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What doI do with this Python? So, here's the thing. I live in Northwest Connecticut down the road from an older Italian fellow. This man is from the old country, and can tells stories with a heavy native accent of how the bombs dropped around him as a child in Italy during World War II. Sadly, he was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer, and while we all have a shelf life, his time here is has been dramatically limited. Being in law enforcement, this gentleman asked me to see what its worth, and if it's something that would sell quickly. This gun was bought in Connecticut about 30 years ago, likely new, but he can't recall and doesn't have the box. So, it is as it is. I had a local collector look at it, he said its 97%, whatever that means to you gun guys/gals. So, do I just give it to a gun store to get rid of so they can make easy money? Do I try to find a collector so he gets the most, because what I have been able to find out is these things are more valuable by the day. I can't list on this forum because I don't have sufficient posts, although I think you guys/gals are exactly the ones who can appreciate this. Gun store would give him $1500, collector thinks its worth $2200. Has a serial # of V08459, which I have been told is able to be tracked to 1979. Any thoughts, comments, or do I just unload at the nearest gun dealer? John [email protected]
Firearm Gun Revolver Trigger Ranged weapon
Revolver Gun Shotgun Bicycle part Metal
Firearm Gun Revolver Trigger Gun barrel
 

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If he need to sell it quickly 1500 from the gun store is not bad. You may be able to get more if you list it here on this forums classifieds section, but you will need better more detailed pictures.
 

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Gun store will never give you the actual market value of a gun.
They have to have a profit so they figure in a big one for themselves. They're in business so this is usually fair.

You'd be best to either put it up for sale on an auction site like Gunbroker.com, or perhaps even better put it in this sites classified "For Sale" section.

Wait for a few more people here to post opinions about the market value.
I don't follow gun values since the Colt's in general and the Python in particular is going up so fast, but just as a WILD guess based on nothing I'd say at least $2000.
 

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Being that it would be classified as a shooter, meaning it doesn't have the original box and has been shot, it all comes down to the condition of it. It looks like it is in fairly good shape condition wise, and as long as the mechanics and timing are all proper, I would say a fair price would be between $1500-$2000. Where in between? That would be up to how badly a certain individual wants that particular Python.

If I was interested in it, it would be for the $1500. Why? Because it has nothing significant going for it. It's just a plain blue Python of later vintage. The 4" barrel is appealing but doesn't increase value for me. The original walnuts might make it a couple hundred above $1500 for some, but not me. It also appears to be a secondary turn line on the cylinder. If true, that is a flaw resulting from neglect, not honest wear wear, so that impacts value. Some people say $2200 for a shooter Python, and I can agree IF the condition is like 99%. Once you start losing % due to things like secondary turn lines and such, the price should start dropping.

I just watched a good condition e-nickel sit on GB and go unsold for $1600 BIN. It had some discoloration from storage but it probably would have polished out. I think the market has really gotten soft for snake guns in general that don't have anything significant or rare about them. Pythons included.

The best thing in my opinion is to post on some threads to get your count up, then list it here in the classifieds starting at $1900. Then if no one is interested, start dropping the price by $100 every week or every other week. By the time it hits $1700 it will probably be snatched up. Good Luck.
 

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I just watched a good condition e-nickel sit on GB and go unsold for $1600 BIN. It had some discoloration from storage but it probably would have polished out. I think the market has really gotten soft for snake guns in general that don't have anything significant or rare about them. Pythons included.
This Python was refinished in chrome, that is why it went unsold. The market has always been soft for refinished or problem guns.
 

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BSmalley23, I believe the Python in the above photograph is a 4 inch nickel not blued. I'm certain a 1st time buyer/collector would not be so quick to reduce it to a "shooter" grade so quickly. With the proper detailing, polishing and love this could be someone's prize possession IMHO.
 

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You can tell him if he posts that for sale either on this board or on GB he'll get $2200 in 2 weeks or less. $1500 is pretty fair given that they need to make a profit to stay in business, but it's not what he would get if he cut out the middle man. I think that gun is $2200 all day long.
 
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Do you have CT. specific gun selling sites in your state? Here's something that might help. CT. gun auctions. Even being a new guy who no one would trust yet on a gun selling site, you can always meet someone who answers your ad at a dealer convenient to both of you and get that $2,000ish OR MORE price. Unless there's laws in your state that prohibits any of this.
Connecticut Gun Auction in Bloomfield, Connecticut with Reviews & Ratings - YP.com
 

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Right Weagle, 5th and I had a conversation about the second turn line and I have to disagree about neglect. To some degree yes but it can happen in one cylinder full to an experienced shooter and when the cylinder is opened before one knows it they dragged it for a split second. It happens and maybe you could call it neglect but I feel that's a little harsh. Also disagree on bsmalley's price points but that's all opinion and comes down to what the market will bear. I say if you want we try to clean it up a bit. If we do and that line is more a very Topical rub and may be able to be minimized. If so, I say you show before and after, be completely straight forward and put it here for $2300 and if no bites bring it down until the market dictates the value. Pm me if want help cleaning it up. I think it's pretty nice save the second line. Or list it at 2050 as is and $250 for the stocks separate as they look very nice.
 

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Take some excellent photos of the gun outside under a blue sky and sunlight. Put the gun on Gunbroker and host the photos where they will show larger than the standard way the photos show on Gunbroker. You will be quite amazed what that gun will fetch. It IS holiday season! :)
 
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