So here's a dilemma that I'm sure most of us have faced-

D1gger

D1gger

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    • Nov 12, 2017
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    #1
    So I'm really trying to get better at this long distance/PRS shooting, but I just don't have the right gear.
    I know it can be done with a bone stock Remington and a 10X scope, but I would like to have some better stuff-not super high end, but good quality. Like not quite Razor but PST Gen II if that makes sense
    Anyway, the money is tight, as always. So the dilemma is that I have blue Colt Python, mid-70s that I have had for probably 20 years. I bet I have shot it 3x. I fondle it way more than I shoot it. I think I paid less than $500 for it
    They are bringing stupid money right now. I've been tempted to sell before, but I'm kind of at the point where if I'm not using it, why not convert it into something that I will shoot.
    I'll probably regret it in 20 years, same as the guy who sold his 69 Mach 1 in 1980 for $1000.
    Anyway, I'm open for your opinions
    Mods-if this isn't the correct forum, I apologize, please feel free to move-thanks
     
    #2
    Unless the colt will be worth life changing money (it won’t, and who knows it might be illegal in 30 years) its only taking up space.

    if you enjoy having, talking, taking it out for show and tell that’s one thing.

    But if you “just don’t shoot it”, then the pistol and ammo you have are a waste of money.

    you only live once...
     
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    #3
    Well you got to do what you got to do , but me Id rather starve for a few days lol like that would ever happen , but id rather go hungry again that sell of something I wanted worked for and bought for price that's less than what would make me really smile I mean really make me smile . I have 6 cans in my home all with different things they are for i put a few dollars every month or week depending on how much i can tighten my belt its a slow way to go but in the past i got my car that way also got a nice ( to me vacation ) doing that and a few other things i wanted including a few firearms . like i said you do what you want it's yours but me I would just save for 2 months to get a scope if that is what i wanted and enjoy the python if its in good shape you could get a lot more than 1k for it don't loose something nice and cheap you self on the money as well .
     
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    #7
    I just sold a python for the same reason. I say sell it while you can get good money for it. There arent a lot of revolver people left in the world. I brought to match before i sold it to see if anybody i shoot with was interested in it. Most of the young guys could care less about a colt python. I sold it and a m1 garand because i just never shot them and there is stuff i want more right now. I am a shooter not a collector. Right now i keep staring at a 1950 model 70 that i havent touched in 10 years.
     
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    #8
    opportunity cost..

    what is the possible value of a python in 10 years...im guessing your pistol is currently in the 2-5k range

    as said above who is buying a 50 year old revolver in 10 years, maybe a collector?

    and you have to find some one who wants to buy it when you want to sell it

    having a item with worth is only useful if you have a plan and timeline to sell it

    if you plan to save it for a rainy day...dont expect full worth or a sale at all

    if you dont sell it for your scope, sell it and put the money in a tax free bond and at least get some interest on it...lol

    meanwhile your not funding your current hobby which you enjoy???
     
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    #10
    I'll kinda go opposite on this. I'm definitely more shooter than collector most of my rifles are spray painted and not pretty. But there are a few guns I own that could fall into the collector category. There are some guns I keep just because the opportunity to own it again is either not there or they would be to hard to acquire again.
     
    #11
    You could keep the pistol and get on a serious dry fire training regimen. I'm a shooter, don't collect, plus I can't afford the ones I'd want to collect and I'd shoot them often. I've actually watched a guy with a 10x and a Rem get it done at a match, lots of deep pocket rifles got a lesson that day.
     
    #12
    I am probably in the minority here but I cannot fathom owning stuff that doesn’t get used. What is the point of owning it?

    It’s like not banging your wife to keep her fresh for the next dude. It makes zero sense. Maybe a family heirloom or something? I could see that. Otherwise, run your stuff hard and put it away wet.
     
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    #13
    I sold my 69 Mach 1 in 1984 for $3500.

    At the time, it was the right thing to do, as I was heading overseas. Wish I still had it today.

    Andy's-Stang.jpg
     
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    #14
    I’m sure you have already, but ask yourself this one question. What’s going to bring you more happiness?

    A revolver that stays tucked away in a safe 98% of the time, or sell it to allow you to grow further into a newer hobby that’s a blast and will make for some great memories. Great factor is you don’t have much invested in it either.

