Kinda sorta.
The Diamondback was made on the smaller "D" frame of the Detective Special.
Like the original Python, the Diamondback has achieved collector status and has become priced accordingly.
The Colt Python story continues....
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The Diamondback was made on the smaller "D" frame of the Detective Special.
Like the original Python, the Diamondback has achieved collector status and has become priced accordingly.
Both of these were bought new in the early 80's.
The PSA price on the 686 of $700 today is less, when adjusted for inflation, than I paid 40 years ago. Even better with the rebate. I ran what I paid by an inflation calculator, and I gave the equivalent in today's money of $932.
The single action trigger pull of the Smith is lighter, but the double action pull on the Colt is both lighter and smoother, but stacks a bit towards the end, typical of the V-spring Officer's 19th Century design.
The PSA price on the 686 of $700 today is less, when adjusted for inflation, than I paid 40 years ago. Even better with the rebate. I ran what I paid by an inflation calculator, and I gave the equivalent in today's money of $932.
The single action trigger pull of the Smith is lighter, but the double action pull on the Colt is both lighter and smoother, but stacks a bit towards the end, typical of the V-spring Officer's 19th Century design.
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A trainer friend I worked for as an RSO for in several of his courses and who is a retired Florida Highway Patrol trooper, still has his FHP issued Python (blued). Several of us got to shoot it and damn that revolver is beautiful!
I have been stewing over this blemished Python for a long time. I realize it's stupid. For some weird reason, I left the gun in the safe out of some distorted sense of spite. I was conflicted about sending it back to Colt and fighting it out, or.... just let it sit in the safe.
But last night I had an epiphany. Today I had a "range date" with my range buddies. And last night I decided that it was stupid to let the gun just sit in my safe. It was "wasting away" in the safe. I should just take it to the range and shoot the shit out of it... and let my friends enjoy it, too. So, I did! And I'm so glad I did!
It was so much fun! It shoots great. It's a nice gun. My friends really enjoyed it, too! That makes it even more fun. And unless you really look for it, you cannot see the blemish with casual observation. It's a NICE fucking gun! It feels really good in the hand.
So the mental shift I made was to get rid of this notion of it being the "crown jewel" of my collection. Instead, think of it as a "BEATER!" Yep... a $1500 beater revolver. One I will shoot a lot. One I will let OTHER people handle and shoot without worry. It will be for FUN. Shazam! Burden lifted!
And now, I am considering getting a blued Python that may become my "crown jewel." If I do, I will inspect it with a fucking jeweler's loupe before I accept it.
But last night I had an epiphany. Today I had a "range date" with my range buddies. And last night I decided that it was stupid to let the gun just sit in my safe. It was "wasting away" in the safe. I should just take it to the range and shoot the shit out of it... and let my friends enjoy it, too. So, I did! And I'm so glad I did!
It was so much fun! It shoots great. It's a nice gun. My friends really enjoyed it, too! That makes it even more fun. And unless you really look for it, you cannot see the blemish with casual observation. It's a NICE fucking gun! It feels really good in the hand.
So the mental shift I made was to get rid of this notion of it being the "crown jewel" of my collection. Instead, think of it as a "BEATER!" Yep... a $1500 beater revolver. One I will shoot a lot. One I will let OTHER people handle and shoot without worry. It will be for FUN. Shazam! Burden lifted!
And now, I am considering getting a blued Python that may become my "crown jewel." If I do, I will inspect it with a fucking jeweler's loupe before I accept it.
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That would have pissed me off too. But it's a small thing. Overall great gun. It's more annoying they didn't make it right to your satisfaction. Those new blue Pythons look nice.I have been stewing over this blemished Python for a long time. I realize it's stupid. For some weird reason, I left the gun in the safe out of some distorted sense of spite. I was conflicted about sending it back to Colt and fighting it out, or.... just let it sit in the safe.
But last night I had an epiphany. Today I had a "range date" with my range buddies. And last night I decided that it was stupid to let the gun just sit in my safe. It was "wasting away" in the safe. I should just take it to the range and shoot the shit out of it... and let my friends enjoy it, too. So, I did! And I'm so glad I did!
View attachment 22273
It was so much fun! It shoots great. It's a nice gun. And unless you really look for it, you cannot see the blemish with casual observation. It's a NICE fucking gun!
So the mental shift I made was to get rid of this notion of it being the "crown jewel" of my collection. Instead, think of it as a "BEATER!" Yep... a $1500 beater revolver. One I will shoot a lot. One I will let OTHER people handle and shoot without worry. It will be for FUN. Shazam! Burden lifted!
And now, I am considering getting a blued Python that may become my "crown jewel." If I do, I will inspect it with a fucking jeweler's loupe before I accept it.
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I hear ya. I've fired an original blued Python. A work of art.
My concerns with the original Pythons:
- They are known to be more delicate and can go "out of timing." They say to not fire "too much" full-load .357-mag with them.
- They are $$$$!
- I'm not a vintage gun expert and would be wary of buying one with a problem.
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To be fair, any small to medium frame revolver in 357 can experience accelerated wear if a steady diet of magnum ammo is fired in it. Those old enough to remember will recall that the Model 19 S&W in 357 was recommended to use magnum ammo sparingly. This why S&W developed the L frame revolvers. The Python is larger than a K frame Smith and is just slightly smaller than an L frame.
