Colt Python Info

[expat_alaska]

I have friend that has a Colt Python .357 revolver that he bought used in 2001 for $1100. He has said that he has only put about a dozen rounds through it. He is really not a gun guy but keeps it loaded on his bedside table, in case of what may happen here in the boontoolies. This is his pic, but it was on a Word.docx file and I had to scan it to convert it to a .jpg. Sorry if it is not of the best quality.

If you are wondering, it is not my pistol. The only revolver I own is a Ruger SP101 in .38 Special. I'm a dyed-in-the-wool 1911 guy but I won't bother you all with that. I am just trying to find out some things for my friend.

I hope the picture is good enough to make a decision.



I am curious about the wood. Is it factory? I have no knowledge about Pythons but I hope to learn. It can't hurt.

What are such pistols selling for these days? My friend has heard that it might fetch around $5K but I am leery about that price.

I just want a ballpark price for a used gun to let him know what he might have.

Thanks in advance for any good responses.

Jim

 

[Reloadron]

Below is my 4" with the original Colt grips. I also have a 6" and the grips look the same but I am not a Python Guru by any means. We do have several forum members who are really good with the things. As to pricing? My 6" has the original box but I have recently seen several 4" and 6" guns in the $3,000 range. Your pictured one looks to be stainless and the box looks minty. Would the gun draw 5K? I am not sure but the prices on Pythons have gone out of sight. My 4" goes back 20 plus years and I got it used, the 6" was part of a my brother needed money deal and I gave him 2K for the 6" and a Colt SP-1 rifle so I won't lose on that. I would not be surprised looking at the picture if he could get 5K on that gun. The guns seem to command high bucks and there are people paying the high prices.



Ron

 

[HexHead]

Python Elite. Those may be original grips, they look like ones I saw on an Elite not long ago, and different than the ones on a regular Python. I don't see an Elite bringing as much $$$ as an "original" Python.

I'd say it's value is between $2500-3000.

 

[expat_alaska]

Python Elite? I have no clue about that. Please enlighten me so I can pass it on, please.

Thanks to you folks that have replied to my post. It gives me something that I can give to my friend. Entertaining any other opinions.

 

[1KPerDay]

Better pictures would help, but figure at least 2 grand.

 

[Black Knight]

I'm with HexHead. That is a Python Elite. It is stainless steel and the last version of the Python. Those grips are more than likely original factory grips. I believe they would be considered generation 4 or 5 grips. Both of my Pythons have the generation 3 grips. The grips on Reloadron's Python would be generation 2. As for possible values go they could go sky high but for that one $2500 to $3000 would not be unheard of. I have seen 2 1/2" Pythons go as high as $5000+. If he keeps it another 5-10 years no telling what the value might be. BTW my first Python was bought in 1979 it has had a new 6 inch barrel installed, new hand, and has been refinished by Colt. I bought for $385 and could get an easy $1000 to $1500 for it, but no sale to much sentimental value to me. My first handgun, made the year I graduated High School, and borrowed money from my Grandmother.

Also check with the Colt Forum. There are people there who are as close to being experts about the Python as can be done. They have some people there that know so much about the Python they seem to have worked for Colt on the Python line. It is what I would call the premier site for Python information.

 

[kcofohio]

PYTHON ELITE

Only the barrel stamp and grips were different.

http://www.coltfever.com/Python.html

Here is some good reading on the Python in general. There are pictures of grips for the Elite and others.

 

[Reloadron]

http://www.coltfever.com/Python.html

Here is some good reading on the Python in general. There are pictures of grips for the Elite and others.

Thanks for the link, some good reading.

Ron

 

[kcofohio]

Thanks for the link, some good reading.

Ron

Agree! Also, dfariswheel is very knowledgeable on Colt revolvers. I have read some of his detailed post from other forums.