Python Hunting

[Kadetklapp]

For several years I've wanted a Colt "snake" revolver. I knew there were several snake guns, the Cobra, King Cobra, Anaconda, Python, etc, but wasn't sure what I wanted. Recently I resigned from a part time LE job where I had been "issued" a GP-100 to look after. I had planned to try and buy it from the town, but no dice and finally got tired of trying. The gun went with my resignation. So, that leaves me with only two wheel guns in my entire collection of about 13 pistols. One is a Rossi .357, the other a Smith .38.

So looking at all the snake Colt guns, I've decided I must have a Python .357, badly. I noted that the prices are very high, and I either must be prepared to drop a big dime on one, or wait forever to find a mediocre condition gun from an estate or consignment shop :dunno:

I'm pretty sure I want a nickle finish gun, but am considering a royal blue pistol. Colt Pythons on gunbroker vary in price from $850-$20,000!!!!!!!!

One is a poorly repaired beat-to-piss blued pistol that the guy thinks is worth over $700.

So, how is the best way to go about this? I might add that I'm BROKE as they get, really too broke to be a gun collector, but I love them so. Basically I'll have to scrape, borrow, and save to come up with the $$$ for one, so might as well take my time in searching one out. Any advice is appreciated.

[The_Gun_Guru]

One is a poorly repaired beat-to-piss blued pistol that the guy thinks is worth over $700.

IT IS!!!!

Probably even more!

I had one that I bought in 1986 at a gun show for $425!

I TRADED IT AWAY!!!!:crying::crying::crying:

If you find a good one, it will cost you around $1200 (I know this because I want another one!)

Good luck.

[edcrosbys]

I came across a mirror finish python a few years ago for $800. I was going to hold on to it (safe queen), until circumstances dictated otherwise. It quickly sold for $1600.

Best of luck. I got mine from a neighbor's friend at work who's wife was making him sell his guns (baby on the way). I tried to talk him into growing a set, but I ended up with an old AR and python instead. His Loss.

[The_Gun_Guru]

a neighbor's friend at work who's wife was making him sell his guns (baby on the way).

WOW!:wow:

My wife had a baby eight weeks ago and in the nine months that she was pregnant, I BOUGHT 17 guns!!!

I don't reduce. It defeats the purpose of being a gun collector!:whistling:

[FLRon777]

Use the internet to monitor Gunbroker and GunsAmerica. Aside from that, there is a very good forum for Colt fans, www.coltforum.com

The people on that website are amazingly informed about all things Colt. You will find guns posted in their classified section. They tend to be fairly priced as the people there are not the type to overpay, and generally people post their guns on the Colt Forum before they take them to GunsAmerica or Gunbroker.

Good luck on your search!

[Bren]

One is a poorly repaired beat-to-piss blued pistol that the guy thinks is worth over $700.

In very good condition it would be worth more than that, but no way I'd pay that for a beat up one. The gun shop near my house has had a nickel 4" Python sitting in the case at $650 for about a year now. A little pitting from old rust on the front of the trigger guard and plenty of signs of wear are enough to keep it from selling.

[bennwj]

For several years I've wanted a Colt "snake" revolver. I knew there were several snake guns, the Cobra, King Cobra, Anaconda, Python, etc, but wasn't sure what I wanted. Recently I resigned from a part time LE job where I had been "issued" a GP-100 to look after. I had planned to try and buy it from the town, but no dice and finally got tired of trying. The gun went with my resignation. So, that leaves me with only two wheel guns in my entire collection of about 13 pistols. One is a Rossi .357, the other a Smith .38.

So looking at all the snake Colt guns, I've decided I must have a Python .357, badly. I noted that the prices are very high, and I either must be prepared to drop a big dime on one, or wait forever to find a mediocre condition gun from an estate or consignment shop :dunno:

I'm pretty sure I want a nickle finish gun, but am considering a royal blue pistol. Colt Pythons on gunbroker vary in price from $850-$20,000!!!!!!!!

One is a poorly repaired beat-to-piss blued pistol that the guy thinks is worth over $700.

So, how is the best way to go about this? I might add that I'm BROKE as they get, really too broke to be a gun collector, but I love them so. Basically I'll have to scrape, borrow, and save to come up with the $$$ for one, so might as well take my time in searching one out. Any advice is appreciated.


My first handgun was a Browning Buckmark .22 that I bought in 1986 and I still have.

My second gun was a Colt Python with a 4" bbl (I think that was the length) that I sold in order to buy a Colt Commander .45.

Worst decision of my life. The Python was a fantastic revolver and now as far as I know is not made anymore except in the custom shop. Man the trigger on that thing was FANTASTIC!! I would guess that is why the guy wants $700 for the beat up one. A beat up classic revolver is still junk regardless of what it says on the frame.

