Anyone think "Python Madness" is about done?

Lavan · July 12, 2018, 11:28 AM

I'm not seeing QUITE as many for sale at the high prices of 6 months ago.

mcb66 · July 12, 2018, 11:57 AM

When the Walking Dead show started loosing viewers; the Python aura started to fade... Coincidence?

NoSecondBest · July 12, 2018, 11:57 AM

I sold mine years ago and haven't missed it since the day I sold it. That was over thirty years ago. I honestly never understood the following it had. It was a good gun, but it just didn't have that kind of appeal for me.

jaguarxk120 · July 12, 2018, 12:32 PM

I just checked on Guns International and prices run from

$2,000 to $17,000.

It just depends on how the guns come as to price.

T. O'Heir · July 12, 2018, 12:55 PM

The Python has the only factory trigger that does not need work. Mind you, that's also why the MSRP started at a grand for a .357 revolver.
"...Walking Dead show..." TV shows and movies sell more firearms than any marketing dept. can ever dream about selling. Ever time any Dirty Harry movies runs on TV, sales of Smith 29's skyrocket. Ditto for M1 Rifles and Carbines when a new or old W.W. II movie runs.

bedbugbilly · July 12, 2018, 02:21 PM

I bought a 4" blued one about eight yeas ago - 'cause I'd always heard about the "Python Experience" - shot it twice I think - didn't really like it. Yep it had a good trigger and was pretty - but I'll take my old 5" S & W M & P anytime. Sold the Python - made a good profit on it and never looked back. Been there, done that. Chalk it up to "we all like different things".

Jim Watson · July 12, 2018, 03:07 PM

I should probably take the profit on mine and run.
In the 1970s, the Python was the leading edge, but the L Smiths and improvements in action work have pretty much obsoleted it.

jaguarxk120 · July 12, 2018, 03:18 PM

Owning and shooting a Python is the same as shooting a Beretta, Caesar Guerini,
or Krieghoff shotguns, their made so much better.

As in all things that shoot there are many that go bang, but some just shoot better.
And they are built better!

JMag1 · July 12, 2018, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Watson

I should probably take the profit on mine and run.

In the 1970s, the Python was the leading edge, but the L Smiths and improvements in action work have pretty much obsoleted it.

Blasphemy, dear sir...blasphemy.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

UncleEd · July 12, 2018, 04:36 PM

JMag1,

Is Jim Watson's "blasphemy" in religious context
or just as to a debate of verifiable facts?

In either case, you should consider taking Mr. Watson'
to court. I suggest the old law firm of Dewey,
Cheatham and Howe.

Depending the way the verdict goes, will you be
willing to see a Python be burned at the stake?

MTT TL · July 12, 2018, 05:30 PM

Nope. Too many collectors with suitcases full of the things that they won't sell. It got to the point of ridiculousness well before TWD was a thing. That just threw some gas on the fire.

Dfariswheel · July 12, 2018, 05:38 PM

There'as a finite supply of Pythons and they're disappearing off the market and into private hands where they tend to stay.

The top grade condition guns are pretty well bought up so prices and sales tend to drop.

MTT TL · July 12, 2018, 06:07 PM

When I see an 8" blued model at 60% for $3999, I know it has been sitting for a while. But it makes a conversation piece for a small business owner.

Pikie · July 12, 2018, 06:28 PM

I paid $800 and change for my 4" Python new in 1981. They are going for three to five times that. My Remington 788 6mm was $99 in 1978. They are going for three to five times that. A Savage 24 was $79.00. They are going for three to five times that. See a pattern? The Python is a good gun. Not great, but good. The double action pull is very long. I had several S&W K frames that had work done on them and they performed better than the Pythons did. But hey they are as hot right now as the 6.5 "Manbun"! So go get what you want and enjoy! I hope the trend continues.

reddog81 · July 12, 2018, 10:13 PM

It looks like the market has topped out. Now the question is do the prices maintain the lofty premiums or dip back down to reality.

FWIW Pythons have all been in private hands for a decade or much longer. TWD didn't do anything to sell anymore Pythons than were already out there. The Pythons that had existed just rose in value.

mete · July 12, 2018, 11:06 PM

I remember a time when some of the Colts I was working on had better triggers than the typical pythons !! When those Colts had the same lock work as the much higher priced pythons !

Marketing can do wonders !!

Chainsaw. · July 12, 2018, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T. O'Heir

The Python has the only factory trigger that does not need work.

Thats what I've always heard. But, Ill put my 629s factory trigger up against a python any day, any time. The sad part is mine is most likely the exception rather than the rule.

And sorry, no offense to those who like the snake guns, but my personal opinion is they're fugly.

kozak6 · July 13, 2018, 02:31 AM

I was thinking about a Python in the late 2000's, and then the Walking Dead came out. Oh well. I just hope there aren't any fictional pistoleros with a fondness for Dan Wessons.

Quote:

I paid $800 and change for my 4" Python new in 1981.

An inflation calculator suggests that is about $2300 current dollars.

Lavan · July 13, 2018, 08:47 AM

I've had and sold three.
Tried to like them but just couldn't.
Wrong "hang" for my shooting style.

