Question on the Colt Python .357

[Rugermini14]

Hey everyone

I'm looking into .357 revolvers (they all look good) especially the Colt Python. What is the current high end / low end pricing range if I were to look into buying one in today's market? I assume prices are going up on everything.

I know this gun has a great reputation as a revolver so I want get a good idea of what the good deals / bad deals are on price and any additional comments on what to look for in terms of quality / wear and tear / things to look for when inspecting the gun.

Thanks everyone ! Happy Hunting !

[Oceanbob]

Welcome to Cal Guns. Figure about $2,000 for a mint one and probably $1200 for one in good shape but not perfect..

[LoadedM333]

Python is no doubt great revolver, love mine, have you been watching AMC The Walking Dead to want this revolver?

Price will vary as Oceanbob said above if you can find one.

[Rugermini14]

Thanks for the warm welcome guys

I do watch AMC's The Walking Dead series but its merely coincidence (although now I just get a little jealous whenever I see it on the show)

I'm actually expanding the gun collection my grandfather passed onto me and were lacking in the .357 caliber guns and from what I hear you don't get much better then a Colt Python for that caliber.

I'm also glad to hear that price range as that is what I was expecting (and slighting hoping for). I have yet to handle a Colt Python (probably my next task before buying one) but I hear the trigger pull is really smooth.

Its all so exciting !

[NewGuy1911]

I'm wondering about this question also. Mine is a 1966-68 (or there abouts) 6" Nickel finish, not perfect, without the original grips (approx. $300). Had planed on passing it along to family.

[georound1]

I sold one for $900 here last year and kick my self daily. So, you might get lucky. Had holster wear and non Colt grips and no box.

[SunkenShadow]

Some of the prices I've seen lately for a good condition is 1500 - 2000.... without box and papers, one guy just sold a nickel for 3000+ with box and papers

[SunkenShadow]

If you get lucky with someone who needs money or had a shooter, you can get one for about 1200

[rsmorgan]

The Python was a very good gun in its day. The big problem with a Python or any other DA Colt revolver is that there are fewer and fewer gunsmiths who know how to work on them, and when a Colt goes bad it can often go very, very bad.

It seems like the pricing on most Colts is more on a collector basis these days than as a shooter. The one exception so far has been the "small" revolvers like the Police Positive and Detective Special, but even then the prices seem to be moving up much faster than the cost of an alternative "working tool."

I seem to be able to shoot my Colt revolvers a bit better than my S&Ws, but if I were in the market for a shooting gun rather than a collection piece I'd have to buy S&W all the time.

[Rugermini14]

Thanks for all the info so far guys, one more question I'd like to add, sorry if its a silly question, are the 4" colt pythons CA legal or just rare?

[battleship]

All Pythons are Cali legal as long as you and the seller meet in person to do a PPT.