Colt Python 357 8"

[nickel plate]

Something that no photo of a revolver will divulge is the condition of the cylinder lock up. Make sure it is unloaded before doing this: Hold the revolver in your dominate hand, with your thumb pull the hammer back all the way, continue to hold the hammer back all the way and pull the trigger back all the way. Hold that position and with your other hand, try to rotate the cylinder in both directions. If you get ANY movement, the revolver is or becoming a candidate for a trip back to the factory for repair and adjustment. The lock up should be as tight as a bank vault.

[saki302]

$900 is DREAMING.

A realistic price, assuming everything WORKS FINE would be ~$1500-2K. Even without the correct grips, you'll get that on auction all day long.

Don't forget CA also has a premium for off-roster firearms, which this is.

YEARS ago (over a decade), I sold a beater Python for $800, and that was a REAL beater. Anyone who thinks they can score one under $1K nowadays is smoking the good stuff (or incredibly lucky/ripped someone off).

Some later Pythons DID come with Pachmayr grips as I recall, it would be worth checking the serial number range to see if the grips are correct (either way they will feel much better than the bell-bottom wood grips, which look great but feel awful).

-Dave

[ironram]

Just called Colt the gun was made in 1989 and waiting for a return call on which grips were on this piece.

[bombadillo]

Easy 1750-1900 on the boards. EVERYONE will try and lowball you at 1400-1500 but they ARE bringing a huge premium these days. Keep it and it will only go up too, so you can really look at it as an investment.

[nickel plate]

Easy 1750-1900 on the boards. EVERYONE will try and lowball you at 1400-1500 but they ARE bringing a huge premium these days. Keep it and it will only go up too, so you can really look at it as an investment.

The OP is considering taking the Python in on trade for something he has, not selling or trading it out of his personal collection.

[the foot]

The photos are real blurred. In image 3 the left side of the barrel looks rusty.

[anthem]

I can't make out any rust. Geez, these things are being bid up on GB. One is at 1500 and looks beat to shot. They sell for mucho dinero. I personally think the pics look pretty good.

Good luck OP.

[nickel plate]

I appreciate all your help, gripes, comments ect lol. I've stated all I know so far, I will not see the gun till Sunday. He said all he has is what is in the pic and he is going to send better pics tonight.

Sunday update?

[ironram]

Did the ppt yesterday! Pick up on the 13th.

[Rosamond]

Nice!

[bombadillo]

My rendition of that gun.

[bsg]

Did the ppt yesterday! Pick up on the 13th.

congrats.

[Sky_DiveR]

Great catch. Looks pretty decent in the pics. Dunno what ya traded for it but from the pics it sure looks like ya got a winner.

[nickel plate]

Time to go walnut hunting! I believe your Python is in the Generation III group which is the most sought after due to all of the Pachmayr grip issued pythons.
Do be aware that there are a lot of fake Gen III grip sets out there, the most common come in from Asia with brass screws and bushings. These are commonly listed and mixed in with genuine Colt walnut grips on gunbroker.com and actually don't look bad for a knockoff but why would anyone with a nice Python want a set?
You can get a good education over on coltforum.com in their Python sub-forum (lots of grip threads) and maybe even pick up a set in their classifieds.
After years of original ownership I bought a set of Colt NOS Gen III walnuts for my 6" B STS that came with Pachmayr "Grippers"-couldn't wait to change them out, took it to the range and found out real quick that those sharp checkers really sting!

[dfletcher]

more pics of it!

Keep in mind that I paid a few hundred for my 1st new Python about 40 years back, so my standing to be an old fart type and say "they ain't worth that much" is pretty good. I still have a 1980 made nickel 8" 38 Special sitting at home - box, tag and all the other stuff because whenever I took the damn thing out to shoot I had to listen to "what idiot buys a Python in 38 Special?" Until recently I figured about $1,500.00 would be a windfall price for the thing .....

If you paid $2K or so for the 6" gun you're looking at in today's market I'd say you did well - especially if in CA. Just a bit of guesswork but the "correct" factory stocks for the gun would be those posted showing the straight topped checkring pattern. I say "guesswork" because although I know the full pattern and half moon pattern are too early I'm not 100% on the laminated.

The proper grips will most likely run $300.00 to $400.00, but there are deals out there by folks who don't know what they have. There are very, very good fakes are out there, be careful. Just a suggestion, service style Colt stocks with a Tyler T Grip would be an OK interim set up.