357 python help

Beater

Beater

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ok, so this pistol is for sale locally, I know they can be worth a lot, and I would like to add it to my collection. I have done no research yet and don't know the year it was made. hes owned it since 1980 and bought it used. it has some holster wear at the muzzle and the grips aren't in very good shape from holster wear aswell. its seen less than 50 rounds since he bought it. whoever had it before him has taken it apart with a very poor fiting driver and most of the screw heads are #####ed. other than that it functions times beautiful. looking for the year and any expert advice as to values .
its terribly dirty and dry it is in need of some TLC







 
it's worth 12 to 15 hundred, but the marked on pythons is retarded right now. Just sold a beater python out of a local gun store for 1800, and it was rough...gone the same day it was listed.
 
Cocked&Locked said:
it's worth 12 to 15 hundred, but the marked on pythons is retarded right now. Just sold a beater python out of a local gun store for 1800, and it was rough...gone the same day it was listed.
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this makes no sence. this one is 12-15, but the beat one sold for 1800 in 2 min?? this one aint perfect but its far from a beater
 
The Colt name is like magic... I all ready have recieve a firm offer of 3500.00 for my brand new Colt SAA 45 LC Bat Masterton, they are a sublime investment but i definitely have no desire to sell it, ... JP.
 
Thanks to Walking Dead series... Nobody can find a python for a good price now! Hahaha I wouldn't pay more than 1000$ for a python in that shape, better buy a brand new S&W 686/Ruger GP100. But it's a python, you're gonne pay around 1500$ for this one and some more to restore it... Hard decision...
 
Heimdall1982 said:
Thanks to Walking Dead series... Nobody can find a python for a good price now! Hahaha I wouldn't pay more than 1000$ for a python in that shape, better buy a brand new S&W 686/Ruger GP100. But it's a python, you're gonne pay around 1500$ for this one and some more to restore it... Hard decision...
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I keep thinking I should buy a Python but then stop and think what kind of a collector Smith and Wesson the cost of even a scruffy Python will buy.........a mint early Model 27 in the presentation case with all the tools present?....A pre -model numbers K38 Masterpiece and a matching K22 Masterpiece?

Or even other collectible Colts...Officers Model Match or a pre-war Officers Model Target.....A 1950's era Colt 3-5-7. Heck, you could probably buy all three for the cost of a decent Python.

Edit...

Having said that it is the marketplace that decides the price and right now the marketplace says Colt Pythons are worth the earth.
 
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That is a shame to see a Python that beat up, and left to rot....would have been nice to at least see it get cleaned and oiled before it got put away. In that condition, I'd say it's a $1500-1750 shooter at best, hard to tell from the pictures what the finish is actually like. As mentioned, you can buy a mint 27-2 for a good bit less than that. I have a number of Pythons, and lots of S&W, and for the money you are ahead with the S&W 27-2 (or a 19-x even) ....unless you are buying a really nice Colt. They only go up in price for the most part, though I think the 'crazy' market has softened up. That one will only ever be a shooter...but will probably be a very very nice shooter. On the other hand, with some TLC as you mentioned, it might clean up and look a whole lot better. If I had a choice between only having a Python, or a S&W 27-2...I'd still take the Python.
 
Twisted Canuck said:
That is a shame to see a Python that beat up, and left to rot....would have been nice to at least see it get cleaned and oiled before it got put away. In that condition, I'd say it's a $1500-1750 shooter at best, hard to tell from the pictures what the finish is actually like. As mentioned, you can buy a mint 27-2 for a good bit less than that. I have a number of Pythons, and lots of S&W, and for the money you are ahead with the S&W 27-2 (or a 19-x even) ....unless you are buying a really nice Colt. They only go up in price for the most part, though I think the 'crazy' market has softened up. That one will only ever be a shooter...but will probably be a very very nice shooter. On the other hand, with some TLC as you mentioned, it might clean up and look a whole lot better. If I had a choice between only having a Python, or a S&W 27-2...I'd still take the Python.
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Yes, but would you choose a beater Python over a mint 27?
 
sailor723 said:
Yes, but would you choose a beater Python over a mint 27?
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No . . because this gun shows quite a bit of use with very little care. . Colt Pythons do better if they're run wet. . not overly done now but the hand and star should always be kept lubricated where they meet. . Pythons have quite a unique cylinder lock-up. . When the trigger is in the beginning stages of being touched off, the hand moves slightly forward and locks up the cylinder. . . problem with this gun is the timing may need some work and gunsmiths for these Colts are far a few between with parts hard to obtain.. . If the timing is out, the hand can be stretched, but not by bubba.

I own 3 Colt Pythons and made certain they were in excellent condition. . With proper maintenance and respect, they'll last a few lifetimes. . The extra money I paid, for excellent, I believe is less than repairing or improving the condition of a used and neglected one. Even after the repair money is spent, it's value will never be near what a real nice Python is.

Also own and cherish my S&W M27's. . A shooter grade M27 can be repaired for reasonable costs and is back up shooting again. . For the money you'll spend on the well used Python I don't doubt you could pick up a very nice Model 27 or 28 S&W. . These are great revolvers. . Not taking anything away from the Python and it's "Bank Vault" lock up, but it's wise to buy a Python in very good to excellent condition.

From the top: S&W M29 - S&W pre-model 27 - Colt Python

 
It would be interesting to know the history of the revolver as it certainly was not a safe queen . Back in the 60s , many small town police officers bought their own guns , as did many forest rangers.....since it is a 1964 , maybe the first owner is not even alive anymore ; if only that Colt could talk , what a tale it could tell....
 
Rod said:
... . With proper maintenance and respect, they'll last a few lifetimes. . The extra money I paid, for excellent, I believe is less than repairing or improving the condition of a used and neglected one. Even after the repair money is spent, it's value will never be near what a real nice Python is.

Also own and cherish my S&W M27's. . A shooter grade M27 can be repaired for reasonable costs and is back up shooting again. . For the money you'll spend on the well used Python I don't doubt you could pick up a very nice Model 27 or 28 S&W. . These are great revolvers. . Not taking anything away from the Python and it's "Bank Vault" lock up, but it's wise to buy a Python in very good to excellent condition.

From the top: S&W M29 - S&W pre-model 27 - Colt Python

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I agree with you completely, and damn! That is a nice 4" Python you 12-6 lucky bastard! I'm so jealous. Those are all great revolvers, those diamond grips on the pre 27 are beauty.
 
Twisted Canuck said:
I agree with you completely, and damn! That is a nice 4" Python you 12-6 lucky bastard! I'm so jealous. Those are all great revolvers, those diamond grips on the pre 27 are beauty.
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The pre-model 27 is restricted, 5" barrel. . The other two are 12-6. . If you look closely at the top one, M29, you'll notice the rosewood diamonds targets are "Coke Bottle" stocks. .
 
Rod said:
The pre-model 27 is restricted, 5" barrel. . The other two are 12-6. . If you look closely at the top one, M29, you'll notice the rosewood diamonds targets are "Coke Bottle" stocks. .
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If you are ever hard up for cash and living under a bridge with Dirty Ernie and the gang, call me and I'll float you some real cash for those.....damn I'm jealous. Those are beauty. I've got a nice 27-2 5" and love shooting it.
 
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