    So I have my grandfather’s colt python to look forward to, and I’ll never sell it. It was his CHP service weapon that he carried while escorting president Reagan into Stockton California when he came to visit. Shortly after that someone from colt offered to refinish it for him. He didn’t carry it after that so she’s still purtty. It’s the one and only thing from my dad I’ve asked to have passed down to me. I’ve promised my pops It too will sit in my safe 99.9% of the time for the rest of its life.
    I’ve sold a lot of guns in the past to upgrade. TMI but I felt like sharing!

    It’s still a tough decision, and I understand why you’re asking for advice. Older pythons are rare and hard to buy back, but life is short be happy and go shoot some LR steel targets.
     
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    #15
    Gear helps, nobody can argue that, but gear will only get you so far. I shot my first match with a Rem 700 and a SS 10X so I understand you dilemma, you have to find what piece of gear is holding you back the most and then decide how to fix it. Many shooters will tell you about how much money they have wasted on the newest great thing or trying to get that Rem to shoot as good as a custom gun.

    PRS is crazy expensive, I did sell some guns to help fund my current rifle but nothing I was attached too, just stuff.

    Dry firing is free, do it a lot and then some more.

    If I could only upgrade 1 piece of equipment that would benefit me the most it would be my scope and then save and work on the rest of the rifle from there. But to your main question I would sell the revolver, and put the rest of the money away for ammo and upgrades later as you find what you like, not what is popular right now.
     
    #16
    This type of thing, to me, is a conundrum.
    The Colt Python was, and is, a fantastic revolver.
    To me, it would be an heirloom that I would want to pass down, because NO ONE makes them like that anymore.
    But then, I don't very often get rid of guns, though I should. I've got stuff I haven't shot for 10-15 years.
    Consider this, how long will it be before you tire of shooting the PRS matches?
    Sooner or later, the hassle will make it not worth your while and you'll be left with an entry level rifle and entry level scope that will likely only depreciate in value. Your python, on the other hand, is worth far more now, than when it was made and will likely increase in value. Even if you would have to part with it to pay some unforseen bill, there will ALWAYS be a market for them.
     
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    #18
    Me personally would never sell it.....but I never sell any gun. I have wanted a python since the first time I saw one. Wish I would have bought one back in the 70's instead of a 1911.
     
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    #20
    Thanks for all the great points. I'll admit, when it comes to this stuff, I try to do it as cheap as possible. Do I want a RRS tripod? Heck yes, but I'll make do with a lesser model. Same with binos-the Swaros are awesome, but I can't justify that stuff. To me, this shooting is as much getting out with my friends as it is doing well. Admittedly, I can use more practice, but there is some gear that you need to have. Bags, bipods, glass, etc. The Pyton was always a holy grail for me, then when I got it, I was almost afraid to use it. I it always made me nervous to let anyone else shoot it too.
     
    #21
    I recently thinned my collection of pistols with the recent spike in demand. There were a bunch of pistols I wasn’t shooting or wasn't interested in, so when I saw an opportunity to get all my money back out of them I took it. Then I started selling off extra optics, accessories, etc. I accumulated enough money to buy some new stuff I wanted and also pay off my wife’s SUV. There are several guns that I don’t use and won’t get rid of because they were gifts from my dad or I just really like them, but pretty much everything else I wasn’t using was on the block. I still have another bunch of guns I could let go, but the market seems hot on pistols over rifles right now.

    If you like the Colt I’d keep it. I have a S&W 627 performance center that I haven’t shot in a few years but really enjoy owning. I purchased it about 10 years ago from an older guy who was getting out of it as his hands deteriorated. I also have a Springfield M1 garand, Marlin .357 lever, 10/22, etc that have safe spaces in the safe. My dad is 78, when I eventually inherit his stuff I’m going to have to make some tough choices on what to keep vs sell, he has a safe full of stuff too.

    This thread is making me rethink some of those heirloom guns I keep. I haven’t shot either of my .30-06 rifles in 15+ years (one was my first gun, one was a gift from dad), Marlin .357 lever in 8+, my 10/22 in 5+, etc. maybe it’s time for them to go. I have no kids to pass stuff on to, and two of my three nieces were raised in California and hate guns. My brother’s daughter shows promise, but she’s only 5. If I get to the end of my and my wife’s life net zero, that‘s fine with me. Hopefully that’s another 40+ years off.
     
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    #24
    I really like the old Pythons had a chance to buy a really nice one a few years back for $1000.00 but passed now wish I had it. I would never sell any of my guns, have a couple safes full some I've had since I was just a baby & none are ever going anywhere, I would rather pass them on to my kids than sell to someone.
     
    #25
    I've sold guns I really liked but did not use. Don't regret it. If I missed it so much, I'd buy a replacement. It's only stuff, it can replaced with other stuff... or not replaced. Best to not think about it too much, or it becomes stuff and an ulcer...
     