Learning my lesson from selling the python I have NEVER sold or traded another gun. I'm up to 23 handguns and 47 long guns. It does become addictive!!!!!

[bac1023]

As far as double action revolvers go, the Python is about as good as it gets. I know they're my favorite and are the best looking, best shooting revolvers I've ever owned.

Also, they will continue to appreciate in value, so they're a great investment as well.

[bac1023]

Here's a pic of one of mine, until you snag one yourself. :cool:

This one is 4" polished nickel.

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n5/bac1023/000_0808s.jpg

[Kadetklapp]

Here's the ideal one, but it's SO expensive.... :(

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=102870840

Things I love about the Colt snake series, over an S&W, Ruger, Etc:

Beveling on the front of the cylinder

Muzzle has an interesting style to it, using the front sight, rib, and barrel lug to bring everything together.

Trigger guard has unique shape

Ribbed barrel,

The list goes on.

[bac1023]

Here's the ideal one, but it's SO expensive.... :(

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=102870840

Things I love about the Colt snake series, over an S&W, Ruger, Etc:

Beveling on the front of the cylinder

Muzzle has an interesting style to it, using the front sight, rib, and barrel lug to bring everything together.

Trigger guard has unique shape

Ribbed barrel,

The list goes on.

Yeah, there is no doubt that they are one of the best looking revolvers of all time. I think they're THE best looking.

While I have a few nickel, I tend to like the blued Pythons better. Are you set on a 4" model?

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n5/bac1023/000_0761.jpg

[Kadetklapp]

Nope, not set my heart on anything, but I do find the 4" to be the most desireable to me.

I would take a blued six or eight inch one in a heartbeat.

[bac1023]

Nope, not set my heart on anything, but I do find the 4" to be the most desireable to me.

I would take a blued six or eight inch one in a heartbeat.

Yeah, I think the 4" models look and more feel more balanced, but the 6" model looks classic. 8" barrels seem a little long on 357s to me. I do like the 2.5" models, but don't own one.

The 3" models are very rare and command some huge prices.

[Guyver]

Here's the ideal one, but it's SO expensive.... :(

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=102870840

Things I love about the Colt snake series, over an S&W, Ruger, Etc:

Beveling on the front of the cylinder

Muzzle has an interesting style to it, using the front sight, rib, and barrel lug to bring everything together.

Trigger guard has unique shape

Ribbed barrel,

The list goes on.


That one is nice, but for some reason I prefer this one...

Python Elite (http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=102297249)

[Yellowfin]

For a real bang see if you can get ahold of one of the few .41 Mag Pythons made. That was a prototype that should have seen full scale (no pun intended) production.

[bac1023]

That one is nice, but for some reason I prefer this one...

Python Elite (http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=102297249)

Unfortunately, the Python elites command a premium price, due to rarity. They were built by the custom shop upon request, after the model was discontinued. They rarely sell for under $2K. However, they aren't fitted quite as nice as the older models from the 50's through the early 70's.

[Kadetklapp]

Unfortunately it looks as if I'll be restricted to a blued model that's going to be fairly worn in the price range I reside in ($700-$850). Oh well, it's still a Python.

[TylerDurden]

I got an email from someone looking to sell one for $450 a couple years ago... I typed too slow.

(trying not to make jokes about python hunting)

[armorplated]

I can't imagine why you'd want a collector's firearm to use as a field gun. I'd go with a Ruger Blackhawk for the field and then save, at your leisure for a collector grade Python.

Of course, you could do what I did. Bought a new Python when I was young and dumb and promptly had my initials engraved in the side. Smart.

[Kadetklapp]

What do you define as a "field gun?"

I have no safe queens. All my guns are fired as nearly all are used, with the exception of a few, which I bought to shoot. If it was a $20,000 NIB 3" Python I wouldn't shoot it, but we're talking about an $800 gun.

If you mean duty gun, I carry a Glock daily. The GP100 was issued to me to keep safe, instead of rolling around in the town squad car, which is where it was.

[armorplated]

What do you define as a "field gun?"


I'm sorry. I skimmed the title, "Python Hunting," and assumed you wanted a Python for hunting. Silly me.

Or, maybe you were looking for something to hunt pythons, as in, those big ugly snakes.

I understand now.

I would wait. Save a little money and find a good Python.

[bac1023]

I do agree with that analogy. Save a little more and get a nice one.

[bustedknee]

I traded for a used nickle Python, once upon a time.

It sure was a purty gun!

Didn't shoot worth a darn. The sight cranked hard left would just get the group on the paper.

This is probably the reason it got traded to me.

I traded it to a smartass at a gun show.

A few years ago I picked up a polished stainless steel King Cobra in another trade.
It looks even better than the Python and shoots a small cluster of holes in the center of the target!

If I'm not confused, the KC's are cheaper than the Pythons.

[bac1023]

I traded for a used nickle Python, once upon a time.

