These old 3 5 7s are a dream to shoot as well as fun to own. Very accurate and comfortable even with full loads. I am confused as to which grips you purchased the gun with. The full checkered gen 1 Python grips you show are worth the $495 you paid for the gun. Even at $495 with the rubber grips you did good. IMHO anytime you can buy a Colt in .357 mag that goes bang every time you pull the trigger you have done well.