Colt Python & Colt SAA help for deciding what to get

[old45guy]

Hey All,

I recently have made the decision and buy a few guns. I want to buy them for an investment and not to shoot them. I have always wanted to have a Colt Python and Colt single action army. I want to buy them in collector grade with box, paper etc. So here are my questions:

First question is regarding the Colt Python. What is the model valuable barrel length? What about Blued vs stainless steel vs nickel finish? Are there any years that are better than others?

Second question goes along the same lines for the Colt SAA. What is the best generation to purchase? 1st, 2nd, or 3rd? what caliber? barrel length? Nicket or blued finish?

Any help or even additional comments would be great.

Thank you!

[Sir Toast]

Hey All,

I recently have made the decision and buy a few guns. I want to buy them for an investment and not to shoot them. I have always wanted to have a Colt Python and Colt single action army. I want to buy them in collector grade with box, paper etc. So here are my questions:

First question is regarding the Colt Python. What is the model valuable barrel length? What about Blued vs stainless steel vs nickel finish? Are there any years that are better than others?

Colt Python, blue 3" barrel. If you can find one in Stainless, then you've found a Unicorn. I'm not that knowledgeable though.

[perpetual otter]

Colt Python & Colt SAA help for deciding what to get

Colt Python 6 inch w/ royal blue finish (Original grips and box) tends to be the one that crosses the $3k mark easily.

Investing in guns isn't very wise though.

[Franklincollector]

Gun broker, find the Python that has the fewest listings, there you go.

[Ugly Hombre]

SAA for me- they say the new third generations are some of the best ever built. By that I mean those built within about the last 5 years- with the reinstated cylinder bushing. Reports by new buyers rate them highly.

QC on some of the early mid 70's 3rd gens was reportedly not good.

The best according to most is the 2nd gen. Hard to find a good one and prices are rising.That goes for all SAA's

Talk to guys that are into them- check the Colt forum for info.

Those guys are a great source of info on thumb busters.

Good luck!

[Killer Bee]

so, looking to drop some coin on some old Colts?

well, how much $$$ you got? $5k, $10k, $25k, ??

no one will be able to answer this question for you.. only you can determine which one(s) will scratch your itch..

you've got lots of homework to do, lots of fun homework to do

Colt Revolvers - Python sort by price and see what you fancy..

you might find this little set handy for your needs 1776 US Bicentennial Set

or this nice pair COLT "DOUBLE DIAMOND" SET, 150TH COLT ANNIVERSARY

stalker's are cool Colt Python "STALKER" 357

so are Grizzlies, Elites, Boas, etc. if you're looking for rare and expensive..

as for the SAA, well, 1st Gen of course.. USGI FTW!

Colt Revolvers - Single Action

Colt Revolvers - Single Action Army - 1st. Gen For Sale
Colt Revolvers - Single Action Army - 2nd. Gen For Sale
Colt Revolvers - Single Action Army - 3rd. Gen For Sale

here's a GI [Guns International] list to peruse, but you can search Gunbroker, Collectors, and many more..

good luck!

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[Erion929]

Pythons in 6" were the most common. The 2.5", 3", and 4" barrels were more popular as carry weapons of police, especially the 4". The shorter barrels carry a premium these days.

[kmas]

Python, hands down

[Sutcliffe]

I think the Python is on the bubble

When Walking Dead stops production I bet that people will lose interest and values will fall.

1st and 2nd Generation SAA's have had a strong collectors market for quite some time and it will likely continue.

The third generation may be better guns, but won't have nearly the desired status of the previous gens.

[Barbarosa]

I don't know what others think but I have been seeing Python prices come down quite a bit in the last few years. There has been a nice sub-$2K 6" for sale in a LGS for months now with no takers. I don't know if that means a buying opportunity or the bubble has burst.

Personally, I'd go the SAA route, but be careful with older versions as there is a lot of fakes/Frankenguns out there. Depending how much you want to spend an S&W Registered Magnum is another good investment but a bit more pricey that the Colts.

[GM4spd]

Either one of your choices is good. Just about anything with the Colt name
will increase in value,especially if the condition is pristine. 1911 Military
and Commercial variants bring more bucks then your two choices. Pre WW2
Military Blued Colt Pistols bring an extraordinary premium such as this
RS inspected Colt Military from April 30,1941.

[tileguy]

i wish you luck O45Guy but to purchase as an investment with the prices now would take many many years to make any money as as investment. the holster worn but excellent 4 inch python i sold with some partial trade for 2k earlier this year i purchased years ago for 400.00 to buy one in the condition you want would be over 4k or more easy and at those prices may never give you a return as an investment.

[Che762x39]

SAA for me- they say the new third generations are some of the best ever built. By that I mean those built within about the last 5 years- with the reinstated cylinder bushing. Reports by new buyers rate them highly.

QC on some of the early mid 70's 3rd gens was reportedly not good.

The best according to most is the 2nd gen. Hard to find a good one and prices are rising.That goes for all SAA's ...

I had two SAA a 1979 357 and a 1983 44 Special. The QC was not what I was expecting. I sold them due to divorce/downsizing.

I would get a mint 2nd generation in 45 Colt of course.

A SAA that was military issue during the Indian Wars would be nice for a collectible.

[Che762x39]

I recently have made the decision and buy a few guns. I want to buy them for an investment and not to shoot them. I have always wanted to have a Colt Python and Colt single action army. I want to buy them in collector grade with box, paper etc. So here are my questions:

First question is regarding the Colt Python. What is the model valuable barrel length? What about Blued vs stainless steel vs nickel finish? Are there any years that are better than others?

I had a Python beater that was a 6 inch that had been hard chromed. Great trigger indeed.

Today I would get a 4 inch blue from the 1960s. I think the four inch looks perfect. The 2 1/2" and 3" looks out of place with the vented barrel. Colt blue is gorgeous and I like the way Colt does nickel.

[Che762x39]

Pre WW2
Military Blued Colt Pistols bring an extraordinary premium such as this
RS inspected Colt Military from April 30,1941.

That is impressive. Thank you for sharing.