[eagleeye]

as title asked & not considering new built Pythons , KC 's , Anaconda.,
which is better to collect for a return in 20 yrs? . blue , nickel , or stainless steel & 4" , 6" , 8"
looking at 70 , 80's - 90's builds. one of each snake ( maybe not viper ? )
I prefer 4" but the 6" look mighty fine
my take is the Nickel finish , but I do like a beautiful blueing
python , nickel, 4"
king cobra nickel 4"
anaconda nickel 4"
diamondback nickel 4"
boa,
cobra,
viper
whats ya'll's take

 

[azshot]

I'd say stay away from stainless. Back in the day, it was considered an exotic material and perfect for guns, but today it's just a mass-production shortcut. There is not a finish on a stainless gun, it's basically raw metal, polished somewhat. But I don't collect or own any snakes. Other than a nickel cobra...if that tells you anything.

 

[dogface6]

Look for the earliest original blued ones you can find in the best shape.- it took some expertise to create them - true for just about every firearm.

You may well have a smaller collection, but it will always look good, and will rise in value.

 

[Alan Woodward]

Well, you won’t find the KC or Anaconda in nickel, although early ones have appreciated a lot. I vote for nickel Diamondbacks.

 

[smkummer]

20 years from now is speculation. The first I heard the term snake guns was maybe 20 years ago. There are many other interesting Colts without the snake name. I might have benefited from that in trooper MKVs (actually all trooper models) and officers models were overlooked. I do believe the new pythons will somewhat flatten the pricing on original pythons. I suppose the biggest return on investment is being an opportunist type buyer ( when the price is right or too good to pass) and not just limit oneself to Colts. Original military and other quality firearms have shot up in price lately too.

 

[mlin1911]

I like Diamondback. Not the most prized snake gun. Why? I like its relatively compact size. And Colt stupidly let their DB trademark expired and now registered by the another firearm maker. There can be no more new Colt with DB name.

 

[eagleeye]

I like Diamondback. Not the most prized snake gun. Why? I like its relatively compact size. And Colt stupidly let their DB trademark expired and now registered by the another firearm maker. There can be no more new Colt with DB name.

did not know this bit of info , thanks

 

[Alan Woodward]

did not know this bit of info , thanks

Some disagree about the trademark theory, I for one am glad the didn’t bring the DB name, it makes the old ones more unique N my opinion

 

[mlin1911]

See what Colt did. Named a new D frame size .22 revolver, that has all the characters of the legacy Diamondback, as King Cobra Target. That's because they cannot use the name Diamondback anymore. Or at least not without paying the AR15 maker Diamondback the fee.

Colt King Cobra Target .22 LR rimfire revolver

Colt expands the King Cobra line of double-action revolvers with a new King Cobra Target .22 Long Rifle variant, offering a staggering capacity of ten rounds for plinking, training, sport shooting, pest control, and as a trusty companion for your escapades in the great outdoors

www.gunsweek.com

 

[Alan Woodward]

See what Colt did. Named a new D frame size .22 revolver, that has all the characters of the legacy Diamondback, as King Cobra Target. That's because they cannot use the name Diamondback anymore. Or at least not without paying the AR15 maker Diamondback the fee.

Colt King Cobra Target .22 LR rimfire revolver

Colt expands the King Cobra line of double-action revolvers with a new King Cobra Target .22 Long Rifle variant, offering a staggering capacity of ten rounds for plinking, training, sport shooting, pest control, and as a trusty companion for your escapades in the great outdoors

www.gunsweek.com

Can‘t wait to buy one of those!

 

[stavok]

Stainless guns will never be as good as investment- why? Because they stay in such good condition. Imagine if Single Action Army's were all stainless. They would be nearly worthless with twice as many still existing and all in excellent condition.

 

[Alan Woodward]

Stainless guns will never be as good as investment- why? Because they stay in such good condition. Imagine if Single Action Army's were all stainless. They would be nearly worthless with twice as many still existing and all in excellent condition.

Interesting point, although old King Cobra’s look very different than new one’s and are commanding a premium, who knows what the future holds.

 

[khe sanh]

who knows what the future holds.

 

[hwb]

Collect original stocks/grips you'll yield higher return.

 

[ColtsDad]

It’s all individual opinion , but my outlook - and also favorite is blue .
Factory BSTS vs blue value wise is a toss up , with blue definitely coming on strong since reintroduction ( even though it’s a new design ) . I think the fact that they’re all stainless now, pumps up the value of the old blued models ( vs the BSTS ).

But like mike said , opportunity and price has to be the key factor - these present days though , opportunity is the trump card.
My brite was my first , I look a few times a year for the 4”. Lately they’re definitely looking pretty beat for 25 and up . Even the 4”blue Pythons ( covet that too ) are same starting price for sub par quality. Look for the deals Eagle , and if you gotta pony up a little once in a while ...Justify🤠

 

[Edsasso]

In the world of pythons, I’m more on the side of low serial numbers and 2.5” blue or nickel with ivory. I’m picky and that’s me. There are so many angles to collecting and what will be best in time, just collect what you like for what ever reason and enjoy. Watch all the different auctions and listings, you will catch some deals…. Buy the best example of what you want and watch out for fakes, refinished guns, wrong grips, boxes and such. Lots to learn with all these snakes.

 

[Eastwoodfan]

IMHO Python is king. Buy high condition early production. The more stainless "Pythons" they crank out in those nifty blue plastic cases, the more desirable the early pistols become. No offense intended to 2020 owners.

 

[whig]

Pythons...Old, early Pythons? Did someone say Pythons? These are my two 4 digit early 1956 Pythons serial number 1415 and 1417! Neat treasures. Plus, my collection of some of my Colts, Randall knives and Black Talon. No new Pythons in my safe!

 

[68python]

Collect what you like, and will be happy with if doesn’t lose value 20 years later.
Your odds of success are much higher with that criteria.

As a generality however on collector grade Snakes-

highest original condition, with original box & papers.
Rarest characteristics within its type, and within most desirable type.