Help! My friend is selling me his Python...

B

bjewell

Inactive
Please forgive me if this is the wrong forum for this subject -- this is my first post and I know zilch about revolvers. My friend has a lot of guns, and he knows I want one for around the house.

He has a 1994 or thereabouts Colt Python 357, blue, six-inch barrel, black plastic or some hard rubber grips. It has had ten rounds fird through it and looks brand new as does the box it is in.

He wants me to find a ballpark figure for a price. We are buddies -- I just bought his '01 Softail after his wife said she wasn't riding with him anymore until he got a Harley with a real saddle... -L-

If anyone could help me on establishing a price, I would be very grateful.

Tq
 
This might not be what you want to here but around me, used Pythons in decent shape go between $600-$700.
 
Colt's Python

Recent production Colt Pythons DO NOT demand the
price that an extact same copy of pre 70 production,
or even 70's production would demand!:eek: The
pre 70's had a reputation for "hand fitted" or mated
part's; thus increasing the value. I think somewhere
along the late 70's or early 80's Colt started depending
on "machined part's". There are quite a few new Colt
Python "Elite's" floating around that just aren't up tp
snuff. I think realistically, your friend would do well
to get a buyer at $600.00; provided the buyer knows
his weaponary!:( :D

*FootNote- The older model Colt Pythons in LNIB
condition generally start at the $750.00 mark; and
quite often exceed $1,000.00! Funny thing, I bought
a 70's model 6" Colt Python in "Colt Royal Blue" finish
when the old Woolco stores were going out of business
for the sum of $189.95, out the door.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
You have brought up an important point. I have collected old guitars over the years. Gisbons, Martins and Fenders made before 1966 are worth WAY more than more recent instruments and especially "reissues" of the old models, such as Les Pauls, Stratocasters or herringbone D-28s.

Is this gun a reissue if it was made in the early '90s? I have no problem paying a good price for a gun if it is the real deal. In fact, there is a nickel-plated 4" barrel Python in a local store that was probably made in the early '80s. They want a grand for it.

Thank you for your insights. I think I might be better off buying a Smitth & Wesson stainless and keep my eyes out for a genuine older Python, and them pay what it takes to purchase it. Does that sound like a plan?

Tq
 
You CANNOT judge firearms based solely on the year they were made.
I once saw a 1930's Colt (made when quality was considered to be the best EVER), that was a total mess.
I also recently saw a Colt Python made in the very late 1990's (when quality was supposed to STINK), that's one of the best quality Colt's I've ever seen.

You have to judge a gun on it's own merits.
 
Generally speaking, with Colt and S&W handguns older is more in demand and bring higher prices. I would offer $600 for the Python. This is a pretty good "ballpark figure."
 
Actually, a 1994 Python may be worth more than $600 in the People's Republic of California, because at least until recently, Pythons weren't on the P.R.C.'s list of supposedly "safe" guns.
 
Buy a Python to look at, and to shoot occasionally. Shoot it every day, and you will get to know your gunsmith.
 
Tell your friend to take his Python to a local gunstore and ask how much he would pay. When your friend tells you how much the gunstore guy offered him double it and thats about fair!

For example:
Your friend: I have a like new Colt Python I was considering selling, how much would you give me for it?

Gunstore owner: Oh, that, nobody really wants those anymore, I doubt I could sell it (all the while drooling and with a glint in his eyes) but I'll be a nice guy and take it off your hands for $300.00.

Then you offer your friend more than what the gunstore guy just has and you are both happy.:cool:
 
Thanks guys... :- ) I'm going to give him $700 for it because it's a great gun and he's a great friend. He paid $850 for it last year. He also has a Sig 45 I'm looking at.

Thanks again, this place is great!
 
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