Colt Python 357

[B2crawler]

Been away on vacation all last week visiting grandparents, and the morning we left I showed my grandpa my new Smith 686 snubby. After talking guns for a little while he told me that he no longer wanted his Python. Something about getting short tempered in his old age and not wanting to do something he regrets. [Rant2]

I was supposed to bring it home and sell it off. Yea right. I'm not selling my grandpa's gun that he's owned for at least 25 years. Anyways I need to know what it's worth so I can give him the cash. As far as I know it hasn't had 50 rounds fired through it. Five years ago I bought him a box of nickel plated federal loads because the rounds loaded in it had a light green patina near the case head. It does have a little wear from riding in a leather holster for two decades though. I'd say about a match head size wear in the blue on both sides of the barrel and under lug. Also same size wear around front of cylinder. Also must admit, that what little holster wear is most likley from me. I asked to look at it a lot as a kid.
I'll take some pictures and post, and no it's not for sell. This one will go to my son that's named after him. Off to see if I can find something on gun broker.

[B2crawler]

Can't find any info on this particular gun. It's not a combat mag or california mag or anything like that. Just a regular old python 3 inch. Seems some are faked and I need a Colt paper. Can't get a date off the web site. I'm thinking that in the high K88XXX range it's probably late 70's early eighties. Glad it's not a stainless 3 inch. One's going for 20 grand. He'd have to set me up on a payment plan

[rondog]

Any chance he might just gift it to ya? Sorry, had to ask.....

I imagine there's plenty of Python freaks out there, probably Colt forums out there, maybe even Python forums. Bring photos.

[B2crawler]

That's what my mom said, but the way it came up is that we were talking about buying and selling guns. I thought that a clean Python would bring a pretty good price. Another reason he probably wanted to sell it. I'd feel like an ass asking if I could just have it after I got it home. Actually I'm worried that if he found out that I'm the new buyer that he wouldn't take the money. So maybe I'll let him think I sold the gun.

[XJ]

No luck on Gunbroker, Auction Arms, and so forth? There was one for sale here a few months back and I remember price-comparing at the time. You might also try the Cabela's listings, they have the collectibles and nicer items listed online.

Maybe someone here has a current big 'ol book of gun values and can look it up, I think the ones at Sportsman's Warehouse are shrink-wrapped to prevent browsing.

[Broadsword]

I have one for sale. I checked it in my dealers book and it came in at $800. It's a 6" royal blue 95% plus condition. I do know that the 3" barrel Pythons are harder to find and bring a higher price. Take it to your local dealer and have him look it up for you.
Broadsword

[laportecharlie]

My 27th edition Blue Book lists a 98% gun at $775.00 + 25% for the 3" barrel.
Charlie