It sure was a purty gun!

Didn't shoot worth a darn. The sight cranked hard left would just get the group on the paper.

This is probably the reason it got traded to me.

I traded it to a smartass at a gun show.

A few years ago I picked up a polished stainless steel King Cobra in another trade.
It looks even better than the Python and shoots a small cluster of hole in the center of the target!

If I'm not confused, the KC's are cheaper than the Pythons.

Yeah, they are cheaper and for good reason. Your Python may have had a specific problem, but that was an exception. I have a KC and its a nice revolver, but they aren't Pythons. Colt started building them because the Python was getting too expensive to build and sell. They needed a less expensive option for people. It was built to compete with Smith & Wesson.

I know its a matter of opinion, but how does it look better?

Its got no vented ribs, a lousy stainless finish, a more subdued hammer, and no creast on the end of the barrel.

It looks like just about every other 357 out there. The Python is unique.

[Kadetklapp]

EXACTLY! That's what I really am starting to love and lust about a Python, very unique and commanding appearance. The KC looks like a 686 at a distance, to me anyway.

[bac1023]

EXACTLY! That's what I really am starting to love and lust about a Python, very unique and commanding appearance. The KC looks like a 686 at a distance, to me anyway.

The King Cobra was built to compete with the 686.

[Kadetklapp]

I have a friend who is retired from LE and an FFL holder. Im going to see if I can have him keep an eye out.

Are there any specific parts that cannot be replaced? If I find a mediocre gun that needs a little work, am I out of luck on replacement parts or OEM products?

[bac1023]

I have a friend who is retired from LE and an FFL holder. Im going to see if I can have him keep an eye out.

Are there any specific parts that cannot be replaced? If I find a mediocre gun that needs a little work, am I out of luck on replacement parts or OEM products?

No. As long as Colt is in business, you should be fine.

That said, I've never had an issue with any of mine.

[Forgoten214]

The King Cobra was built to compete with the 686.

I like it better than the 686 too.

[bac1023]

I like it better than the 686 too.

I do too, but when it comes to revolvers, I'm more of a Colt guy.

[Forgoten214]

I do too, but when it comes to revolvers, I'm more of a Colt guy.

Haha I can tell, You have a Python Elite correct?

Also that Anaconda you have, How do you like it? Smooth?

[Kadetklapp]

Here's another gun for a decent price that was RAPED by some moron who thought he was a gun mechanic!

http://www.auctionarms.com/search/displayitem.cfm?itemnum=8682116

So here's a question- If I bought that gun, what do you suppose Colt would charge to take the gun and reblue the screwed up parts?

[fnfalman]

Here's another gun for a decent price that was RAPED by some moron who thought he was a gun mechanic!

http://www.auctionarms.com/search/displayitem.cfm?itemnum=8682116

So here's a question- If I bought that gun, what do you suppose Colt would charge to take the gun and reblue the screwed up parts?

Figure around $300 for a Colt bluing job, probably more for a Royal Blue. Plus the other Colt smithy works to correct the barrel and replacing the screws (the screws shouldn't cost much but knowing Colt...). You look at a pretty penny. I'd buy for maybe $300 and then spend probably $600-700 to make it real pretty via Colt.

[Forgoten214]

Here's another gun for a decent price that was RAPED by some moron who thought he was a gun mechanic!

http://www.auctionarms.com/search/displayitem.cfm?itemnum=8682116

So here's a question- If I bought that gun, what do you suppose Colt would charge to take the gun and reblue the screwed up parts?

Garagesmiths' ey? Hey maybe he was from texas? :rofl:

My bet would be that Colt will charge you for it, I'd say around 200.

[armorplated]

Here's another gun for a decent price that was RAPED by some moron who thought he was a gun mechanic!

http://www.auctionarms.com/search/displayitem.cfm?itemnum=8682116

So here's a question- If I bought that gun, what do you suppose Colt would charge to take the gun and reblue the screwed up parts?


His starting price is $600. It's not just a question of rebluing. The gunsmith is going to have to file down the scars. That's a whole lot more extra work and money, and I doubt he'd be able to do it completely.

Plus the reblue. There's something about some guns, particularly Colts. Not all the pieces/parts are always made of the same metal. I had a Python reblued by Trapper Guns in Michigan years ago. He reblued it, only, the cylinder release latch was purple (plum).

I sent it back. He returned it, same plum color.

Somebody told me that it was because the cylinder release latch was a different material. I don't know, but what I'm saying is that with a reblue, you don't always know what you're going to get.

I'd bet that by the time you spent your money, you'd have enough in it to buy a like new one, and it still wouldn't be to your liking.

[Kadetklapp]

Ya, perhaps it would be a decent gun just to have and shoot, and maybe some day get a purdy one. But $600 is a lot to have in a gun that may not resell well.

[bac1023]

Haha I can tell, You have a Python Elite correct?

