Python trade: do it?

M

Monkeyleg

New member
I've been mulling over the idea of trying to do an even swap of a Benelli M1 Super 90 pistol grip shotgun that I bought and haven't really shot for a 1970's vintage Python Ultimate. (I believe that's the nickel-plated version, isn't it?). Why? I don't know. It just seems like the Python would be more collectible, and would be a fun gun to shoot once in awhile. I can always get a Remington 870 Police to use for an HD shotgun.

Am I nuts?

Dick
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Monkeyleg,
I have looked at those nickel plated Pythons at the last two gunshows I have attended and would love to have one. I just haven't been able to commit to coughing up the cash. The M1 Super 90 is nice but I don't consider it collectible like the Python. I'd go for the Python and get the 870 for HD.
 
The Python is a collectible, not to mention a dang fine revolver (its the cadillac of revolvers, you know). Prices on them are high, and aint never coming down now that colt stopped making them

I do that trade in a minute.
 
Wow, go for it! I have been drooling over those things for ages.. always more than I would prefer to spend :)
 
Welllll....there's one thing I didn't mention. I haven't found somebody with a Python Ultimate to do the trade with yet! The Benelli I figure is worth about $900 ($825 new plus a 7-shell tube, and I've only put 25 shells through the gun). The Python Ultimates I see advertised are at around $850 to $900 also. That price sound about right? There was some discussion about what to look for when buying a vintage Python: signs of replating or refinishing,
improper clearances on the sideplates, etc. Is there anywhere to look for more comprehensive info on Pythons? When I was looking for a 2nd generation SAA I found a book that listed every last single thing that should be found on a particular gun for a particular year. Kept me from being ripped off several times. Any advice much appreciated.

Dick
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I'd go for the Python.

As far as books are concerned, I don't know of anything which documents any changes made during the production life of the Python. For a few years though, there was a short run of .38 Specials (around the mid to late '70s).
 
I thought the Python Ultimate was the brightly polished stainless. I would go for the Python and use a Rem 870 for shotgunning. It is a great gun and will go up in value.
 
Yes, as skeeter says, the Python Ultimate is bright stainless. AFAIK it was not introduced until the mid-80s. So a Python from the 70s would not be an Ultimate, but rather another finish.

BTW, I had a chance to get a brand-new Python Ultimate for $495 when they first came out. However, I passed on it--and have been kicking myself ever since (ouch!).
 
You're right, Jimmy. When I checked an old Blue Book I saw that. I guess I was thinking the Ultimate was nickel-finished. As I check the various websites the prices seem to be all over the map. I'm assuming that some of these are newer models, and the older 70's models are commanding a somewhat higher price. Sound feasible? Since I plan on shooting it, I don't want to pay for one that's new in box, but I do want one that's in excellent condition, and those seem to hover around the $900 mark. We'll see what the gun shows have. In the meantime, do you or anyone else know a site on the web that would have good photos of the different finishes? The link here on TFL just shows nickel and blued.

Dr45ACP, the SAA book I have is "Colt's SAA, Postwar Models," by
George Garton, published by Gun Room Press. I don't remember where I bought it, but I'm sure Amazon has it. It goes into every detail, telling you where the proof stamps should be, what they should be, etc. Even tells you what to look for on the inside of the grips. I had a 2nd generation 5.5" barrel .45LC blued, unfired, unturned in the original box with papers. Sold it about four years ago for $1800. :(

Dick
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I WOULD TRADE THE BENELLI for an ultimate python too,however i wouldnt take a benelli for an ultimate python or any python for that matter.like you said the python is a collector.not so with the benelli.if you can find someone willing to trade go for it,forsure
 
Thanks all for your replies. If you'll allow me just another question... ;) I've been looking at prices online and in pubs like the Gun List. I see prices on 6" nickle Pythons ranging from a bit over $600 in "excellent" condition to $1165 as new in original box. The Blue Book puts the value at about $575 for a 100% gun. One of the guys at my local gun store has one, and says he figures it's worth $700+, considering that it's in "excellent" condition. Does anyone have a handle on Python prices? I don't mind paying a fair price, but I sure hate getting taken to the cleaners.

Thanks for any replies.

