Posted: 8/22/2007 7:34:48 AM EDT
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I have a six inch 686 and a 4 inch python. Both are excellent guns in every way. But why the high price the python? Would the pythons lose value if it was factory refinished thereby making it an affordable shooter (on par price wise to the 686)? I'm not bashing the python but just trying to figure out why they are worth so much. The reason I have mine is that I want a Colt revolver, 1911, and AR15. Just working on the AR now. |
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I have loved the Python since I first got into shooting guns way back in the mid to late 70's. The gun always felt good, the lockwork and trigger pull is superb, and it's got the "Cop" mystique since for so many years it was "The revolver" I have two 681's that are my every day use guns, and it took me over 25 years before I finally got my hands on a Python of my own (because of the price) but since they aren't being made anymore I don't see the prices going down. I wouldn't refinish a Python unless it was REALLY messed up... or had already been refinished once before... Supply and demand as always... |
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Yep, supply and demand. I've been looking to get my hands on a decent 6" Royal Blue for a reasonable price, but everybody that has one is hangin' on to 'em, or they're being sold for some outrageously high price. Yes, the value of a Python would be affected if it was refinished....Buy it if you see one for a good price! For a good .357 shooter you should look at Colt Trooper MkIII's and MkV's - my Mk3 is as tough as a tank and accurate to boot. Mk5's have a vent rib similar to a Python, but without the full-lug barrel and smooth hand-fitted action.  wanna buy my Trooper? $1000  |
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What I meant by purchasing a refinished Colt, you would still get all the quality of a python but without the collector price tag. A collector/good condition/non-refinished Python can run upwards of $1000 easily. However, like everyone seems to say, they don't want to refinish even if it is done by Colt. If pythons were such good shooters why wouldn't you want a refinished python for $800? Instead most people would complain that it is not factory original and choose to purchase a unrefinished gun for significantly more money. Where as a refinished Sig or HK in a new high tech finish, such as NP3, it would not harm the value and might even add to it. I guess I'm trying to figure out why it's a collector item versus a shooter. |
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I think you can make the analogy that is common with S&W's to Ruger's. The Smith has a better finish and nicer action with clean classic lines. The Ruger is a boat anchor that can bounce around the back of your pick up truck and still shoot aces. Now, put the Colt Python in place of the Smith and the Smith in place of the Ruger. Compound this with; 1.) The name "Python" 2.) Supply and demand 3.) The infamous "vent rib" and you have a hot sexy piece of gun. I love mine and wouldn't think of trading them or not shooting them. |
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Because it's a PYTHON! I always wondered about the mystique, myself. Then my Father-in-Law died and my wife inherited his 6" Royal Blue Python. It has slight holster wear on the muzzle/front of the frame/front of the cylinder but it's still one of the most beautiful weapons I've ever seen, held or shot. It's easy to chew out the center of a bullseye without too much effort, the sights are very good, the finish is flawless (except the noted wear) and the trigger pull is to die for. I plan on getting my reloading stuff set back up this fall/winter and loading up some light target loads for the Python. If they are accurate enough, there is a local club that has a "Combat Shoot" (the old PPC course) every Wednesday in the spring/summer. I might just take the Python out and see if I can spank the guys that use 686s. My FIL would appreciate that it's actually being used instead of being a safe queen. Bub |
The Python always had a little more hand work. My Python and 586 (both 4") are very similar. The Python does have a better factory trigger and might be a hair more accurate. I think in reality it was more of a Ford vs. Chevy type of thing. People had preferences and the Colt was just enough more rare and difficult to manufacture that the price was higher. Refinishing would probably diminish the value of a Python. A real collector wants an original gun and will pay a premium for it. I paid $425 for my Python about 2 years ago. It was very nicely reblued with some carry wear on the reblue. It is a fantastic shooter though, and I love having it. Do I care that I didn't get an $800+ mint condition Python? Nope. It shoots just like one, and if something happened to it (God forbid), I wouldn't feel so bad. All my guns are shooters! If your Python doesn't need a refinish deparately, just keep shooting it and keep it original. If it is really worn out and needs some work, and you are going to keep it as just a shooter, a refinish isn't the worst thing in the world. Post some pics and let us see it  .later, AJ |
My grandpa gave me his Trooper MkIII. I'll vouch for it's superb accuracy. I shoot a lot and it's the finest shooting 357 I own. That said the grips suck. The sights suck and the bluing is not up to colt's standards. That's why it's cheaper. You can turn it into a python but it'll cost more then the python in the end. |
I don't think that anyone said a refinished Python was unwanted. It is just used and no longer as collectable. As I said, a refinish is often a desireable shooter. Pythons get much of thier value from the collector market, and a collector's desire is different then a shooters. Also, in the used gun market, your are looking for a well cared for gun with the least possible wear for the lowest possible price. A gun that has been used enough that it needs to be refinished has often times shot enough rounds that it could be nearly worn out or in need of other major work. A decent original finish is a good sign of a gun that is well cared for. "Carried a lot, shot a little" only goes so far. Python Elites when they were still around new a couple years ago went between $900 and $1100 usually if my memory serves. Back in the 80's they were running in the $400 to $500 range, again if memory serves. later, AJ |
| Pythons have always been the "Cadillac" of revolvers with the hand assembly and fitting as well as the tapered barrel for accuracy. They always got the top quality finish jobs as well. If it was new, unfired and you still have the original box and papers it would be worth more to a collector in it's factory finish.... BUT if you intend to enjoy it as the sweet shooter, Pythons are and want the finish redone, I"d say go for it, and I'd make sure Colt did it and would just shoot it and keep it. forever. There are too many Pythons still out there in factory perfect condition for the collectors of the world to be worried about it's collectibility. |
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The Python is the finest US made .357 revolver. The only better made .357 is the German made Korth that will cost 5 to 10 times more. They were made the old fashioned way and fitted by hand. Damn near a work of art. I sold mine because I did not like the old fashioned grip shape. |
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