The Python market sure appears to be overheated. Just one opinion but the bubble ought to burst. Of course I've been telling myself that for a while and they keep rising stratospherically. Colt made a pretty large pile of Pythons over the years, several hundred thousand of the things.
1965 Colt Python
Here's a V-prefix 6-inch blue Python from 1978. Shown with its immediate predecessor, a first-year-of-production Colt 3 5 7 from 1953. The only two Colt revolvers built on the I-Frame variation of their famous E-Frame, the hapless 3 5 7 was brought out in 1953, intended as the premium Colt .357 Magnum, and slotted to be fancier and higher priced than the work-horse Colt Trooper. Colt trumped themselves in 1955 when the fabulous Python was introduced to knock the 3 5 7 from its "Cadillac" status down to "Buick" status. With it's entire production figure of only 16,000 or so for the 1953 to 1961 time period that it was produced, the orphan 3 5 7 saw less total production than the Python's annual production figures on any of several years. Yet the 3 5 7 languishes on the collector's market. The revolvers are the same except for external frills.
I like the balance of the 3 5 7 better. For that matter, I like its understated and classic looks better and really love the the oil-finished black walnut stocks, completely covered with cut checkering. The nice accent touch that is the Colt Duo-tone blue finish was discontinued just as the 3 5 7 was introduced and only first-year 3 5 7 revolvers feature it. For only a few years after World War II Colt detailed the cylinder flutes, top strap and bottom of the trigger guard of their blue revolvers and finished them in an appealing satin blue. The balance of the first-year 3 5 7 received a bright blue finish, expertly polished. By comparison the "Royal Blue" Colt Python is almost over-polished to the point it nearly looks "melted."
Innards are the same and feature the same smooth action and fine trigger.
I'm now almost reluctant to holster up the Python in its Safariland holster now and hike around our old family place. I've probably knocked it down to a 90% gun in the time I've had it. Shame really as the Python is a good, sturdy and very accurate revolver, just the thing for an afternoon of sport and fun shooting at the range or in the field. Pythons ought to be used as intended rather than horded, only to be touched by the cold, clammy hands of collectors.