Also that Anaconda you have, How do you like it? Smooth?

Yeah, the Anacondas aren't bad, although their action is closer to the King Cobra's.

No Python Elite here. I've handled one before. I don't think the actions are quite as nice as the older models. They sell for more, due to the rarity of them. They were made in the Colt custom shop per order after the Python was dicontinued from production.

[bustedknee]

...Its got no vented ribs, a lousy stainless finish, a more subdued hammer, and no creast on the end of the barrel.

It looks like just about every other 357 out there. The Python is unique.

I disagree. Mine is the polished stainless which not only looks better but cleans up easier than the nickle. And there is no concern about wearing through the finish.

What was that vented rib about, anyway?

BTW, the KC is a much, much nicer handling gun and shoots much smoother than any of my S&W 357's, and I own a couple nice ones.

If I was required to carry a 4 inch 357 revolver this would be the one I would carry.

For a guy wanting to buy a nice 357 I don't think he can go wrong with a KC. And for less money than the over-rated Python.

[bac1023]

For a guy wanting to buy a nice 357 I don't think he can go wrong with a KC. And for less money than the over-rated Python.

I didn't say the King Cobra was a bad gun. If I though that, I wouldn't have one.

However, Colt built it as a less expensive alternative. It does not have the Python's fit and finish or anywhere near as slick an action. Again, the KC was Colt's way of building a 357 without the high cost of a Python. Its got less parts, without the hand honed action of the Python.

If you like the KC better than the Python fine, but there is no denying the difference in the two models. If you want a second opinion, call Colt. ;)

[Forgoten214]

I didn't say the King Cobra was a bad gun. If I though that, I wouldn't have one.

However, Colt built it as a less expensive alternative. It does not have the Python's fit and finish or anywhere near as slick an action. Again, the KC was Colt's way of building a 357 without the high cost of a Python. Its got less parts, without the hand honed action of the Python.

If you like the KC better than the Python fine, but there is no denying the difference in the two models. If you want a second opinion, call Colt. ;)

Nice, So the Python was the king of the crop by colt right?

[bac1023]

Nice, So the Python was the king of the crop by colt right?

Yes, the Python was Colt's flagship revolver from the time it was introduced in 1955, until it was discontinued almost 50 years later.

There are other Colt DA revolvers worth big bucks, due to rarity. However, the Python was always their top of the line model.

I like my King Cobra, but I also felt that was one of the LEAST refined Colt wheelguns. To compare it to a Python seems absurd, in my opinion.

[Kadetklapp]

I'm a poor bastard but I would much rather carry a Python than a King Cobra. The King Cobra was a competing gun for the Smith 686. I think the Python trumps the looks, accuracy, and value of the King Cobra easily.

My poor ass will save for a Python....:supergrin:

[bac1023]

I'm a poor bastard but I would much rather carry a Python than a King Cobra. The King Cobra was a competing gun for the Smith 686. I think the Python trumps the looks, accuracy, and value of the King Cobra easily.

My poor ass will save for a Python....:supergrin:

Yeah, the KC would not quench your desire for a Python.

[HowlinJoe]

I hate to be another one to fan the flame of your "need" for the Python. I had one years ago. It was soooooooo pretty that I hated to shoot it - but I loved to look at it, handle it, and work the flawles action!

We all have weak moments. I was shooting a lot and I traded it for whatever the next shooter was that "I had to have". It was maybe the bonehead-move-of-a-lifetime! That was maybe 18 years ago and I still miss that pistol.

I believe that the blued Python has the finest finish that I've ever seen on a handgun. It was clearly the flagship of the Colt pistol line.

By the way - I was attracted to your thread because I'm in the market for a Python myself now. My collection has changed as I have gotten older. I now have shooters (Glock!), guns to admire, and collectors pieces. The Python fits both the latter categories. I share your pain!!!!!

Good luck in your search...

[Kadetklapp]

Went to a gun shop over the weekend and asked if they had any Python's on consignment. Guy shows me a case of beat up revolvers and points out a King Cobra. I said, "oh, thats ok, I was looking for a Python." Then the guy proceedes to tell me how the Python is unreliable and the King Cobra was the improved .357 Magnum from Colt. He had the nerve to put a $950 tag on it also. I left shaking my head....

[Short Cut]

Unfortunately, the Python elites command a premium price, due to rarity. They were built by the custom shop upon request, after the model was discontinued. They rarely sell for under $2K. However, they aren't fitted quite as nice as the older models from the 50's through the early 70's.

The bluing isn't as nice either imo.

[Short Cut]

A less expensive alternative is a S&W 586. Not as collectable, yet still a very fine revolver and you may not feel as guilty about holstering it and using it.

http://www.deportiro.com/imagenes/rdo_cartucheria_balistica/bl19/smith586_combat_magnum.jpg