Colt Python Question (and Desert Eagle too)

[krb]

Hi everyone.

I just purchased a pair of pretty super pistols. I think I'm done buying guns for a while. Now I'm trying to spend as much time as I can shooting them.

But two things always keep popping up -

Colt Python and Desert Eagle.

I don't know that I'm actively in the market for either but ... they just keep popping up. My uncle (in Michigan) has a Desert Eagle but when I visit I never seem to have time to shoot it. I've fondled (is handled a better word?) them at Turners but obviously given their power I'm unable to decide if they are fun without shooting them. So I know I have to shoot one.

More practically - the Python. I have a SW TRR8 that I enjoy. Shooting 357 is a bit loud and painful for me, so I usually shoot 38 special when I take it out. Usually I shoot pistols, not the revolver though. The Python is just so ... pretty!

So question for the Python afficionados -

What do I look for?
I think the blued looks prettier than the plated but what do people in general think about them? How do I decide which is more valuable and which less? I like 4" and 5". Are there years that are more reliable? More valuable? How much premium is there if there is a receipt and box? In general what should I be thinking? (Besides "is this worth a boatload of cash?")

Thanks!
I would be purchasing purely just for fun, not for any practical reason. The TRR8 is my bedside gun. The pistols are for the range.
K

[Hawkgear]

I have no experience with Desert Eagles but I have 13 Colt Pythons, as I go through them one common thread shows itself consistently.
The 6" barreled guns shoot better and have perfect balance I have 2 1/2, 3", 4", 6" and 8" models so I have shot them all.
The older the better for all of mine, there are groups of years that pretty much are the same but the 50s and early 60s are noticeably nicer and smoother, your mileage may vary but if you can find a well worn and cared for 6" blued gun you will do just fine.

[divingin]

There's nothing prettier than a mint(ish) early blued Python. S&W had the bluing and polishing down.

That said, there's nothing really special about the Python. I bought a 6" snake and a 6" 586 within months of each other in the 80's; the trigger on the 586 was better in both single and double action (lighter in SA, smoother and shorter in DA.) The barrel was heavier on the Python, enough so that a lot of people would buy a Colt and a S&W, and put the Python barrel on the Smith frame to get a better balance. I knew a lot of PPC (Practical Police Competition) guys who had Smolts. That changed, I think, when custom barrels became more available, with slab sided guns becoming the norm.

I have no idea why the Python prices have gone through the roof. Just one of those demand things, I guess. All original packaging will add a fair amount to the price, and the older the better.

Personally, I hesitate to shoot my Python, knowing what they're going for now. Were I looking for a revolver, I'd get something that I would enjoy shooting rather than worrying about detracting from the (unlikely to be asked for) sale price.

[meanrock]

I have no idea why the Python prices have gone through the roof. Just one of those demand things, I guess.

I blame the Walking Dead.

[Erion929]

I have two blues...an unfired 4" and a hardly-fired 6", both in mint condition with good boxes. Won't shoot them, just can't....they were bought in that condition for history, oogling, and investment. I go to other revolvers to shoot.

Definitely make sure they have the original, correct gen wood grips if you are buying for any investment reasons....otherwise, it's all about condition. If you just want a shooter, concentrate on timimg and trigger.



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[Jay-lee]

My buddy has a really beautiful nickel 4'' python and I enjoy shooting it... about 6 times lol. Thing has some power for sure. I think he is selling it...

[Steponmytoes]

If you are a purist, then you are looking for a 6 inch blued, preferably put together before the 1970s. If looking for rarity and collector, then find a 2.5 incher. Otherwise just try to find one in at least 90 percent condition (the finish is realky hard to duplicate) and below $2500. I still eouldnt pay 3K for a Python, even a unfired one.

[JTROKS]

I blame the Walking Dead.

Can you imagine if Rick carried a Desert Eagle?



OP, 10 years ago I was in the same boat as you. I wanted a DEagle and a Colt Python. I ended up with a 6" SS Colt King Cobra. Not in the same level as a Python, but it's a Colt snake.

I bought a DEagle MKI in 357 in the late 80s. I was young and foolish and didn't really knew it did not like bullets with exposed lead at the base. When the cycling problem started I did not want to deal with it, part of the reason I gravitated into believing only revolvers were reliable. Then 10 years ago I wanted to give the DEagle another try and bought a used MK VII in 44 magnum. With my reloads it was hella reliable and accurate. Loved that gun but I ended up trading it for a 1911 in 9mm. Then 3 years later I bought an older model MK XIX in 44 magnum and I still have it. Every time I take the DEagle out it doesn't fail to put a smile on my face. My kids love shooting it. Usually draws other shooters in.

I had a chance to buy a blued Colt Python and I'm still kicking my rear for not jumping on the deal. OP if you can afford both get them. Life's too short.

[aceman2224]

I've been on the fence on buying a Python but I finally pulled the trigger a few days ago. It's a 1975 blue 6 inch in low 90's condition. Basically some high barrel holster wear, and a little on the front of the cylinder but mechanically as smooth as butter for $1900. Anyone think it is a decent deal?

[beerman]

Springing for a Python as a shooter is kinda crazy at todays prices unless its a real beater. I would save a ton of cash and look for a S&W 19 ( or 66) or a Colt Trooper...while not being as smooth action wise, these guns shoot everybit as good as a python. As far as the Deagle.. They are a HUGE gun that will run thru a $45 box of ammo as fast as you can say ATM. I prefer a smaller (and in my opinion more accurate) revolver. Now if you reload and have paws the size of a Sasquach, it may be a different story on the deagle.

[norcal77]

If you have the cash sure go for it, I’ve had several Pythons and I sold them all, they shoot nice and look good but in the end I ended up keeping my King Cobra and Smith model 19, they both shoot no different then the Pythons I had, so I sold and made a bunch of cash

[onelonehorseman]

OP, good for you for wanting a Python to actually shoot. I have had safe queens before and the novelty of taking them out of the safe to look at them, then putting them back, wore off pretty quickly for me. I sold my safe queens and won't spend money on anything I don't plan to use/shoot to the fullest.

You can find somewhat decent deals on Pythons that are not in aesthetically great shape (though still great shooters), and you won't worry about scratches and rub marks. Honestly, even those are overpriced in my opinion.

Good luck.

[krb]

I have two blues...an unfired 4" and a hardly-fired 6", both in mint condition with good boxes. Won't shoot them, just can't....they were bought in that condition for history, oogling, and investment. I go to other revolvers to shoot.

Definitely make sure they have the original, correct gen wood grips if you are buying for any investment reasons....otherwise, it's all about condition. If you just want a shooter, concentrate on timimg and trigger.



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I bought some nice whisky a few years ago. The prices have gone sky high. Now they sit in my cabinet, unopened and undrunk because ... I know how much they cost and I can't spend that much money on it now ... so they sit, lonely on the shelf. I feel bad for them. Like they're the pretty girl who everyone thinks is having the time of her life but who sits home lonely because no one thinks to ask her out. Kind of feel bad for those pythons sitting on a shelf but ... I totally understand as it's the same with my whisky!

[jazman]

I am not a safe queen guy. Find a nice Python and shoot it! Nothing better!