Python Purchase Advice Pls.

C

charleslee

New member
I've been wanting a Colt Python for quite awhile & think I'll finally just go ahead & buy one. It w/ be a collector piece, not fired. I want one in exc. cond.-ANIB cond., w/ box, papers, the works. I realize It'll cost me around $1600.00. Don't wanna go as high as 2K or more for a Royal Blue finish so a regular blued finish w/ do. What do you recommend as far as barrel length, yr. (I've read where the earlier ones were better like so many things in life), & anything else I've forgotten. Thank you!
 
I am unaware of any Python having anything except Royal Blue if it has a blued finish.

It was always an expensive gun.
 
My understanding on the Royal Blue finish is the same as brickeyee's. I've never seen a blued Python with anything less.

With regard to barrel length, if you're strictly interested in rarity I believe the shorter barrels, shorter than 6", are rarer and will carry a premium price. The 6" barrel seems to be the most common. I think, though, that you're going to have to get lucky to get a short-barreled ANIB Python for $1600.
 
Python

As others have said there is only one blue finish. There seems to be some variation depending on year of production. The gun you describe will likely cost you more than 1600 though. For the real primo examples you will pay at least 2000 depending on the barrel length. 2-1/2" Pythons are really high now. Good luck in your search. :)
 
As others have said, royal blue was the only blue

The two most common barrel lengths are 6 in and 4 in. 8 in is common as well. The most expensive lengths would be the 2.5 and 3 combat lengths. The 8 in is probably the cheapest length because they're not very desired by many.
 
Do you know how to care for what your buying? Colt actions differ quite abit the current production revolvers.

I would hate for you to go thru all the effort to acquire a Python to finding out you've damaged it through use. I say this because I don't know you, I mean no offense to you or your gun knowledge you just seemed unfamiliar with the finishes offered so I felt I should ask.
 
I like your choice of gun, but I believe you would be hard pressed to find a NIB condition python for $1600. Thats usually what they go for used. If you know of a place where I can buy NIB pythons for $1600 sign me up. When I was at the gun store last week they had two used one at $1500 and the other at $1800. Also you mentioned that you thought the earlier pythons were better, I have always experienced the opposite. 80's models were the best. From the research I've done I have always found this to be the case. Still no matter what a python is a python and is a beautiful gun, easily one of my favorites.
 
Do you know how to care for what your buying? Colt actions differ quite abit the current production revolvers.

I would hate for you to go thru all the effort to acquire a Python to finding out you've damaged it through use. I say this because I don't know you, I mean no offense to you or your gun knowledge you just seemed unfamiliar with the finishes offered so I felt I should ask.
Click to expand...
Wipe down with lightly oiled rage on the outside (or Eezox). Maybe a drop in the area of hammer/sear from the outside and that's about it. He should never be inside the gun. You don't have to be a Colt trained gunsmith to be a Python owner. All you need is money. :)
 
Me I avoid the things as they are a finiky thing to deal with and most cant or have no clue how to work on the things. Pretty easy to end up with 1600 bucks of out of time junk. But what do I know had 3 of then total out before they hit 50 rounds. Nice to look at or shoot .38s out of but I wont own one again.
 
I carried one for several years as a duty weapon. Finest double action trigger
ever on a revolver. I have actually owned two 4" royal blue Pythons. My qualification scores were excellent with the one I carried for duty and I never had any problems with the piece. I did not realize they were going to be "collectors items" at the time and even had nite sites installed and used and abused it. In a moment of weakness, I traded that Python for a mint "Belgian made" Browning HP that I just had to have at the time. I still have the other Python, I think I paid around $500 for each revolver in the early 1990's (used).
 
Last edited:
$1,600 should buy the box, maybe!:eek: I do not think the OP is going to find what he wants at the price he is willing to pay.:(
 
Wipe down with lightly oiled rage on the outside (or Eezox). Maybe a drop in the area of hammer/sear from the outside and that's about it. He should never be inside the gun. You don't have to be a Colt trained gunsmith to be a Python owner. All you need is money.
Click to expand...

KyJim, You misunderstand I wasn't discouraging him buying it I just want to make sure if he does he knows how they function. It sounds like he barely has the money to buy one. I just don't want him to save up for his dream gun only to find out his inexperience has damaged/ruined it and he won't be able to afford to fix/replace it.

I was referring to colt's 'lock up' Colt actions are designed NOT to have ANY play once in full lock up at all. I would hate for him to save up for a Python and buy one that seemed fine only to find out it needs repairs or it is unsafe to shoot.

I'm just recommending he read up on Colt's, I believe the Revolver Checkout up top covers some perticulars of Colt's there are several members here that are huge Colt guys as well, GUNKWAZY and Dfariswheel come to mind as they both helped me.

I wish you well on your hunt for a Python. I also want a Royal Blue 6" Python. They are beautiful guns.
 
They are beautiful guns.
Click to expand...

Yes they are, and I'm glad I purchased mine in 1981 and then I thought that $493 out the door was pricey:eek: Who would have guessed that in the future I could ask 4 times what I paid for it and folks would think it a bargin.:cool:
 
I'm just recommending he read up on Colt's, I believe the Revolver Checkout up top covers some perticulars of Colt's there are several members here that are huge Colt guys as well, GUNKWAZY and Dfariswheel come to mind
Click to expand...
I can go along with that. They're not delicate but there are some out there that need to be tuned.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top