    #26
    Speaking just for myself, I regret selling every single gun, car, or motorcycle that I've ever sold.

    But that's just the nostalgia speaking. The grass is always greener on the other side. In reality, I sold them because at the time it was what I thought was a smart decision. I could either keep this thing that I really like but wasn't actually using, or I could sell it and use that money to do something else that I was still interested in doing.

    When I look back, it's easy to only see things in terms of what I've had to give up. But when I put it in terms of what I gained, I still think I made a smart choice.
     
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    #28
    I agree with everybody else. It really depends upon your priorities. If you're a shooter, then a Python that sits around to be looked at doesn't do you much good. Could definitely repurpose those funds. Seller's remorse is very real, so it's definitely important to keep in perspective what you gain from giving something up.
     
    #29
    D1gger said:
    So I'm really trying to get better at this long distance/PRS shooting, but I just don't have the right gear.
    I know it can be done with a bone stock Remington and a 10X scope, but I would like to have some better stuff-not super high end, but good quality. Like not quite Razor but PST Gen II if that makes sense
    Anyway, the money is tight, as always. So the dilemma is that I have blue Colt Python, mid-70s that I have had for probably 20 years. I bet I have shot it 3x. I fondle it way more than I shoot it. I think I paid less than $500 for it
    They are bringing stupid money right now. I've been tempted to sell before, but I'm kind of at the point where if I'm not using it, why not convert it into something that I will shoot.
    I'll probably regret it in 20 years, same as the guy who sold his 69 Mach 1 in 1980 for $1000.
    Anyway, I'm open for your opinions
    Mods-if this isn't the correct forum, I apologize, please feel free to move-thanks
    Click to expand...


    If you need the money to buy/build a gun you will actually use, it seems reasonable to sell the revolver to fund the project.

    I don't usually sell stuff that I have but I'm planning on getting rid of my '69 since I'm getting to old to mess around with cars. Guns are much easier to play with. I got this '69 back in '84 for cheap but won't ever recover the amount that I put in it over the years turning it into a true 10 second street car with a pretty mild FE motor.



     
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    #31
    I like classic revolvers and if you have kids who give a 1% crap about guns they’ll appreciate fondling it and show and telling it 30 yrs from now and remembering the good days w their old man.

    But if you have no kids or they don’tcare about guns then sell it.
     
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    #32
    The equation i've been using of late is:
    if you have someone you would like to leave it to when you're gone...then by all means save it.
    if you have no kids or no one that would appreciate it then sell it.

    sorry about that....seems to duplicate what's just been posted
     
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    #33
    Fret said:
    If you need the money to buy/build a gun you will actually use, it seems reasonable to sell the revolver to fund the project.

    I don't usually sell stuff that I have but I'm planning on getting rid of my '69 since I'm getting to old to mess around with cars. Guns are much easier to play with. I got this '69 back in '84 for cheap but won't ever recover the amount that I put in it over the years turning it into a true 10 second street car with a pretty mild FE motor.



    Click to expand...
    That car is sweet. My Dad had a 69, but his was only a 351W. They sold it because my car seat wouldn't fit in it. That's the story anyway.
    Jade Green with slats. When you said FE, I thought S code, then I saw the pic. Awesome
     
    #35
    I only sell guns I absolutely hate. That has only happened once so far. That said I managed to buy a Python off someone that didn’t know what they had for $50. My advice, put money aside for what you want to buy. You might not buy it tomorrow but eventually it will be in your budget. Whats the rush?
     
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    #36
    Keep it, would your grandkid that might end up with prefer to have a awesome old colt that’s been handed down or a scope or some chassis ? If you’ve owned it this long it must have a bit of sentimental value or you wouldn’t be on here having guys trying to talk you into selling it.
     
    #38
    Keep the python the wait for better stuff and all the shooting till then with your other stuff will just make you better
     
    #39
    Sell it. I thought all my 80’s-90’s baseball cards would keep going up. They were stupid high prices in the 90’s. Couldn’t pay someone to take them now for the most part.

    And as long as you are not starving and have rainy day money and some sort of respectable retirement plans.......spend it.

    Dying with a ton of cash in the bank (unless you make too much to spend) and not having experiences or fun while you were alive is straight up losing at life.
     