I even tried different grips.
I do wish I hadn't sold the last one just 2 months before Colt announced the discontinuance though.

rodfac · July 13, 2018, 09:08 AM

Quote:

The Python has the only factory trigger that does not need work.

Sure, if you like a DA pull that stacks...hype from the collector crowd...Get a Smith if you want to shoot, or a Colt if you like to fondle. YMMV, Rod

laytonj1 · July 13, 2018, 10:09 AM

Quote:

I paid $800 and change for my 4" Python new in 1981.

You sure about that? That’s awfully expensive.
I only paid $650 OTD for a brand new 6” blue in 1992. $550 for a used 6” nickle in 1996 and $1K each for a pair of used 4” er’s in 2008. All of those prices were the going rates at the time.

Jim

Don Fischer · July 13, 2018, 10:15 AM

I always wanted a Python but never had one. Settled fot a Trooper MK III and loved it. The thing I'd heard about pythons were they were good to adjust the trigger's on. Don't remember if they had a flat spring or coil spring. Think flat as my Trooper had a coil spring. I'd still be a happy guy to have either the Python or another Trooper.

Pikie · July 13, 2018, 10:16 AM

You sure about that? That’s awfully expensive.

Yes. I know it was high. It was the only one around deal. Remember revolvers dropped in price for a while in the late eighties and early nineties when the market was flooded with police trade ins.

Lavan · July 13, 2018, 11:47 AM

+1 on the "stacking."
I think that was my MAIN complaint on the Colts.

Although the lockup is REALLY good, that last lil jink bothers me. (talking DA...single action no notice.)

I have a M66 S&W with the most unbelievably good trigger right from the factory.

Actually better than a "tuned" Smith.

Go figger.

603Country · July 13, 2018, 05:41 PM

I have a Python that I bought in the early 80’s for about $360. It’s a 4 inch Nickel model. I assume, from the slight wear pattern, that was a cop’s gun. In and out of a holster. Wonderful single action trigger pull and a long but very smooth DA pull. What I don’t know is whether not it was ever ‘smoothed’ by a gunsmith. The grandkids love to shoot it, and they and their friends are TWD fans, so they like to have their picture taken with it. But, the gun was getting a lot of use, so I bought a 686 Plus, also 4 inch to take most of the use. Out of the box, it was nowhere near as good as the Python, so I found a good gunsmith and had it smoothed out. Right now I’ll say that they are about equal in trigger pulls, and both are great. That said, if I had one bullet to make one shot for all the money, I’d use the Python. I shoot it just a little bit better. But, that’s just me.

July 12, 2018, 11:28 AM	#1
Lavan Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 1999 Location: California Posts: 2,716	Anyone think "Python Madness" is about done? I'm not seeing QUITE as many for sale at the high prices of 6 months ago.

July 12, 2018, 12:55 PM	#5
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	The Python has the only factory trigger that does not need work. Mind you, that's also why the MSRP started at a grand for a .357 revolver. "...Walking Dead show..." TV shows and movies sell more firearms than any marketing dept. can ever dream about selling. Ever time any Dirty Harry movies runs on TV, sales of Smith 29's skyrocket. Ditto for M1 Rifles and Carbines when a new or old W.W. II movie runs. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

July 12, 2018, 02:21 PM	#6
bedbugbilly Senior Member Join Date: November 19, 2009 Posts: 3,287	I bought a 4" blued one about eight yeas ago - 'cause I'd always heard about the "Python Experience" - shot it twice I think - didn't really like it. Yep it had a good trigger and was pretty - but I'll take my old 5" S & W M & P anytime. Sold the Python - made a good profit on it and never looked back. Been there, done that. Chalk it up to "we all like different things". __________________ If a pair of '51 Navies were good enough for Billy Hickok, then a single Navy on my right hip is good enough for me . . . besides . . . I'm probably only half as good as he was anyways. Hiram's Rangers Badge #63

July 12, 2018, 05:30 PM	#11
MTT TL Senior Member Join Date: October 21, 2009 Location: Quadling Country Posts: 2,780	Nope. Too many collectors with suitcases full of the things that they won't sell. It got to the point of ridiculousness well before TWD was a thing. That just threw some gas on the fire. __________________ Thus a man should endeavor to reach this high place of courage with all his heart, and, so trying, never be backward in war.

July 12, 2018, 06:07 PM	#13
MTT TL Senior Member Join Date: October 21, 2009 Location: Quadling Country Posts: 2,780	When I see an 8" blued model at 60% for $3999, I know it has been sitting for a while. But it makes a conversation piece for a small business owner. __________________ Thus a man should endeavor to reach this high place of courage with all his heart, and, so trying, never be backward in war.

July 12, 2018, 11:57 AM	#2
mcb66 Senior Member Join Date: February 1, 2013 Posts: 117	When the Walking Dead show started loosing viewers; the Python aura started to fade... Coincidence?

July 12, 2018, 11:57 AM	#3
NoSecondBest Senior Member Join Date: December 7, 2009 Location: Western New York Posts: 2,736	I sold mine years ago and haven't missed it since the day I sold it. That was over thirty years ago. I honestly never understood the following it had. It was a good gun, but it just didn't have that kind of appeal for me.

