I try to read and consider all the opinions expressed in the threads I participate in. I don't always agree with them, as is likely trued for most of us, but I try to consider them.

I understand the history and admiration for the ascetics, fit, and finish of the old and even the new Pythons. I simple do not put the same weight/value on those aspects as other clearly do an thus my opinion is what it is and worth about what you paid for it.

 

[Slamfire]

Your pistol looks great. Enjoy it.

Pythons were considered a target revolver, when I "complained" about the accuracy of mine when I sent it to Colt, they sent it back with a factory target. And they used 148 LSWC's in 38 Special brass. The group was pretty much one hole at 15 yards.

I tested "38 Special" equivalent loads in 357 cases, in my Colt trooper and a K frame. These loads shot well. I can't see irons worth a flip, so the round accuracy is better than what I see now.

 

[SRSTAdam21]

Your pistol looks great. Enjoy it.

Pythons were considered a target revolver, when I "complained" about the accuracy of mine when I sent it to Colt, they sent it back with a factory target. And they used 148 LSWC's in 38 Special brass. The group was pretty much one hole at 15 yards.

I tested "38 Special" equivalent loads in 357 cases, in my Colt trooper and a K frame. These loads shot well. I can't see irons worth a flip, so the round accuracy is better than what I see now.

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I pretty much load 38 special loads in 357 brass. My hands have been through some rough times and I vote to preserve them. Since I shoot revolvers a lot I don’t want the sustained punishment. I’m going to work up some different loads of this sort and try them out. The only other round I load is 45 colt. I use trailboss for both and have been able to make some pleasant loads. The other plus is that my three boys love to shoot and I can tailor loads for them to handle.

With regards to is it worth it vs a Smith.

It is to me. I own a Smith. And a Dan Wesson. And Ruger. And Taurus. I own a nickel detective special. All are very fine guns. I’m at the stage where I buy something because I absolutely want it. I work hard, provide for my family, save for retirement and am blessed enough to have disposable income for my gun loving lifestyle. Above all else, these guns are about making memories with my sons as they grow, friendships I’ve made with other gun owners, and the joy of shooting. That, for me, is where the value is in the Colt. And my Springfield M1A. Sure AR’s are cheaper and yadda yadda. But my ARs never put a smile on my kids face like that Springfield. I’m pretty confident the same will be the case with this Colt.

 

[CajunBass]

I say it all the time. You don't buy a Python just because you want "A 357." There are plenty of 357's that are no doubt just "as good" as a Python and cost about half what even a new one costs. You buy a Python simply because you want a Python.

 

[CajunBass]

FlSwampRat



That was the first magazine I bought as a kid just because of that awesome photo on the cover! The color two page photo spread with the article was icing on the cake!

And yes...I still have that magazine!

I had a similar magazine. It was a Guns and Ammo and it had pictured a SMITH AND WESSON MODEL 19 “COMBAT MAGNUM” on the cover with that legend across the top of the page.

I was hooked.