colt python 357 nickel 6 barrel

Question
i purchased the above gun in 1976-77 new and have owned it since... only about 50 -70 rounds have been fired thru the barrel, and overall the gun is in excellent condition... i have a bianchi shoulder rig for carry, original grips, pachmere grips, original bill of sale, manual, and transport hard case... i'd like to know if the older pythons are more valuable than later models... as well as the value of the package mentioned here...also, are gunbroker, guns america, & online similar sites ok to sell on?... thanks much for any info... harry

Answer
Harry,

You have a very nice revolver in the Python and it sounds like its in very nice condition. Additionally having the manual, hard case, bill of sale etc., is also a great thing that can only serve to increase the value to a potential buyer.

Pythons have done very well in appreciating over the years. I wish that I'd had purchased a truck load about 30 years ago ! In general the "older" Pythons will carry a higher value due to some manufacturing changes in the later years. Keep in mind however that the "later" versions of the revolver had a very high original retail value due to their being produced by Colt in limited numbers by the Colt Custom Shop only. Personally, I'd still opt for an older version in good condition, but as they say....... that's just me.

As for selling on the websites that you allude to, If I were to recommend that you attempt a sale on such a location, my two top choices would be the two that you mentioned. Personally I think I would lean more towards the "Guns America" for a variety of reasons not the least of which is that you can start by setting the price that you think that you need for the gun (as opposed to the auction route) and see how that works out.

You can always go the "Gunbroker" route at a later time if you decide the other is not working out. If you go the auction route you can always start the bidding high enough that you are not in danger of getting low balled or put a reserve near that amount on the gun when listing.

Just another thought........ you may also want to consider checking out the Gun Library at Cabela's. They will take consignments or buy the gun outright from you for resale. The downside is of course that they are going to need to make a percentage off of your gun too. It just gives you another option to consider. I personally have done a lot of business with them and have found them to be straight forward, very knowledgeable, and most importantly..... honest.

Good luck to you Harry and thank you for the question.

Sid Lark

Harry,

Sorry, I guess I didn't catch the part about "value of rig".

For the Python alone in the condition stated, it has an approximate retail value of $1000 to $1100.   Some of the items actually increase the total value of the gun itself, such as the grips, paper work etc. as for the case and holster, I'd say you that can are staying within reason if you add another $150 to $200.

So........ If you can find a buyer that is actually interested in all the extras, they may be willing to part with additional $$ for everything. The problem of course comes in when you have someone who really wants the gun only and is not interested in the holster or case. That said....... total package value that I would personally start at would be in the vicinity of $1400. You can always reduce it for a quicker sale if need be or eliminate the "extras" and sell separately later.

I hope that this additional info now makes my answer complete. Sorry for the oops ! I hope that you do well on your sale and good luck.

Sid Lark