July 12, 2018, 12:32 PM	#4
jaguarxk120 Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 2,620	I just checked on Guns International and prices run from $2,000 to $17,000. It just depends on how the guns come as to price.

July 12, 2018, 03:07 PM	#7
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,543	I should probably take the profit on mine and run. In the 1970s, the Python was the leading edge, but the L Smiths and improvements in action work have pretty much obsoleted it.

July 12, 2018, 03:18 PM	#8
jaguarxk120 Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 2,620	Owning and shooting a Python is the same as shooting a Beretta, Caesar Guerini, or Krieghoff shotguns, their made so much better. As in all things that shoot there are many that go bang, but some just shoot better. And they are built better!

July 12, 2018, 04:36 PM	#10
UncleEd Senior Member Join Date: April 13, 2013 Location: N. Georgia Posts: 1,150	JMag1, Is Jim Watson's "blasphemy" in religious context or just as to a debate of verifiable facts? In either case, you should consider taking Mr. Watson' to court. I suggest the old law firm of Dewey, Cheatham and Howe. Depending the way the verdict goes, will you be willing to see a Python be burned at the stake?

July 12, 2018, 05:38 PM	#12
Dfariswheel Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2001 Posts: 7,478	There'as a finite supply of Pythons and they're disappearing off the market and into private hands where they tend to stay. The top grade condition guns are pretty well bought up so prices and sales tend to drop.

July 12, 2018, 06:28 PM	#14
Pikie Member Join Date: August 26, 2002 Location: Harrisburg, PA Posts: 33	I paid $800 and change for my 4" Python new in 1981. They are going for three to five times that. My Remington 788 6mm was $99 in 1978. They are going for three to five times that. A Savage 24 was $79.00. They are going for three to five times that. See a pattern? The Python is a good gun. Not great, but good. The double action pull is very long. I had several S&W K frames that had work done on them and they performed better than the Pythons did. But hey they are as hot right now as the 6.5 "Manbun"! So go get what you want and enjoy! I hope the trend continues.

July 12, 2018, 10:13 PM	#15
reddog81 Senior Member Join Date: October 16, 2014 Location: Iowa Posts: 1,634	It looks like the market has topped out. Now the question is do the prices maintain the lofty premiums or dip back down to reality. FWIW Pythons have all been in private hands for a decade or much longer. TWD didn't do anything to sell anymore Pythons than were already out there. The Pythons that had existed just rose in value.

July 12, 2018, 11:06 PM	#16
mete Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2004 Location: NY State Posts: 6,575	I remember a time when some of the Colts I was working on had better triggers than the typical pythons !! When those Colts had the same lock work as the much higher priced pythons ! Marketing can do wonders !! __________________ And Watson , bring your revolver !

July 13, 2018, 08:47 AM	#19
Lavan Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 1999 Location: California Posts: 2,716	I've had and sold three. Tried to like them but just couldn't. Wrong "hang" for my shooting style. I even tried different grips. I do wish I hadn't sold the last one just 2 months before Colt announced the discontinuance though.

July 13, 2018, 10:15 AM	#22
Don Fischer Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2017 Posts: 1,868	I always wanted a Python but never had one. Settled fot a Trooper MK III and loved it. The thing I'd heard about pythons were they were good to adjust the trigger's on. Don't remember if they had a flat spring or coil spring. Think flat as my Trooper had a coil spring. I'd still be a happy guy to have either the Python or another Trooper.

July 13, 2018, 10:16 AM	#23
Pikie Member Join Date: August 26, 2002 Location: Harrisburg, PA Posts: 33	You sure about that? That’s awfully expensive. Yes. I know it was high. It was the only one around deal. Remember revolvers dropped in price for a while in the late eighties and early nineties when the market was flooded with police trade ins.

July 13, 2018, 11:47 AM	#24
Lavan Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 1999 Location: California Posts: 2,716	+1 on the "stacking." I think that was my MAIN complaint on the Colts. Although the lockup is REALLY good, that last lil jink bothers me. (talking DA...single action no notice.) I have a M66 S&W with the most unbelievably good trigger right from the factory. Actually better than a "tuned" Smith. Go figger.

July 13, 2018, 05:41 PM	#25
603Country Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2011 Location: Thornton, Texas Posts: 3,998	I have a Python that I bought in the early 80’s for about $360. It’s a 4 inch Nickel model. I assume, from the slight wear pattern, that was a cop’s gun. In and out of a holster. Wonderful single action trigger pull and a long but very smooth DA pull. What I don’t know is whether not it was ever ‘smoothed’ by a gunsmith. The grandkids love to shoot it, and they and their friends are TWD fans, so they like to have their picture taken with it. But, the gun was getting a lot of use, so I bought a 686 Plus, also 4 inch to take most of the use. Out of the box, it was nowhere near as good as the Python, so I found a good gunsmith and had it smoothed out. Right now I’ll say that they are about equal in trigger pulls, and both are great. That said, if I had one bullet to make one shot for all the money, I’d use the Python. I shoot it just a little bit better. But, that’s just me.