Python Value?

[Palladan44]

1978 Colt Python
4"
Royal Blue
99% (minor storage wear)Been fired sparingly.
In box with all paperwork, manual, etc.
Other than not being "unfired" and having slight turn marks, its MINT

What is this thing worth?
Would you keep or sell?

 

[GRIZ22]

Do you need the money?

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Is it a family heirloom?

Interestingly, the pandemic doesnt seem to have effected vintage Python values much since they were already high before all this.

$2500-3000 seems about right these days for a blued 4-inch.

I would keep it unless I needed the money badly.

 

[ontarget]

I have seen original Pythons locally listed for $2700.00 up to $4200.00. Several over the past couple of years. The higher priced ones are still for sale. I think @NIGHTLORD40K is pretty close if you really wanted to move it along.
That said, I voted to keep it. I still haven't reached the point of selling guns yet.

 

[Obturation]

Sell it, get something you want to shoot. Seems like this one didn't tempt you into using it much so it's basically a paperweight.

 

[Rubone]

To me none of them are worth above $500. I'm talking from function, not desire/fad/bragging rights.

 

[Jeff olson]

Don't sell that one. You'll regret it guaranteed.

 

[P5 Guy]

You can get $2000 to $3000 from a Colt collector in this area.
I'd sell it and get something you'd not fear using for decreasing its value.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

It's only worth about $250, but since I've been looking for one I'll give you $400.

 

[1KPerDay]

If you don't shoot it, get rid of it unless you want to pass it down to your kids, who will sell it to a pawn shop for $400. After throwing away the box and papers.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

If you don't shoot it, get rid of it unless you want to pass it down to your kids, who will sell it to a pawn shop for $400. After throwing away the box and papers.

Yep

 

[defjon]

Hi,

I like the responses. If I happened upon this, I would keep it.

I would never be one paying 2k, 3k +...

The colt action (vintage) is clockwork, and few now know how to repair and tweak it. I'm not sure if the modern cnc /mim colt plants could service it.

They are collectable. Not as robust as a 586/L frame or service /speed six /gp100 etc.

We don't know how much you paid. We don't know what you are into. We don't know if you're single or married, hard up or flush with cash, have kids or childless etc. All of these qualifiers might change our answer.

If you have a kid into guns /shooting / self defense / collecting this would be a princely gift on their 21st etc.

If grand pappy left it to you but you sure hated that jerk, or it invokes "meh" from you and you want that glock because self defense starts at 15 rounds on tap... Why not move it along?

As mentioned they've already maxed out in value. Covid madness hasn't made them worth 10k.

You could probably still sell it and buy a beater car with the money.

In my present day financial situation and armory, if I looked in the safe and said "honey, when did we get this old python? Must've been a wild night..."

Then I would keep it. I would take good care of it, but also use and shoot (though not carry) it. And I'm raising kids to love and appreciate the 2nd amendment and the shooting sports.

So when of age, they could have a gladiatorial battle royale to inherit that sweet blued slick colt goodness.

For revolvers.. That vintage python action is nice and they'll never be made quite like this, in that finish, again. To me that makes it special. Not at present asking prices, but if I suddenly possessed what you posted.

As said, even the packaging and paperwork matters. Check out gunbroker.

 

[tark]

It is rare to see any classic revolver in that condition with the original box along with everything that was in the box right down to the hanging tag. Even the warrantee card! And that box looks to be absolutely pristine! I am a collector and we collectors absolutely DROOL over very high conditioned guns like yours. If you put that gun up for sale on gunbroker you might be shocked at how high the bidding would go.

I could have a piece like that and never shoot it, but I think most of us here are of the opposite point of view. And there is certainly nothing wrong with that. If you Haven't shot it very much in all those years I would probably sell it and get something more fun to shoot.

 

[BreechFace]

Do you need the money?

This should be your first question to answer.

 

[tommy.duncan]

I voted to keep it.

If you need the cash, sell it. If not, will it to your 2nd amendment loving children/grandchildren. The new pythons are nice but not
even close to the piece in your picture.
I would clear out a space in your safe and sit on it.

 

[BreechFace]

@tommy.duncan sums up my thoughts well.

 

[tommy.duncan]

@tommy.duncan sums up my thoughts well

Brother, what you have is irreplaceable!! I would never sell it unless I HAD too!!

My daughter is in a masters degree program and I am trying not to sell off the collection. I will if I have to but, she is going to be taking care of me in a few years,
so I am trying to keep her debt free. lol

 

[ev780]

Sell! I was shocked to see it was worth $3 grand! Nice piece but wow! Good for you.

Unless there is a sentimental reason or you are a collector/trader.

Here are my gun classifications as a shooter not a collector.

Dads guns I inherited---A couple no shooters but mostly shooters with a special place in my safe.

My guns---Hammers that go boom.

 

[Targa]

It would have to be a very dark day before I sold that.

 

[defjon]

I voted keep because it's so pristine. It's like someone time traveled 50+ years to the past and brought it into 2021.

 

[303 hunter]

I’d sell it and buy a GP100 or 686. You’ll have plenty of $$ left over, and a revolver you can shoot without hurting its value.

 

[Broccolis]

I have one, May not be and clean and new as yours but its i would say maybe a 92% condition with box and all papers. Keeping for my son.

 

[Palladan44]

*OP Update*
Great input. I dont need the money, but "Safe Queens" always create a mind riot where I himm and haww about them eventually. Whether or not to shoot them.... just cause... I like collectables, but such a beautiful firearm that just sits there is also sad that theyre not doing what theyre meant to do. And the Python plays the 357 wheelgun game arguably the best, although not the most durable lock there is.

I paid $1,550 for this back when I drove the Red Jeep....which was from 2006-2009 somewhere in there. It was the most money ive ever shelled out for a gun, up to that point anyways.

Another question..... If you owned it, would you shoot it on a rare basis to enjoy? Lighter end ammo, and clean afterwards? Or avoid shooting it risking de-valuing it? Occasional shooting would take the condition slowly from 99% to 98% to 97% to 96% and what would that mean for the value?
Im not an expert, so i figured id ask.

 

[Herman B]

Your safe-queen is my shooter. I'm neither collector nor fondler, so I'd either dirty it up or send it down the line. We have a nice 'n dirty nickel model that is a joy!! Really can't imagine just looking at it when so much of the sweet, juicy Python experience is in the squeeze.

 

[gunlaw]

If you bought it in 1978 keep it. You won’t lose on it. I don’t think the values are going to stay where they are now but they will always have considerable value. I’d keep it unless someone makes an offer you can’t refuse.