Personally, I shoot loads that are above 38 Special, and below 357 power. About 1000fps. Enough to be authoritative, but mild enough to be easy on the gun and not fatiguing if you want to shoot 100 rounds.
The Python was introduced in the mid 50's. 1955 if memory serves. While the design of the lock work dates to the early 1900's, the S&W design is slightly older. But by the post war years, improvements in the steel and heat treatment allowed the 38 Special size revolvers to safely fire magnum ammo. Prior to that, the 357 was only chambered in the big N frame Smith and Colt New Service.
The new Python has had a change in the type of steel, a top strap that is slightly thicker, and a U shaped main spring to eliminate the stacking characteristic of the original V spring. Other changes, including the use of MIM parts to eliminate the hand fitting required in the original Pythons is primarily responsible for its re-introduction. So when you hear it said that an old Python is "fragile", one must take into consideration that they were as robust as any other similar revolver of that time period. Compared to a Redhawk, all of the old school revolvers are fragile.
Yes... apparently, the new Python has a thicker top strap and fewer internal parts. From what I recall hearing, it is considered to be FAR more "robust" than the old Python and can take a steady diet of .357-mag.
And that's all very well in its way, but do you foresee yourself going to the indoor range and shooting (insert what you consider to be "a lot" of magnum ammo)?
I find it more satisfying to shoot mid range power level ammo. It's got enough "oomph" to scratch that Rambo itch, but isn't as harsh on the senses as the full power stuff. Also doesn't draw the wrath of the guy in the next stall.
Probably not, since .38-SPL is usually cheaper. And more "pleasant" to shoot. In fact, today's box of .357-mag was brought by accident, and I didn't even realize it until I was done shooting it! LOL!
Agree on that.
But as it pertains to original Pythons... I just don't see myself taking the gamble of buying a vintage gun. As gorgeous as they are.... they are a LOT of money, and as I see it... very much a gamble on condition and reliability, especially since I am not an expert on vintage guns. I'm not that kind of collector.
I guess this is where I show my age... My Python wasn't a "vintage" gun when I bought it. They were still making them.
But if I take a notion to shoot some magnum ammo, I'll just use the 686. Actually, both guns are the same age. I bought them within 2 years of each other.
By "vintage," I'm referring to the previous iteration that ceased production.... 1997 by google search.I guess this is where I show my age... My Python wasn't a "vintage" gun when I bought it. They were still making them.
But if I take a notion to shoot some magnum ammo, I'll just use the 686. Actually, both guns are the same age. I bought them within 2 years of each other.
In 2020, Colt introduced a new redesigned Python. They are different Pythons. I'm not comfortable buying a USED old version, for the reasons previously stated. They are PRICEY, and I'm not an expert who can look at one and determine if it has problems or not.
Just as with any used gun, you do a good visual inspection looking for corrosion etc.
Look at the crane from the front with the cylinder closed. There should be no uneven gap between the crane and frame.
To check the timing, slowly cock the hammer. Very slowly. Watch carefully and listen for the cylinder stop to make that little "click" when it drops into the locking notch. Do that for each chamber. If the hammer reaches full cock and the cylinder stop didn't lock into the notch, then it needs to be timed. Cocking the hammer too fast lets inertia rotate the cylinder with enough force to hide this issue.
Here's a vid that shows you how to check this.
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZR1Jkxvm5z8
I just can't see spending $5k+++ for a used vintage Python. That's out of my league / comfort zone.
No, me either. I thought it was getting ridiculous when they hit $1500.
Believe it or not, when I bought mine, a new Colt AR15 (The only game in town back then for AR's) was slightly more expensive than the Python. Seems like I gave about $450 for the Python. I'll have to check to be sure.
Update:
I looked it up. I paid $450 for the Python and $445 for the SP1 AR. Both in 1981.
According to the inflation calculator, $450 in 1981 is $1532 in 2023 devalued currency.
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Pythons were always beautiful revolvers, but I'm guessing they were more common, still issued to lots of Departments, and didn't quite have the collector value as they do today. I wonder if one of the new updated Pythons in blue will ever be in my future? Hmmmmm. . .
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great update. Bravo!!
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The old timer Pythons seem to be selling for 3-5 grand. Insane. There's no way I would pay that.
I presume it's like muscle cars and other classics. Older guys who made their bones and have the money now to buy the car they couldn't afford when they were young bid up the price of gas guzzling performance cars they were giving away in the late 70's. I follow the popular car auctions like Mecum and Barrett-Jackson. I also occasionally throw a lowball bid on Bring-A-Trailer but haven't won any.
It's our nature I guess. I really can't fault them. Everything is worth whatever someone is willing to pay.
I presume it's like muscle cars and other classics. Older guys who made their bones and have the money now to buy the car they couldn't afford when they were young bid up the price of gas guzzling performance cars they were giving away in the late 70's. I follow the popular car auctions like Mecum and Barrett-Jackson. I also occasionally throw a lowball bid on Bring-A-Trailer but haven't won any.
It's our nature I guess. I really can't fault them. Everything is worth whatever someone is willing to pay.
That's at the low end. Some go for way more than that. Too much for me.
Yep. Free market, baby!