Is it possible to find even a used Python for $700 or less? Saw one in my area with light rust on the barrel on GB.com and it's already $700! Would have liked to gone by and picked it up.

I've always wanted one, but at the prices they go for now it makes me cry. I could get a freedom arms used for $8-900 and could shoot it forever, or a Smith 27.

I love the way the Pythons feel, so do I get one at the ridculous prices now, or wait and see if the prices come down?

Basically, if anyone knows where I can find one for 700 or less I'm all ears... (4 or 6in. preferred.)

I doubt that the prices will come down. Having said that, an FA is not really the same type of gun. Don't be afraid of a little rust. I have a 4" Python which had a litle bit of rust. I just had the whole gun plated. It now looks like a stainless steel brushed finish gun. Really nice looking. It sounds to me that you just want to own a really high quality gun. I am not sure I would put a S&W model 27 in the same category as an FA or a Python. If you can get an FA for 8-900 bucks that would be my recommendation. See if you can find two!
Peter.

I definitely don't mind the rust or bluing wear. I guess what I meant to say is that it doesn't seem to change the price much on them since demand is so high.

Maybe one that can hunt AND punch targets (Hence FA). I thought about an Anaconda 44 since it's a double action with Python-esque lines. But $850 for those now? Remember they were in shotgun news for $400...

quote:

Originally posted by 300H&H:
I definitely don't mind the rust or bluing wear. I guess what I meant to say is that it doesn't seem to change the price much on them since demand is so high.

Maybe one that can hunt AND punch targets (Hence FA). I thought about an Anaconda 44 since it's a double action with Python-esque lines. But $850 for those now? Remember they were in shotgun news for $400...

Yeah and I remember when the best you could find at Papagallo's (Nuevo Laredo) cost $5.......but those days are history.

As Peter said, you had should definitely buy any Freedom Arms 83 or 97 you find for $800, it is much easier to find Pythons for less than $700 IMO. I do still see a Python for $700 or less (not much less) at the local gun shows (Dallas area) now and then. Make it $750 and you can buy them fairly regularly, not pristine, but not dogged out either.

An Anaconda in very good shape for $850 is a decent buy as well, I've only shot one very much, but it is a very accurate gun.

What you are experiencing is not that the guns are increasing in real value, but that the dollars to buy them are rapidly decreasing in real value.......IMO waiting for prices to come down is probably not a good move with the caveat that with the current mortgage crisis, which is by no means all played out yet, you might find some people that have to move assets, guns, whatever, in a hurry to pay their bills. If I were you and wanted a good Python, I'd hope for $700 but if I found a nice one for $800 I'd buy it and enjoy it.

i've been looking for a nice python for a friend the price is definetly up right now and i don't see it going down

The Python is a fine rev., I regret selling mine back in the day, but the early M686 "feels" just as good in my hand & shoot very, very well for half the money.

Agreed Fred! Pythons have acquired a certain "mystique". While suitably famous for their double action trigger, I do not believe that they are as "strong" a gun as a S&W 686. They are lighter however. Guess you can't have both!
Peter.

Peter:

In fact, a Python is a slight bit heavier, about 2 ounces, than a 686, both with 6 inch normal barrels.

Their double action is not among the Pythons claim to fame, most people would say that Smiths have better double actions, but their single action is usually crisper and their accuracy is superior in most cases.

Gatogordo I am going to have to agree and disagree! The Python could well be heavier. I have a 4" Python and a 6" 686, and, the 686 has an extra underlug weight! I will disagree on the double action however. The Python exhibits much less "stacking" than the Smith IMHO.
Peter.

If you can find a Phthon for $800 then buy it, it will just go higher over the years, better investment than stocks and bonds.

I have to agree with Gatogordo, a Python or any Colt stacks more than a Smith and Wesson, they are designed that way..The Python gets harder and the Smith gets lighter by design...

A worked over Python does not stack and is one of the best double actions going..Texas has several excellent gunsmiths that can tunr a Python to perfection..It is a great gun...

I'm up in the air between a Python and a Smith Pre-27. I have to say, the bluing on those old Smiths is beautiful -- up there with the Royal Blue Colts. Sleek contour as well.

My nod may go to the Smith. Price range is $400-650 for near mint... and for what may be the Python's nearest competitor, that ain't bad.

Both the Python and the pre 27 Smiths are great guns, if fact most Smiths are great guns...Few Colts are great but the Python and the colt SA were exceptions, also the 1911 has no par but its an auto and does not apply to this thread.

I would be hard pressed to pick between the two in a .357 Magnum, but think I would opt for the Python, and have it tweeked both double and single action by one of the better Smiths. My choice of Smiths would be a early Combat Magnum with a 6" tube and have a trigger job perhaps..