New Colt Python

[TGR]

Was wondering what everyone’s opinion is on the new Colt Python. Will it be a highly sought after collectible like the older ones are now? I had the chance to handle one the other day and the quality and feel is outstanding. Im considering buying one and putting it in the safe unfired and unturned.

As a C&R collector, I know this group would be the best to ask.

Opinions?

 

[Biggfoot44]

Get back to us in 2055 .

 

[TGR]

Funny.

 

[Uncle Duke]

If you're going to collect, then collect quality. But from a strict dollars and cents perspective, even with the benefit of hindsight? While a great quality revolver now as then, you'd have been far better off investing the 1955 Python introductory purchase price of 125 dollars in the stock market.

 

[TheOriginalMexicanBob]

The new Python is a better gun than the original…better steels…fewer parts. The only criticism it’s routinely received is the adjustable rear sight…many simply don’t like it. Magazine reviewers rave over the sight…but keep in mind they don’t want to antagonize an advertiser who can direct that ad revenue elsewhere. Wilson Combat has come out with a replacement sight that many consider superior…but they’re out for sales revenue as well. Still…many have used the Wilson sight and say it’s much better.

For myself…the factory rear sight is just fine…but I don’t constantly adjust it either. I tend to set it and tighten it down and leave it.

As far as collectibility…it’s a full production gun…no reason to consider it a collectible unless it’s an unusual Colt Custom shop gun. I know of at least one Custom Shop Python with a 5” barrel…that’s a collectible. I know of a couple Custom Shop Pythons in DLC…Diamond Like Coating…in Royal Blue…absolutely stunning guns…and consecutive serial numbers at that. The downside to those being collectible is that Colt may be making the DLC finish a standard factory option which could negate their possible future as collectibles.

Before the new Pythons become collectible…assuming they stay in production for the long term…we’ll likely be dead and gone. I say enjoy one or more as fine handguns and shoot them, as they’re designed to.

 

[pleasant1911]

Just don’t get the SS color. Get the blued or black??? SS seem to selling every website that sells guns.

Is there something special about them, that is investment worthy?

 

[TheOriginalMexicanBob]

While…to me at least…a beautifully blued gun is still the best looking. But stainless has so many advantages it’s become the material of choice. Manufacturing methods today work against blued guns…the cost of labor to hand prep and polish an ordnance steel gun blue is simply too excessive.

The new Pythons are tumbler polished…not hand polished. That’s why they have smooth back straps…not grooved like the originals.

 

[Tomcat]

I’ve got an original one that I got a good deal on several years ago. It’s worth more now than when I bought it but I don’t plan on selling it. It’s also a shooter not new in the box so I don’t mind taking to the range. I also question “New in the box” from 50+ years ago. You can buy “new” boxes with labels and all on eBay all day long

 

[TheOriginalMexicanBob]

“New in Box” doesn’t necessarily mean it was well cared for over the years. Lots of bad things can happen even if never shot. I’ve seen more than one brand new firearm on gun store shelves with handling damage of varying amounts due to ham fisted customers and employees.

 

[somd_mustangs]

"The Walking Dead" had a lot to do with the rise in desire/prices too.

I’ve got an original one that I got a good deal on several years ago. It’s worth more now than when I bought it but I don’t plan on selling it. It’s also a shooter not new in the box so I don’t mind taking to the range. I also question “New in the box” from 50+ years ago. You can buy “new” boxes with labels and all on eBay all day long

I haven't seen the Sparta, TN guy offering his "new old stock" boxes & labels in a while. Maybe someone finally threw the book at him (literally or figuratively).

 

[TGR]

All great inputs! I shoot all my guns, so this would be an oddball for me.

What got me thinking was looking at the current Colt SAA (all generations) and National Match / Gold Cup 1911 markets. You can’t touch a new SAA for under $2500 (list price $1799) and Gold Cups have steadily risen in value over the years. All the Snake guns are doing very well also. I also collect Winchester Big Bore 94s and anything chambered in 358 win. Both of those have exploded in last year or two with prices thru the roof.

So What’s the next collectable? Times have changed and it’s extremely hard to special order an odd size or chambering. Sure, some Custom Shop orders are available, but they can be very cost prohibitive.

I guess it would come down to rarity and demand of a quality gun.

 

[somd_mustangs]

Decommissioned USMC Colt M45A1 will always be in demand. Prices have plateaued but as time goes on, I bet they jack up again. The guns with wear and tear on them (e.g. actually used) and unit markings can bring more than the "NIB" examples. Fifty years ago, who thought a Singer would bring $100k or more... it was always going to be in demand, but there are rarer pistols that are orders of magnitude less expensive.

 

[blipper]

Get it if you love it. Let your descendants worry about monetary appreciation. If you have good taste in firearms, it probably will.

 

[rseymorejr]

I'm going to shoot mine as much as I can and try to take good care of it. My kids will have to worry about the value

 

[Bob A]

All quality firearms will keep pace with inflation; some will beat it by a significant margin.

Here's an ugly factoid: the value of the dollar has declined by over 95% since 1913. A nickel then buys what a dollar gets you today.

The stock market eventually makes you a winner, unless you need the money during a crash. Personally, I view it as a casino, but it's the only game in town. Basically, the economy is rigged; taking the dollar off the gold standard was probably a bad idea too.

Get nice guns; pay for quality; take good care of them. You'll be glad you did. In today's world, it's probably a good idea to stash a bunch of gun-specific ammunition as well.