Too Much Money For Me, But....

[Phydeaux642]

Does anyone think $1,595.00 for a 2" Colt Python is a fair deal? I found one in a local shop today and didn't even bother to handle it knowing that I couldn't put down that much money for it. It was blue without the original grips or box. I know it is worth what someone will pay for it, but at today's prices I would hate to buy something like that for anything other than a safe queen. Especially since I hear that there are fewer and fewer smiths that can work on them if need be. All of the guns that I have purchased for shooting have been less than $800. I know lots of people shoot very expensive guns without a thought, and I wish that I could too, but I just can't do it (finances, not ability).

 

[TAC]

Way over priced if you're realistic about it. I think the Colt Python is one of the most overrated revolvers ever made! Yes, they look super, but from an engineering view point they're not designed well, and they get out of time easily. That is why Colt had to introduce the Trooper, so they could still secure law enforcement contracts.

 

[Old Fuff]

I suspect that if Colt were still making the Python the MSRP would be close to that figure because of the skilled and experienced handwork that's involved. For the record, another dealer recently sold an empty cardboard box for that particular revolver at auction for $306.

Colt didn't discontinue the Python because of a bad design - which had been around since 1908, but rather because they could no longer sell it for a price enough people would pay to justify continued manufacture.

But now the Python has developed a following, and become both a shooter and collector's item. Collectors often pay over-market prices to get a particular piece for their collection.

As for your local dealer, he hopes a well-heeled, money spending person will walk through his door. Maybe one will, but perhaps not. In the end the value will be determined by the amount a buyer is willing to pay, not what's written on the price tag.

I often see guns that I can't afford - something that bothers me not in the least. There are many excellent values out there if you know what to look for.

Recently a friend bought an older Colt Officers Model .38 at auction – a target gun made in 1933. The action is identical to that of a Python, but better fitted. On a quality scale it is considerably better then most Pythons, and the gun was almost new. He paid about 1/3 or less of the asking price on the Python you looked at, and was the only bidder. Go figure….

 

[Ala Dan]

Way tooooo high, IMHO~!

 

[10X]

I think a Python is a good revolver.
But, I do not understand the cult following and resulting astronomical pricing.

The 2 1/2" that you describe, still, is very overpriced. I would have expected the box, papers, original grips and unfired/new.

 

[Old Fuff]

The revolver in question is only overpriced if no one will buy it... That's something that remains to be seen.

But anyway, the Old Fuff isn't reaching for his cash or credit card...

 

[10X]

Comparing prices seen in the auction sites, the above price is higher than the auction sites and generally with some shopping I find auction sites 20% higher than other pricing I can find. Like you say, Old Fuff, we will see if someone buys it at that price. I am not reaching for my wallet either.

 

[bannockburn]

Phydeaux642

Regardless if someone will pay that price or not; without the box and the original grips, this particular Python is still way overpriced.

 

[MM]

I've paid more for a blue snub python, but it has box/docs and only factory firing...
MM

 

[tallpaul]

Way over priced if you're realistic about it. I think the Colt Python is one of the most overrated revolvers ever made! Yes, they look super, but from an engineering view point they're not designed well, and they get out of time easily. That is why Colt had to introduce the Trooper, so they could still secure law enforcement contracts.

Ignorance and armchair expert at its best...

as another pointed out it was price point that led to the trooper. They are not weak nor poorly designed. Any machine if used enough will require maintenance.

Sounds like someone who could not afford or would not spend the money to have one. Mine is 30 years old or so and shoots great. Thousands of rounds later and it still shoots knots. It was expesive when I bought it. It was my first and I don't regret it.

 

[Eightball]

I think that's kinda a goofy price for a 2" revolver, regardless of manufacturer.

But that's just me.

 

[Zebraranger]

Yep...overpriced, I've seen them in great condition for a lot less, $900. to $1200 usually. The auctions seem to bring higher prices. I have to disagree with TAC, I think both the Colt Python & King Cobra are some of the best shooting revolvers. Like all makes, some are better than others, I think they just made fewer lemons when it comes to those two revolvers. On the same hand, I've shot and owned some pretty nice Rugers and S&W's that cost a lot less.

 

[Moonclip]

A six inch stainless is sitting at a local to me CA shop for $1200 for a while now. I know a couple of others, can't recall bbl lenghts, finish, sitting at around $1300.

When they are closer to $1000 or a rare varient like 3" though they sell quickly.

I passed a BEAT version at around $489 last year.