Poll : Colt Python or Colt 1911 USMC decomissioned

[leman77]

Hello all,

A real good friend has offered to sell me one of two guns he owns. I'm looking at some input and advice on to which one to buy. I think both are awesome guns, but I'd like to hear what the Calguns gurus say before I commit.

The first is a 4 inch Bright stainless Colt Python. It comes with a Colt Factory letter to verify it is a bright stainless 4 inch. It is in beautiful condition, and comes with some paperwork, accessories, and a blue plastic Colt case (factory Colt but not original to the gun).

The second is a Colt 1911 USMC CQBP (military decommisioned pistol). This was from a batch of guns that the marine corps returned to Colt due to finish issues with cerakote, and Colt sold them to a wholesaler to sell through Gunbroker. It's legit used, and comes with a Colt factory letter stating the same.
The finish on this one is battleworn, and there is a number 34 written on the slide in red nail polish. This one does not come with a factory box.

Please vote, and share opinions. Thank you!

The photos shown are the actual guns.

[Brandon04GT]

.................................................. ..what is he asking for them?

[-hanko]

What is friend asking for each of the pistols?

[Che762x39]

I am a self identified Colt fanboi and my significant vote goes to the Python.

But I'll have some bacon on the side.

[Hawkgear]

My Son is named Colt, I have over a dozen Pythons but I would have to go with the 1911 in this case. Much rarer gun believe it or not.

[Barbarosa]

Wow, you are in an enviable position. I don't think you could go wrong either way. Personally I would probably lean towards the Python since they don't make them any more and there are plenty of good 1911's available. Tough choice though.

[leman77]

We haven't talked about prices yet, since he wants me to think about which one I want the most. I know the Colt 1911 is probably worth $3000-3500 (gunbroker value) and the Python is probably worth $3500-4000 (gunbroker value). Not sure what the "friend" price will be yet.

[808@515]

Are you planning on shooting it?

[Air]

I voted Python. 4 inch Bright Stainless Python is my Grail Gun.

[559BearDown]

Python

[leman77]

Probably shooting it at least once. If its the python i'd do factory .38 special out of it.

[rider209]

Decomissioned 1911 is worth more and rarest of two

[BigPimping]

Python for sure. They are so classy and cool.

[Erion929]

I don't really get the value of a beater decommissioned 1911.....though more rare, only limited aficionados would buy it from you. As a piece to take out and admire, it looks like crap.

I voted the Python

[Rhyyke]

I'm a avowed 1911 fan... but I don't see the appeal of the decomissioned CQBP's. I know it's a nice pistol but they're basically returned merchandise. If they were being sold for cheap I would definitely be interested. But the fact that they marked them up made no sense to me at all.

It's like buying a refurbished/returned fridge from the Sears Outlet, where the dings and dents are sold "as is". Would you pay more if the dent was made by a marine?