Colt Python - Value as a restricted vs prohib

dmshem

dmshem

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Hi there.

I don't know if this belongs here or in Legalese... maybe a bit of both.

When I got into shooting about 10 years ago, my first CF target gun was a Colt Plython. It came with both a 4" and 6" barrel, but was registered as 4". By pure luck, I got it just before the C-68 deadline, so even though it's had the 6" barrel on it as long as I've owned it, it got me grandfathered for 12(6).

Until I bought my Walther GSP, it's been my CF target gun. Now it sits in my safe. I'm not planning on selling it right away, but if I were, would it be worthwhile getting it reregistered with the 6" barrel, so it's no longer prohibited? I don't know what it's worth, but since not everyone is grandfathered, I'd imagine the potential market for a restricted gun is larger than that for a prohib.

And if I were to get it reregistered, how would I go about doing that? :confused:
And then what becomes of the 4" barrel? :confused:

Any advice would be greatly appeciated...
 
WHAT EVER YOU DO , PLEASE DO NOT GIVE UP YOUR 12.X

- Restricted would fetch more than a prohib in general
-Have the barrel installed, get it re-registered by calling cfc, will need to be verifired, barrel will need to be destroyed

I say don't do it!
 
If it is your only 12(6) you will lose that status if you sell it.
A Python is a quality revolver. They aren't seen for sale all that often. Although the number of 12(6) licencees is limited, I don't think that the prohib. status would make selling the revolver difficult. As long as it is registered 12(6), the 4" barrel can accompany it. If you have it verified with the 6" barrel, the revolver will be reclassified as restricted, the 4" barrel will become a prohibited device, and that's the end of it.
I would be inclined to leave it as is.
 
I would gladly supply a less expensive 12.6 and cash to keep the 4" barrel active! Pm me if you do want to think about selling it!
 
To those concerned about me giving up my 12(6): No worries.
Once I began thinking about selling the Python, I bought a little 22 Derringer. It can't hit the broad side of a barn, but it'll keep my 12(6) safe enough.

So, I gather that a restricted Python may have a higher market value than a prohib... I don't think I'd have difficulty selling it either way.

But how do I go about making the change? How do I get it "verified"?

And why would the 4" barrel have to be destroyed? If I still have my 12(6), could I not keep it, or sell it independently to someone else with 12(6)?
 
The 4" barrel is a component of a registered 12(6) revolver. Once the revolver is no longer registered as 12(6) the barrel becomes a prohibited device. Even with 12(6) on your licence, you can't keep it. The 12(6) entitles you to possess a prohibited handgun, not a prohibited device. It might be possible for a business with the appropriate category to possess the barrel, but an individual cannot.
 
You will get more for a restricted if you change the barrel, but probably less than the cost of the barrel plus gunsmithing. A 6" Python barrel itself, if you can find one, will be around $250+++
 
SandRoad said:
You will get more for a restricted if you change the barrel, but probably less than the cost of the barrel plus gunsmithing. A 6" Python barrel itself, if you can find one, will be around $250+++
Click to expand...

Good point! You can probably sell the 6" tube and the revolver as a prohib at 4" and realize more then the difference what which smith costs for the conversion......heck, probably one of the posters here would buy it.....what you asking again;)
 
Python barrel

I have changed three barrels on Colt Pythons in the last year. From four to six inch.
Must be done by a good gunsmith,not hard to do but has to be done right.
All the advise given so far is true but what about the DAN WESSON pistol packs. They have four barrels from 2inch to 8 inch?Barrels that can be changed in mins.
I get my Colt barrels from the States private sale or Ebay. Price about 100 us for a good barrel.
There is a good price for Pythons in excellent condition with six inch barrels.
But if the pistol is just a shooter,not worth the change unless you want to pass it on to family.
This 12.6 stuff is just another hoop the goverment wants you to jump thru.
Besides you can change back every 30 days just to give the boys in CFC something to do.

IMATT:evil:
 
You can't change back every 30 days just to give the boys in CFC something to do. You can do a one time reclassification from prohib. to restricted, but you can never go back to prohib. The Dan Wessons accompanied by a short barrel will be classed as prohibs, you can configure one temporarily any way you want, but once a pistol is classified as restricted, it becomes a prohibited firearm if an under 105mm barrel is installed.
Isn't it difficult to find US sellers willing to get export permits for $100 barrels?
 
tiriaq said:
Isn't it difficult to find US sellers willing to get export permits for $100 barrels?
Click to expand...

There are barrels in the US in the $100 to $175 range, but not exported to Canada. But recently, barrels in the $100 range are becoming scarce.

(EDIT: NEW barrels in the $100 range)
 
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Barrels

Never had any problem getting barrel from a US citizen private sale.As long as it is not under four inches making it legal gun part,price 100 plus shipping surf the net they are there.CDN customs allows in the country why not its a Part.

IMATT
 
IMAT said:
Never had any problem getting barrel from a US citizen private sale.As long as it is not under four inches making it legal gun part,price 100 plus shipping surf the net they are there.CDN customs allows in the country why not its a Part
Click to expand...

A barrel is considered a critical part of a firearm and requires a US Export Permit. If it is caught by US Customs then it will be seized and the seller will be in a world of trouble. If your name is on the package then you will also likely be flagged by the US.
 
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tiriaq said:
The 4" barrel is a component of a registered 12(6) revolver. Once the revolver is no longer registered as 12(6) the barrel becomes a prohibited device. Even with 12(6) on your licence, you can't keep it. The 12(6) entitles you to possess a prohibited handgun, not a prohibited device. It might be possible for a business with the appropriate category to possess the barrel, but an individual cannot.
Click to expand...

tiriaq,

I agree with your read of the law 100%. I was very surprised then, when I recently "reclassified" a Glock 19 to "restricted only" for a guy and was asked by the CFC "So, are you just going to keep your "prohib" length barrel...?" I said, "Uh, yeah, I guess so...is that OK?" And they said "Sure". :rolleyes:
 
dmshem,

If you have decided to sell....I suggest you advertise your 4" Python for sale, and seperately advertise the 6" barrel for sale - as others have suggested. You will get just as much money out of your gear this way with much less hassle.

Best wishes, Jeff.
 
"So, are you just going to keep your "prohib" length barrel...?" I said, "Uh, yeah, I guess so...is that OK?" And they said "Sure".

I've run into this before, which makes me wonder about the whole "it's a prohib device and must be destroyed thing". I've bought 12(6) barrels (always good to have spares), never heard a word about it from anyone. Of course, the government not knowing it's own laws and rules doesn't surprise me much either. FWIW - dan
 
dan belisle said:
"So, are you just going to keep your "prohib" length barrel...?" I said, "Uh, yeah, I guess so...is that OK?" And they said "Sure".

I've run into this before, which makes me wonder about the whole "it's a prohib device and must be destroyed thing". I've bought 12(6) barrels (always good to have spares), never heard a word about it from anyone. Of course, the government not knowing it's own laws and rules doesn't surprise me much either. FWIW - dan
Click to expand...

Yes Dan, that's the real point here, isn't it? I'm sure that if someone were found to be in possession of such an item there could be problems...:rolleyes:
 
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