Should I buy a Colt Python and why not$

F

FES

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I have been wanting a High Gloss Stainless Steel Colt Python 4" since the first time I had seen one. I know I can't get a new one but maybe one that hasn't been fired much. I there anything anyone can tell me, whether to buy or not to buy and how much is too much money?

Thanks FES
 
Welcome aboard. I wouldn't buy a Python myself, but whatever else they might be, they look pretty. In my opinion Smith & Wesson make a far more reliable and user-friendly product. If I were you I'd head down to the local pistol range and see what people there are actually shooting, especially in competitions. If you ask them why there are no Pythons about I'm sure they'll tell you.
Briefly: they go out of tune faster than a $2 ukulele, their trigger pull is too long and hard to adjust, their cylinder release is ridiculous and they are way overpriced.

I know not everyone will agree but there's my point of view, for what it's worth.
 
Blue, everything you said about the Python is true, and there's probably even more reasons not to buy one, but as soon as I find one I can afford, it's going in my safe. It's a visceral thing, like a Luger. Finicky, over engineered, needlessly complicated, and ultimately desirable. To me, anyway.
 
Personally, I've never fired a Python since I was about 12(32 years ago)and I didn't know squat about the finer points of firearms back then. However, I've talked to a number of people who shoot them and have sold them. Almost all of them said that while they are fine weapons they are way overpriced and for a more reasonable price you can buy a S&W Model 686 and get comparable quality.
 
They do cost too much money. Colt collectors have driven prices way up. But that can also been seen as a plus. If you buy one, take care of it, and then decide to sell it ten years down the road, you will likely make some good money off the deal.

IMO, every real handgun collection really needs a Python. Even if you don't shoot it very much. It is just too much of a classic to miss. I just got a six inch blue model made in 1969 in last month. I paid WAY more than I would have for a Model 27. And I'll probably only shoot it about 100 rounds a year. But you can bet it will be one of the first guns out of the safe if someone comes over for show and tell!

Gregg
 
You might indeed be able to get a new one if you wait a few weeks to a month. Colt representatives told me last year, and as have several others around the net, that Colt is going to bring back the Python Elite this year.
They will cost quite a bit even if they are new. $1000 more or less. But worth it. You can find some used Pythons for roughly the same price, maybe $100-200 less in great condition and with walnut grips.
But I sure would get one if that's what you really want. It's better in the long run to spend more money and get what you really want than to just settle for this or that and never be truly satisfied.
Hope this helps
 
Buying and owning a Python is not a resonable thing, it is a passion that you either have, or have not (sorry for the Yoda like wording). There is no doubt they are priced very high, and if you are just looking for a practical gun, by all means get a S&W, Ruger, et al. It's like eating caviar (which I hate), not everyone has a taste or craving for it, but if you do then you must satisfy it. And you do savor and enjoy it all too much. I own several, a few are unfired and just for collecting, two are for shooting and I haven't had a problem BUT, I baby them and shoot only .38 specials through them. The triggers are amazing, and I can shoot them more accurately then any of my other guns. So, they are not for everyone, but those that have the desire, and know the pleasure, we gotta have them.:)
 
I have to agree with Python guy

Just about every highend gun I've seen is way over priced...but that is mostly because there is a market for them. If the guy has always wanted one then when the bank account is right and the right gun (I hope) comes along he should get it.

I'm not sure how much it has been shot is that important....

As long as it's legal* and doesn't hurt someone else... you should get what you want in this life.

*legal part is debatable with the way laws are these days......
 
Life's too short.
You want one,,,,, get one.

For the sake of discussion, let's say you're 25 years old.
A gun like a Python is a lifetime investment.
By most counts, you'll have close to 50 years to enjoy that snake.
That works out to about $2.00 a month if the Python runs $1200.00.

That's less than 2 orders of french fries...
 
Good Grief!!! My Pythons must have something wrong with them. I only shoot 357 in them and the dang triggers still work the way I got them. The cylinders still align properly and the triggers are still sweet.


Then all my Colt 1911's work without problems also. I must be some kind of freak.


Absolutely DO NOT buy a Python, they are crap, and too expensive and....

...if you and everybody else does the same the price will come down. And I'll be able to afford more:D
 
I have one that my father left to me. I first shot it in 1980 at the age of 10. It is a beautiful 6" blued model. I plan on getting some really nice wood grips for it as the original Colt ones, while looking pretty, are miserable to shoot with. I shoot it in the meantime with a rubber Hogue monogrip. Having small hands I can't use a grip the encases the backstrap.

Whenever anybody learns I have it it is the first gun they want to see. I con't care what it is worth because one day it will belong to my children and eventually grand children.

If you are looking for first 357 to put a bunch of rounds through look elsewhere. If you want something like a Rolex watch, functional, far more fancy and expensive than needed but will age like a vintage Bordeux get the Python.
 
If you want it and have the money...sure...

But if this is going to be a no-frills, home defense, hunting, plinker...might as well get a good Smith or a Ruger.
 
I once had a 2 1/2 inch, 4 inch, and 6 inch, all blue and purchased in the 70s.Still have the 4 inch and am kicking myself for selling the other two. They all were and have been problem free.
 
very sexy looking pistol,hard to resist.If you want it get it ,they ain't gonna get any cheaper in the future.what you think is high price today will be a bargin 5 or 10 years from now .
 
Nobody can tell you what gun to buy. That's your choice to make.

The Python is expensive. It should be. It is a top of the line, deluxe revolver. The older S&W Model 27 comes close but not quite equal to the fit and finish. If this is not important to you then don't spend the extra money.

I've had about half a dozen Pythons over the past 30 years and all were magnificent in fit and finish and all shot superbly. I currently own two, a 4" and a 6" both in blue and I have no intention of getting rid of either of them.

Like someone said, life is too short to date ugly women, drive slow cars or buy cheap guns.
 
The Python is a target revolver not a service revolver. The required work needed to make a target revolver is reflected in it's price. If you want a high end target revolver and have the money then by all means get a Python. If you want a lesser grade service revolver then save some money and get a M686, GP-100, or King Cobra.
I have owned Pythons since the 1970s. I have not had any of the so call famous problems that are always reported. All of them lived up to the Python name in looks and performance. I now have 4 (two 6", a 4", and a 2 1/2") and although 3 are considered safe queens my shooter (which was bought used) has given me 15 years of trouble free service.
Call it prestige, snobbery, jealousy, or whatever you like the Python is a highly reconized and appreciated revolver.
 
If I were you I'd head down to the local pistol range and see what people there are actually shooting, especially in competitions. If you ask them why there are no Pythons about I'm sure they'll tell you.
Briefly: they go out of tune faster than a $2 ukulele, their trigger pull is too long and hard to adjust, their cylinder release is ridiculous and they are way overpriced.
Click to expand...

:rolleyes:

http://grantcunningham.blogspot.com/2006/01/is-colt-python-delicate.html
 
Thanks for that post Grant. It makes sense. I guess it's a matter of being prepared to take the time and trouble to keep your Colt running well.
Alas, I am too lazy, or too busy, to go to those lengths.
Like I said, they are beautiful - maybe (for some anyway) that's enough?
 
Grant

Thanks for taking the time to set the record straight.

Not only is this revolver a beautiful precision fitted work of art.....

It is amazingly accurate.
 
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