Colt Python - What's the big deal?

[AZ_Five56]

I love my DW 1911's, but their days of revolvers are long gone. The Python was the king of revolvers years ago, but as in typical Colt fashion it is now a joke compared to older models.

When do you think they went downhill? Did they take a turn at a specific point, or has it been a long shallow decline in quality?

 

[AZ Husker]

Colt's quality has been erratic for many years. But overall it's been a long downhill slide.

 

[TomI]

I agree with most of what everyone has said... that being... I kinda want one. So, if anyone knows of a place that has them in stock.... let me know. I’d like to go check it out in person and see if that “want” is still there afterwards.

 

[AZ_Five56]

Colt's quality has been erratic for many years. But overall it's been a long downhill slide.

Well, I just picked up a Colt HBAR Elite the other day. It's not too old. Only about 5-years old, so hopefully I won't run into any quality issues there.

 

[AZ_Five56]

I agree with most of what everyone has said... that being... I kinda want one. So, if anyone knows of a place that has them in stock.... let me know. I’d like to go check it out in person and see if that “want” is still there afterwards.

Yeah, I'd still be up for getting one despite the possible shortcomings, but probably an older used one for me if I could find one for a good price.

 

[tripletap]

there are a few videos on Utube about the new colt pythons- its looking like they are junk

 

[h8pvmnt]

I have one Python, and old blue one has been fired some. It is really nice in revolver terms beautiful blue, fantastic trigger. Paid more than i should have but less than its worth today. Value of things today is so subjective. Colt definitely has its fans and detractors. I am not a Colt Fan Boy but do own a few because some of there guns were very nice and or historically interesting. Revolvers in general are continually going up in price. A new Ruger GP100 will run 7-800.00 with some models up over 1500.00. The stock Ruger GP100 is a fine revolver, very strong but not near as good in some ways as an older Python. The GP100 will likely never appreciate in value at the same rate a python will but will be used more and enjoyed more in many cases. S&W revolvers are in no way inexpensive either. And there are S&W collectors that pay ridiculous prices for older original pieces. To each his own. Some people pay 2K plus for a 1911 others are fine with a 500.00 1911. The fact that companies like STI, Wilson, Nighthawk etc still are in business means there is a market. Same thing with cars Motorcycles anything really. A BMW is a better bike than a Honda in many ways but a Honda will do for most. If you want a BEEMER and have the cash go for it. Now the Harley thing was definitely a culture thing not that they are or ever have been better. Colt Single Actions are appreciating like crazy. Even Gen 3 SAA are skyrocketing. Buy what you like don't worry about what other people think make your own choices based on what makes you happy. An old Python really is a beautiful interesting gun and if you like such things you will appreciate it. I don't know anything about the new ones but i doubt it will be anything close to the old ones. But it will sell and will be sold out everywhere because demand will be higher than supply. That seems to be the colt way these days. Someday these new Colt Pythons will be collectible and buying one for 1500.00 will seem like a bargain in 2030.

 

[impulse]

I'll probably rustle some feathers with this, but...

IMO, it's rather like Harley Davidson motorcycles. At one time...they had a product that was very capable, and was superior to other company's products. Then, their product attained "cult" status, and the company (Harley Davidson/Colt), whether intentionally or just because of certain market conditions at that time...began to rest on their laurels. They began to churn out products that were not up to their original standards, but many people continued to buy their product...purely because of the name and status of the company. At the same time, other companies began to produce products that were nearly as good/every bit as good/sometimes superior to...the "cultish" company, at a much more economical price. Many buyers, especially people who were "new" to that product, or just either could not afford the Harley/Colt, or made the decision that the cost was not justified...purchased their products from the newer companies, and were (generally) completely satisfied.

However...due to the dedication of the more hardcore enthusiasts, the Harley/Colts continued to sell at high prices, particularly the earlier models, which really did have something "special". Because of the fascination of the hardcore fans, and the cult-like status...even amongst more ordinary users, the cycle continues. I hope that made sense.

So, again...IMO, no...the prices are not justified. Well...not in terms of actually using the product (gun/motorcycle/whatever). However...one could make the argument that they *are* worth the money, if for no other reason than that they seem to continually appreciate in value. It really is all about the hype. But...if enough people buy into the hype, your investment will pay off. Also, of course...you do enjoy the pleasure/status of ownership, even if you don't shoot/ride it much, or at all.

