Checked out a Colt Python today.

[firestar]

I went to a gun store to trade a gun and most of the guns were WAY over priced ($485 for a used 637) but they had a flawless nickel Python with original walnut grips and 4" bbl for only $625. Based on the other prices I thought it was a decent price.

When i checked it out it had an "E" preceeding the serial number and it has not very smooth. I always heard that the Colt Python had the best out of the box trigger of any revolver but this one was nothing special. It didn't sit well in my hand and it felt overly heavy and not well balenced.

Are these guns over rated? I have only checked out two of them but I wasn't impressed with either. I had a S&W 586 that would put both of these to shame in terms of smoothness. Why all the hype?

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

I think they're collector guns but I'd have bought that one... Since I can't get new Colts in my state and can't find a used one that's affordable...I use my S&W 4" 686.

 

[Old Fuff]

When the Python was introduced it was everything it was represented to be - one of the finest production revolvers ever produced. However in later years the company has not been able to retain the highly skilled fitters that are necessary to make the gun everything it can be. I don't like the original factory grip either, but I could say that about a lot of guns. If you find an earlier Python with different grips you'll soon recognize what its fans are talking about.

 

[sgt127]

Ain't it great that we have all the choices that we do?
Having owned several Pythons and Smiths, the Python has a different feeling trigger. If you are used to a really well slicked up S&W trigger, the Python may feel "funny/different". Neither gun has a good or bad trigger. Though I love the Python for what it is and currently own a really nice late 70's model, I personally prefer the feeling of a really good K-frame smith.

 

[Standing Wolf]

I always heard that the Colt Python had the best out of the box trigger of any revolver but this one was nothing special. It didn't sit well in my hand and it felt overly heavy and not well balenced.

Python triggers haven't been Python triggers in a long time. If you want a Python trigger on a Python made in the last fifteen to twenty years, you're going to have to take it to a gunsmith who knows what he's doing.

I've never seen a set of Python stocks that were worth keeping on the gun. Hogue's over the counter stocks are an improvement.

That said™, $625 for a Python isn't a bad price at all these days. If it were blued and in good shape, I'd buy it at that price, and plan to invest another few hundred in gunsmithing and stocks—but then, I'm a little nutty about Pythons.

 

[10-Ring]

That sounds like a good price even if you factor in new grips & quality trigger work. I would have jumped on it

 

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's All-

Standing Wolf- beautiful pic's of a nice inventory,
my friend. Those "snake eyes" sure are shining bright
tonight!

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[Majic]

I'm a big Python fan and have seen the differences in the qualities of the newer vs the older models (and yes there is a big difference). I would buy it for the investment purpose. Even if you don't care for it you could most likely sell it for a profit and have a pretty good down payment on a nice Smith.

 

[Mike Irwin]

Even though I'm a serious S&W person, I'd think very hard about a Python in that price range if it was in really good condition.

 

[Snake Eyes]

I wouldn't think about it at all

$625 is a smokin' good price for a nickle "E prefix" in 95-98% condition. My Colt book says E prefixs started in 1969 and ran through 1975, so that is a vintage Python. There are several nickle snakes selling on Gunbroker right now for $8-1200.

Unless, of course, you are some kind of Saxon swine and then you buy vintage Colts for $500 or less. Pig.

Why don't you PM me with the name and addy of that gun shop. I'd like to call them up and see if they'll ship it to me.