Trade Python?

[jayhuh]

I would because I have many s&w's that shoot fantastic and don't loose any value from shooting and enjoying them. Besides Colt revolvers run backwards and the cylinder release latch is weird Plus Ed Brown makes nice 1911 's

[rous2000]

Well that's a seriously loaded question that totally warrants a "well it depends" response.

Yes the Python is a great gun. There has certainly been plenty of lore built up around the "Python". Some considered it the best revolver available at the time. There’s no doubt a Python is a thing of beauty. Resurgent demand has driven up prices sky high. Most recently the Python was re-popularized as the trusty sidearm of the Rick Grimes character in Walking Dead. I believe Python values have gone up by something like 100% just since that show aired six year ago.

But, make no mistake; there are plenty of Pythons out there. Over 5 decades Colt built and sold hundreds of thousands of them. Just look online and you’ll see that every single day, there are hundreds of Pythons of varying age, quality, lengths, finishes available for sale. You’ll notice that the prices are all over the place, with plenty of price gouging of less-informed buyers. A quick search on Gunbroker shows over 250 Python listings, whereas only 22 show up for the Kobra Carry.

By comparison, the Ed Brown Kobra Carry is a fine example of a 1911, also in high demand. If you’ve held one, you’ll also know that it’s a gorgeous piece. I have no interest in continuing the debate on the merits of various high end 1911s, Brown vs Nighthawk, vs. Wilson vs. Les Baer, and on and on. Regardless of your preference, there’s no question the Kobra Carry is one of the most popular and highly sought after 1911s in the market today. Many people would agree it’s a great shooter, and for those who have the budget, it is a great 1911 carry gun. Ed Brown lists a standard, no frills, CA version Kobra Carry at about $3,000. Yes they are still building these, but, make no mistake, you may have to wait if you’re ordering one. I made the mistake of selling mine, only to miss it, then pay $100 more to buy a replacement 8 months later, and still its gone up in value since (thanks to people like Hillary and Kamala Harris).

Now, what you decide to do has no bearing on me. I actually have several Ed Browns (including a KC) and several Snake Guns (including a Python: mine is blue, not SS), and yes I love them all. I do think it’s silly to say that universally, a Python is better than a Kobra. It’s one of those last man on earth questions, as if each person could only own one gun. The better question is: what are you going to do with yours? Personally, I have all my guns so that I can get pleasure out of shooting them. Even though most of my handguns have gone up in value, I don't buy the investment argument. For legitimate investments I’d still rather put my money elsewhere, like in securities or real estate. In the open market, you can find all sorts of Python specimens, of equal, higher, or lower value than a Kobra. What constitutes a fair trade (or trade plus $$) all depends on the particular specimen (and yours seems like a pretty clean one). At the end of the day, if you love your Python, keep it. If it never sees daylight, then sell it for good money and get something that you will love shooting, but, that will also appreciate. If you’re eyeing a great 1911 carry, you won’t be disappointed by a KC. Best of all, own them both if you can afford to.

[bsg]

^^^ well said.

[trigger945]

rous200 said it best!

[Lonestargrizzly]

Why would you trade a python? The python is the ultimate defensive/offensive weapon. It's perfect for popping zombie heads like rotten cherry tomatoes and ventilating the governor, all in the same scene!
I would never trade it.

[Rhyyke]

I love 1911s and not much of a revolver guy... but I wouldn't give up a python for a kobra carry. If you don't feel the utility of the python, sell it off and you'll end up with a kobra carry+cash.

[Subotai]

Would you trade a 1991 SS Colt Python in excellent condition with 50 rounds through it for an Ed Brown Cobra Carry?

Aw hell nah!

[oddjob]

OP,

What barrel length is the Python?

[SVTNate]

Personally, I would. I've owned Pythons and I have three Ed Brown 1911's.

1. Your Python is a 90's manufacture. It's not as desirable as an older one in nickel or Royal Blue.

2. Personally, I'm not a revolver guy. My last revolver was actually a Python, and I don't miss it. As far as revolvers go, though, they are among the best.

3. A S&W PC 627 with a trigger job is more stout and just as sweet to shoot as any Python, but it's not as pretty to look at.

4. An Ed Brown 1911 isn't as good as a modern Wilson Combat 1911, but it's still really good.

Consider this - Have you had your CCW before? Had it very long? I've had my CCW for a decade, and let me tell you, think long and hard about a steel 1911 before committing to carrying one. They fall off CCW permits regularly, because guys like the idea more than they actually like lugging one around. The only 45 on my permit is an HK45C, and every CCW gun I've had for the last 5-6 years (save for a P938SAS) has had a polymer frame. Thick, thin, compact, subcompact... it's all doable, but the weight of a steel 1911 gets old fast IMO.

Pythons go for a lot of money. Personally, I'd sell it and consider something like a USP Compact with a GrayGuns duty trigger job, or maybe a Glock 30 if you don't need to carry cocked and locked.

Bottom line is this - your Python will sell for far more than it's worth to you... meaning, you can buy something *really* nice that you'll want to shoot, or a couple "tool" guns that are better to shoot and carry for you, plus cash for ammo. If you've followed California Python market prices, you'll see that they've stabilized around the $2500-$3000 mark for years now (rare models notwithstanding). I am assuming you have the original box and papers, but I also know that you don't have the classic Python wood grips that are part of what makes an older one so special.

I'd sell it and not give it a second though.

[hambam105]

Ed? Ed......?

Ed somebody back in my Dad's day was some famous 1911 dude a hundred years ago.

[Bnzapilot]

OP,

What barrel length is the Python?

6" LENGTH SS

[nickel plate]

I would because I have many s&w's that shoot fantastic and don't loose any value from shooting and enjoying them. Besides Colt revolvers run backwards and the cylinder release latch is weird Plus Ed Brown makes nice 1911 's

Wrong on you-Smiths run backwards and their cylinder release latch is weird.
Keep the Python.

[grhmw]

In my opinion it is worth nothing to the owner if it is just sitting in the safe never seeing the day of light. Sell it, and then buy what ever you want.

[dragon7]

Anything that's not made anymore you should probably hang on to. You could go to a good gunsmith and duplicate or even better a Kobra Carry. You can't say the same for a revolver like the Python.

[cannon]

Ok, Jaime, not going to do the deal. You are the expert and I advise anyone in the Inland Empire to use your services. Thanks again for your advise. Thanks everyone for your input. Back in the safe it goes. Be safe!

If you are not enjoying the gun and don't want to hold it as an investment.

Sell it and buy what you want. The trade would be getting the gun you want but throwing away cash to do it.