Back when I was working...I was the guy who everyone knew as "that guy (or maybe "that idiot") who rides his motorcycle every day". I was riding a Triumph, a BMW, and 2 Kawasakis (on various days, not all at once...thank you very much!)...and I would frequently have guys walk up to me and ask about riding, and then say something along the lines of, "Yeah...I'm gonna buy a bike, and start riding too". I'd tell them that was cool...it's fun, they'll enjoy it. *Then* they announce that they've been saving up (usually for many years) to buy a Harley Davidson. Well, that's cool, I say...how soon will you be getting it? Oh...they still need several thousand (like...10) more. I say...why don't you buy something more affordable, for now? Get a used Honda, or Kawi, or whatever...ride it and enjoy it, while you're saving for that Harley? No...they have to have a Harley. "Gotta do it right...only ride "the best". Fine.

A year or two goes by, and I see them again. "Got that bike yet", I ask? They look rather downcast, and sullenly reply, "No...still saving. Something came up, and I had to dip into the 'bike fund'." So...they *could* have been riding all this time, but they'd rather wait...get the cult-status bike.

Anyway...that's my take.

Harley Davidson, yesterdays technology for tomorrows prices.

 

[deserttrans]

Good info on this post. Probably good revolvers but really over priced unless you are a collector.

 

[mongo45acp]

The earlier Pythons (circa 1970-1975) had a factory trigger press that for any other word, was orgasmic. Alas, the Lawyers found out about it and convinced Colt to stiffen up the trigger. Afterwords, they were no better than a S&W - pretty good, but not like it was. I also found the fit and finish on those Python to be superior to anything else.I bought mine from a broke married sailor on my first submarine that needed rent money. Something like $250 6" hardly used in the original box.Sold it a few yeas later for about 600. I still kick my ass for selling it.

Watch yer 6!
Dave

 

[bill460]

The older Colt Python's were for the most part, hand fit and assembled by workers of almost gunsmith like talent. So yes, back then their higher price compared to other double action revolvers was warranted. Because of the time involved in their construction.

Today they are not hand fit in the least. They are just another mass produced D/A revolver like S&W, and all the rest. It has a polished stainless steel finish. But big deal, so does the Ruger Vaquero. And it can be had for half the price of the "new" Python. Colt is selling an facsimile of what once was, at the same price. Nothing more. Unfortunately, the package doesn't make the gift.

 

[Vinnie B]

I was going to buy a newer one but with all the problems and quality issues, no way now. Too much money for just the name. I have 1 older one, my Brother-in-law bought it brand new in the early 70's never fired it and it just sat around. He knows I like guns so he made me a deal that I couldn't say no to. It actually does me no good except to say I own one as it will stay unfired in the box. But I can say I own a Python

 

[Mini14]

I recently came into a 1981 Python, it’s beautiful!! I will say it is a very appealing gun and it feels really good in the hand. I have not fired it and not sure if I am. It’s not new but it’s sure is nice and the blueing is great so I did what anyone would do and put it in the classifieds lol. I have no problem keeping it though cause it will surely go up in values Honestly I think they have just grown in popularity over the years from major shows and movies and that drove the price up. I don’t think the new ones will be comparable to the older ones. Anyway here’s some python porn for ya.

 

[Harrier]

Not a Python, but similar, I bought a Trooper Mk III new back in '70, it's always been a good shooter and I still have that gun. I bought S&W ever since though. Although I like the vented rib on the Python, I like the push-to-open cyl release on SW better.

 

[jledman]

The last of the hand fitted hand guns. And oh, by the way, Rick had one in the walking dead. That's when the prices went through the roof.

 

[brandyspaw]

I've primarily been a Smith revolver guy even though I've have had several other maker's guns over the years. Even so if I would buy a Python I don't think it'd be one of the new versions. It would have to be the older guns for the same reason I won't buy a new version of S&W's revolvers. I'd much rather have the older versions that have forged parts made the old way. The newer revolvers may have better metallurgy but their execution leaves a lot to be desired.

 

[deserttrans]

I handled and stroked a new production, 4 inch Python last week. Not overly impressed.