Looking at buying this Python and could use some guidance

[BrokeGunner]

Hello, this is my first time on this Forum. I am a military rifle enthusiast and somehow I recently acquired symptoms of revolver-itis. I'm trying to keep things under control but this will be my 3rd revolver in 3 weeks so the only positive thing I can say is that I haven't bought any military rifles this week!!

I got a call from a friend today who is in need of some quick cash so he offered this Python to me. He said it was 1962 but when I looked it up on the "born on" date chart, it appears to be 1961. Serial is 181XX. It is a 6" barrel and comes with a holster, padded case and 4 speedloaders. The blue is very nice and only has one discolored spot on the right side between the top of the grip and the hammer, about the size of a pea. There are also 2 very small scratches on the right side, near the trigger, it looks like someone slipped while trying to loosen the screw near the trigger. All in all it looks very nice, I was able to determine the stocks are much later than what would be correct. I looked on ebay and it looks like the ones I would need are at $150+ and not done yet :/

So if anyone can help with some advice, tips on what I should check, etc, I would appreciate it. I read a post on gunboards describing how to check the cylinder locking bolt and the lockup, the bolt behaves exactly like the post described... it starts moving immediately when pulling the hammer back and it also snaps back out very sharp and without hesitation. The trigger pull is very smooth.

Here are some pics:

[GUNKWAZY]

Welcome aboard.
It sounds like you've done your homework already and you know what to look for, and what you're looking at.
I'm a picky person, so I would classify this as a shooter for me. Just based on a scratch there, a smudge here, a spot there and a little bit of muzzle wear.
So, as a shooter, I like the later Python ELITE style grips and would have a tough time parting with another $200 or so for correct 1/2 moon target style grips.
If you're personally buying it as a collector gun, then go ahead and buy yourself the correct grips. But that would have to be factored into the price to see if it's a good, fair or excellent deal on this gun.
Based on you telling us that you've checked out the timing and lockup and all is good there, the only thing left out is the price.
The price would be the only determining factor left.
What can you buy it for ?

Jeff (GUNKWAZY)

[d.a.r.y.l]

Good looking Python.The stocks look like the ones that came on the Python Elites,if they are the real deal you might be able to trade for the correct set for your gun from someone on this forum.Don't know what your friend is wanting but if you can get it for less than $1100 that would be a fair deal in my part of the country.D*

[ProTourAero]

You are correct about the date, late 61.

[Kid Sopris]

I'm as picky as Jeff and I wouldn't pay $1,000.00 for that Python.

[Skans]

I'd say that Python would sell for around $900, give or take. You've got to look at it this way - with a factory re-finish, someone would have a beautiful '61 Python for under $1,400.

[BrokeGunner]

Thanks for the help. I am buying it for $900 including case, speedloaders, holster, etc.

So I guess it is acceptable to collectors to have a Python factory refinished?

[MtnSpur]

Thanks for the help. I am buying it for $900 including case, speedloaders, holster, etc.

So I guess it is acceptable to collectors to have a Python factory refinished?

"Collectors" will not have a Colt refinished. Folks who collect Colts for their workmanship, accuracy, elegant lines and use for shooting will

Thanks Kid for the above.....oh, you meant Gun Jeff not Mtn Jeff

[BrokeGunner]

"Collectors" will not have a Colt refinished. Folks who collect Colts for their workmanship, accuracy, elegant lines and use for shooting will

Thanks Kid for the above.....oh, you meant Gun Jeff not Mtn Jeff

Ok, so I assume a collector would not buy this gun in the first place since the finish has some issues

I am more of a shooter than a collector so I think I got the right one for my needs. If I put a scratch on it, it won't be the end of the world and if
I had bought a perfect specimen I would probably be scared to take it out of the safe, so this is probably the best compromise.

[Ratzo]

I too am very picky about the firearms I collect. But every stable has to have a shooter or two. That one to me is a shooter.