Need Help from the Python Experts tonight (25th)!

P

Peter M. Eick

New member
I have a 6" python on hold that seems in pretty nice shape and I need some help.

It is a blued model, probably shot less then 100 times, serial number p197xx. It is in good shape, no external cuts or scratchs on the frame or barrel, but the crown has some light nicks and the sideplate does not seem to be fit as tightly as my early Diamondback. The gap on the sideplate is about 1/2 a paper width. I would guess that maybe this is not the original sideplate or possibly it was just not fit as tightly as I remember????? The screw holes do not seem to be dished and it does not look like it has been polished and refinished. I did not notice any holster wear.

All in all it looks like a reasonable shooter. The barrel seems clean, the forcing cone has negligable wear, the topstrap is slightly eroded above the forcing cone. There was no indication of overpressure damage or problems like that. Trigger was very smooth, lockup is tight on all cylinders, and the trigger breaks cleanly on every cylinder. When in DA mode the gun locks up on every cylinder prior to the hammer falling.

Compared to my old python (had to sell it about 20 years ago), the trigger is not as smooth, the fitting of the sideplate is no where near as tight. The rotation of the cylinder is rougher.

So there is my description. What I want to know is:
1) Any idea when it was made?
2) Any thing to look for if I buy it?
3) They are asking $650 for it, reasonable?
4) Other suggestions or comments?

Thanks, sorry for the short notice. If I want to get it, I need to pick it up on the 25th or 26th.
 
$650

doesn't sound like a bargain. I've seen some LNIB sell for around that.

Why don't you try searching gunbroker, auctionarms, etc. to get a feel for pricing, though?
 
Search

AA.com, past 90 days, using keyword "python." Should drag up 289 items, about half being firearms.

$650 isn't awful, but it isn't great either.

Hard to beleive that the SS Elites, like mine, are going for $900-1200 now. :rolleyes:
 
Sounds high. Even if sideplate came that way from the factory, would rate a hefty discount. Figure at least 45 bucks to recrown and then the finish is down the tubes.

Maby in the 400s as a shooter.

Sam
 
Sounds ok, but not a great deal by any stretch. My 1980 Nickel 6 inch with original wood grips, all in almost new shape, was 675 just a few months ago, plus shipping and transfer fee of course. I think I'd pass on this one.
 
I'd argue for a lower price for the cost of refitting a new sideplate. 1/2 a paperclip thickness sounds might suspicious to me and I'm wondering if someone gun plumbed it. If the internals are working (good DA/SA timing, smooth trigger pull, bolt pops up 2/3 way between cylinder rotation (1/2 to 2/3 is OK), no push-off, safety works (lower the hammer w/finger off the trigger and when the hammer is at rest, the firing pin should not protrude through the fiiring pin hole), then it may be a matter of the wrong sideplate being installed on the gun.
 
I just checked and I don't see any Python serial numbers starting with a P in my book. The book, R.L. Wilson's Colt: An American Legend, only shows through 1985, so it could be that this gun is after that date.

The P prefix was used on Police Positive, Diamondback, Cobra and some other models in the early 1980s.

Snake
 
If you have concerns, why don't you wait until what you really want becomes available?

I say that because a Colt DA revo is one of the most fibber mcgee type mechanisms known to man and if it is not 100% correct you will soon know it (to your dismay).

Also, any collector value is shot based on your description so it is a shooter.
 
My late '90s Python...

has a serial number starting w/ a "P."

I believe that some call these "prefix" guns.

I assume these are also worth less since I've heard and can attest that those made in this period are at the nadir of quality.
 
As far as the gap around the sideplate is concerned, I personally feel like it's probably nothing to be concerned about. The sad truth is that for years Colt's sideplates have been fitted imprecisely, especially when compared with the generally excellent fit of Smith & Wesson's. YMMV.
 
After much thought and considerations to your posts, I passed on that particular one and went for another. They (the dealer) gave me the same price on another 6" blued that from the SN was made in the 70's. It was badly in need of a good lube job, but compared to the SS elites that were available for comparison, it was obviously a better gun.

Now, as compared to memory of my old '66 python that I had to sell to get through college. It is not as smooth DA but that may just be the lack of a good cleaning and lube job. The SA is easily as good if not better then I ever remember. The grips are not as nicely finished. The blue job is perfect and the sideplate and all of the screw holes are very nice. The crown shows a bit of wear, but no serious nicks or anything. I would guess this one was a range gun and not much else.

I put 200 158grn Winchester Softpoints down it and 200 Winchester 158grn lead rn 38's down range yesterday. It smoothed right up. All in all I am pleased. I found the accuracy about the same as I remember it, but full power 357's seem more then I remember. This definately kicks more then full power 10mm's out of my G20 even though the G20 is tossing a heavier bullet faster.

Oh well, practice makes perfect.

Thanks for the advice.
 
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