Should I buy this Colt Python?

Topo · June 15, 2000, 09:55 AM

Yesterday I went to my local gunshop and found a Colt Python for sale. 4" Barrel, original wood grips, hard chrome finish. The piece looks like new. They want
$545.00 for it. Good deal?

Hard Ball · June 15, 2000, 11:54 AM

Not if you intend to shoot .357 Magnum cartridges very often, Python actions are somewhat delicte,

B Shipley · June 15, 2000, 12:11 PM

True, but I've heard, but not yet experienced with mine, that they require a minor tune up for the timing at a few thousand rounds. This is fairly minor and supposedly requires adjustments, and not parts replacements.

My gun sucked from the factory, but after four returns, I think it is okay now.

I don't think hard chrome is factory (nickel and stainless, yes, but not HC).

Bubba · June 15, 2000, 01:06 PM

Depends on how old it is. There were a number of HC from the factory back in the 70s. I have a circa 74 that has been flawless. I can't say the same of the stainless I picked up last year. Nothing bad. Just not a smooth a finish on the workmanship as the earlier one.

Since Colt has stopped making them, the price has jumped quite a bit. I have seen a number of these at recent gun shows selling from $600 to $750. While $545 is not a steal... it is still a pretty good buy. But it sure makes the $350 I paid for my SS one last year down right thievery

Bubba

Lavan · June 15, 2000, 03:55 PM

The Python durability depends a lot on what type of shooting you do. If you do mostly single action cock and shoot, they last just fine. It's double actioning that seems to put the wear on the old design.

For fast shooting, I don't like em.

timujin · June 15, 2000, 05:20 PM

No, you shouldn't. Where did you say that gun shop was?.........Mike

wishbone · June 15, 2000, 10:26 PM

Price wise it's a fair price.I have an older 4" nickle that is just kept as another collector gun. I don't shoot it at all. The grips on the 4" were too large for me when I bought it, but it was too pretty to sell.It was supposed to be one of the best.The way they are going up in price I'd buy it .

June 15, 2000, 09:55 AM	#1
Topo Junior Member Join Date: June 6, 2000 Location: Lacey, WA, USA Posts: 2	Yesterday I went to my local gunshop and found a Colt Python for sale. 4" Barrel, original wood grips, hard chrome finish. The piece looks like new. They want $545.00 for it. Good deal?

June 15, 2000, 11:54 AM	#2
Hard Ball Senior Member Join Date: November 28, 1999 Location: California Posts: 3,928	Not if you intend to shoot .357 Magnum cartridges very often, Python actions are somewhat delicte,

June 15, 2000, 12:11 PM	#3
B Shipley Senior Member Join Date: December 25, 1998 Posts: 719	True, but I've heard, but not yet experienced with mine, that they require a minor tune up for the timing at a few thousand rounds. This is fairly minor and supposedly requires adjustments, and not parts replacements. My gun sucked from the factory, but after four returns, I think it is okay now. I don't think hard chrome is factory (nickel and stainless, yes, but not HC).

June 15, 2000, 01:06 PM	#4
Bubba Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 1998 Location: Pflugerville, TX Posts: 280	Depends on how old it is. There were a number of HC from the factory back in the 70s. I have a circa 74 that has been flawless. I can't say the same of the stainless I picked up last year. Nothing bad. Just not a smooth a finish on the workmanship as the earlier one. Since Colt has stopped making them, the price has jumped quite a bit. I have seen a number of these at recent gun shows selling from $600 to $750. While $545 is not a steal... it is still a pretty good buy. But it sure makes the $350 I paid for my SS one last year down right thievery Bubba

June 15, 2000, 03:55 PM	#5
Lavan Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 1999 Location: Dianneaforney Posts: 2,055	The Python durability depends a lot on what type of shooting you do. If you do mostly single action cock and shoot, they last just fine. It's double actioning that seems to put the wear on the old design. For fast shooting, I don't like em.

June 15, 2000, 05:20 PM	#6
timujin Member Join Date: May 14, 2000 Location: magnolia, ky, usa Posts: 64	No, you shouldn't. Where did you say that gun shop was?.........Mike

June 15, 2000, 10:26 PM	#7
wishbone Senior Member Join Date: May 14, 1999 Location: florida Posts: 229	Price wise it's a fair price.I have an older 4" nickle that is just kept as another collector gun. I don't shoot it at all. The grips on the 4" were too large for me when I bought it, but it was too pretty to sell.It was supposed to be one of the best.The way they are going up in price I'd buy it .