I have been offered a Colt Anaconda Hunter and a Colt Python Hunter both cased and as new, does anyone know anything about them, rarity,price,etc? Thanks

Steve

I have an Anaconda (6 inch .44mag) and find it to be a high quality, reliable gun. I use cast and jacketed bullets and have not had any problems. Some people have issues with overly long cast bullets in Colt's "shorter than S&W" cylinders. Current pricing in the US runs around $850.00 to $950.00. Used models here run from $500.00 to $600.00.The Anaconda is heavier than an equivalent S&W .44 if that is a concern.
What caliber are you looking at? Currently, the Anaconda is available in .44 mag, but, in the past, could be had in .45 LC and .41 mag as I remember.
I do not know anything about any of the pythons except that they were regarded as the best .357 revolvers made, albeit with short cylinders that restricted some cast bullets.
DMC

I have no first-hand experience with Colt revolvers, so take this with a grain of salt...

But several of my shooting buddies down here won't buy a colt, saying they have "too many" internal pieces, and a lot more complex mechanisms than they need, and they're frustrating to work on. Also their Q/C and machining tends to be on the loose side so any frame-work or parts you buy and want to swap out may need to be individually re-fitted to that gun.

The Python Hunter was a limited edition. The Python is a great gun, a bit complicated & some think delicate but very nicely made. I think the Anaconda is made more along the lines of the old Trooper, less parts & a bit more durable.

If they are anywhere near reasonable, buy them. The Python, unlike what seems to be the opinions expressed above is the cream of the .357 DA revolvers and many cops bet their life on them for years as a carry gun. The Anaconda is USUALLY a fraction more accurate than the equivalent Smith and is an excellent hunting arm. I'd put the real, no BS value on the Anaconda as $650 plus a $150 for the scope, total $800 in ANIB condition and the Python at about $1000, mostly because it has some collector value, take that away and I'd pay about $850 for it with the scope. I believe the Hunter came with an aluminum case, but am not certain of that. It should be included. All of the above amounts is in USdollars and reflects the US market. Obviously I have no clue what the Australian market values are like.

Thanks everyone on the info! I will try and answer all, The Colts come cased and yes the Python Hunter has a aluminium case. Thanks for the US prices I have just researched the Australian prices and they average about $3500 USD. Thanks

Steve

The Python Hunter is pretty rare, as others have stated. It was only produced in 1983 and it came with a 2x Leupold scope with the colt symbol in a medallion on the side of the scope. It also has Pachmeyr grips with the same colt symbol in gold on the grip. It came in a Halliburton alum. case with a plastic cartridge holder and a few cleaning items. It will sell for about $1500 here in the US if it's in the original case, etc. They shoot exceptionally well. I have only ever seen about half a dozen of the guns and they are very difficult to find now.