Dick
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I sold my last Python just BEFORE Colt stopped making them.
Great timing!
BUT....I have sold every Python I have ever owned. They are muzzle heavy with LOUSY double action (LOOOOOOONG) compared to the unmentionable brand.

I shoot a M66 (pre agree) better than any Python I have owned. Ditto the M19. Tighter groups, less weight, handier, and I always get 6" bbl.

I wud trade for the Python just because the Python can be traded later. It is just personal preference but I do not like the Colt action. It's fine for slow single action (as long as you change grips) but the timing will be gone if you fire it fast or often. (Course I never use hot loads in any of my guns)

I think a real world Python should go for $700 or so. Shops are asking higher and so are ads.
 
i knew if i looked long enough i'd find other folks who liked the big snake.

monkeyleg,

just a like background on the python: it has only been offered in 4 finishes 1)royal blue-deep high luster polish, 2)nickle plated-high gloss white, 3)stainless-matte finish while and 4)ultimate-stainless w/high gloss royal polish

the snakes were produced in 3 serial number series #####, #####X and X#####; some people try to collect 3 guns with matching numbers

the .38spl models were produced for NRA competition as a replacement for the officer's target

it is the most accurate production .38 revolver due to the cylinder lockup with the hand/pawl and the choked barrel. it ruled "leg gun" police matches until the introduction of the L-frame.

they were going for $450-600 b4 colt relegated them to the custom shop, then the prices jumped to the $1000 range

i hope this helped some, a lot of this info came from an old american handgunner issue in an article by massad ayoob i'd trade for your benelli but i only have blued ones(i even have 10000X and i'm looking for a collector)

good luck in your search
 
I have a 6" Ultimate, (yes, highly polished stainless), Python that I bought new back in the middle eighties. I paid $550.00 for it, which at the time made me "wince" a bit. It is the most accurate revolver I've ever shot bar none. If you can't hit with this thing, it's YOUR fault not the gun's. It also has a silky smooth trigger pull either single or double. Shortly after I bought it, I had Raj over at Eagle Grips fix me up with a pair of their oversized stag grips, which are now unavailable and have been for a long time. With these beatiful grips it is truly a show piece and shoots every bit as good as it looks.
For years I had a second Python, (6" blued), up until about a year ago when I traded it off. It was a good shooter but not as accurate, (though ALL Pythons are accurate), nor had as smooth or crisp a trigger as this has.
 
Thanks again for the replies. Some good information to have in my head when I'm shopping. Gene, what would you say your Ultimate is worth right now? As I said, the prices seem to be all over the map. I called a guy in FL last night who had advertised a 4" nickel model, fired but not much, and he wanted $995 for it. Then I see that another TFL member over on the general handgun forum bought an unfired 6" nickel model for $813, including tax and Pachmyr grips. This is nuts.

Dick
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As far as prices go...especially on rare or discontinued items,like the PYTHON, for instance...you pays your money and you takes your chances!!!...Good Luck!!!....mikey357
 
Most pythons in new condition are now selling in the $850-$1000 range, depending on condition, finish and barrel length. I bought mine Jan 4th of this year for $813 price you saw. If you want used, you can pick up pythons in the $650 range. To get a good price check, go to Austion Arms or another web site and search closed auctions for the Python. Check the selling price on those in the last 4 months by the three items I mentioned above and you can determine the current prices. Then if you find one less than the average price, I'd say buy.

In my biased opinion, the Python will always be a good buy, given the name recognition and thousands of fans.

Good luck.
 
Dick,
I really can't say what mine is worth. I'd guess about double what I paid because Colt is no longer producing Pythons, (which when announced immediately caused Pythons to jump in value), and the fact that the oversized stocks I have on it are even rarer. Also, mine is in about 99% condition and the "Ultimate" is probably one of the most sought after models, right behind the "deep blue" ones of the fifties and early sixties.
The above estimates seem about right but like anything, you CAN come across a good deal. A lot of LEO's, (and they usually take GOOD care of their firearms), carried Pythons in the '70's and early '80's and traded them in when the new "Wondernine" autos came into vogue. There are still lots of them floating around in good shape on the used market and keep checking your local gun shops and shows. You'll find one with dilligent searching. Get a 6" if you can, (IMHO), but ALL Pythons are really works of art and are very accurate.
 
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