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    #40
    Bought my 8" blued Python back in the early 80's for around $700. Shot the shit out of it (and don't have the hearing to prove it!). Sent it back to Colt and had it reblued, and retimed in the early 2000's. Sold it 2 yrs ago for $2600. No regrets, especially since I bought 3 other firearms with the money. Now I probably could get at least another 1k+ out of it since they've really seemed to go up in value the last couple of years. Still no regrets.

    Both my son and daughter like to shoot, but neither have the time or the inclination for the hobby like I do. And as far as I'm concerned they can take care of their own hobbies! I'm not a collector, I'm a shooter. And I sure can't shoot everything I've got now even with the time available now that I'm retired. There was a time I could only afford to get a new firearm by selling one and I still like to keep somewhat to that idea(not always LOL). But they're just tools to me and always replaceable.

    BUT! I still wish I'd never sold my '69 GTO Judge back in the mid 70's!! (Bought in '72 for $1200, sold in '75, gas shortage time and was going to get married. Wife was worth it, but just barely!)
     
    #43
    dustingaunder said:
    I wouldn’t sell my python to buy a PST.
    Click to expand...
    No, I'm not selling to buy the PST. I meant that to show that I'm ok with PST level gear vs. Razor stuff. I pulled it out of the safe today, it's better than I remember, probably 98% or better on the finish. We'll see.
    I still really don't want to shoot it. I'm more about using my stuff, more like tools rather than showpieces these days.
    Neither of my girls show much interest in shooting. They're not afraid of guns or anything, and are pretty decent shots for what little they practice.
    I've become more of a carry gun/AR/PRS gun guy. Not much wood in my safe anymore.
     
    #45
    I sold a Ruger Super Blackhawk .44 mag that my dad gave me, and for dirt cheap. Gotta say I thoroughly regret that decision. But, it was only really useful for fondling. If you're able to make a nice profit and use those profits for your PRS rifle, then do it.
     
    #46
    nealm66 said:
    I miss my anaconda, it was very accurate. Now for half the price, they’re pretty much all very accurate.
    Click to expand...
    I have a python and a king cobra then like an idiot I sold my 8” anaconda a couple years back cause I needed some cash and now I’m trying to get the guy to sell it back to me. I understand both sides but sometimes once there gone there gone and you regret it like me.
     
    #47
    Had a Dan Wessen pistol pack I bought back in the 70's while in the army, sold it a few years back for crazy money! Don't regret it , haven't shot it in many years! Did sell a 57 and 58 T Bird when I went into the army. Do regret this! Pulled them out of a junkyard in high school and rebuilt them with a friend!
     
    #48
    Sold a couple of old milsurp rifles for a couple bucks more than I paid for them, going rate in the late 90's. Bought a case of .308 ball and shot it in a Match Garand over the course of a year or so. Miss one rifle, a non descript Enfield that cleaned up nice. Never missed the beat up Ishapur. Of course, I'm still using the brass.

    I wouldn't sell one to buy another now, but there was a time I would have.

    PS: I have a couple of Chinese SKS's that might shoot 6" at 100 yards but them and a case of ammo are always in the back of the closet.
     
    #49
    From what you're saying, it sounds like eventually it'll be sold. So, I'd sell while it's hot.

    Noone can predict the gun market....but "classics" and "collectables" are already seeing some resistance. Wood/blued...pre-64...stuff that once moved quick and brought good money sits. Post up a 600$ plastic stocked Creedmoore and it's gone in minutes.


    I'm a hunter and a shooter. My guns all have a place. I've sold exactly 2 in my life. 1 I sorta regret but not really..really needed cash at the time..buddy really wanted the rifle for his grandkids...I didn't NEED it and wasn't really using it..and it wasn't in the greatest condition. The other, I took the cheap way out. Was disappointed and learned the lesson. Moved it down the road and bought what I should have in the first place....
     
    #50
    chopit said:
    I just sold a python for the same reason. I say sell it while you can get good money for it. There arent a lot of revolver people left in the world. I brought to match before i sold it to see if anybody i shoot with was interested in it. Most of the young guys could care less about a colt python. I sold it and a m1 garand because i just never shot them and there is stuff i want more right now. I am a shooter not a collector. Right now i keep staring at a 1950 model 70 that i havent touched in 10 years.
    Click to expand...

    Sell it while you can get good money for it and there aren’t many revolver people left in the world????
    You’re terribly naive where gun collecting is concerned. Any Colt, much less a PYTHON, will appreciate 10% a year regardless of the economy. Colt revolvers are at the top of the list for any knowledgeable gun collector. Meanwhile that super duper Vortex scope you buy new will depreciate 15% the minute you walk out of the gun shop and continue losing value each year. It’s a no brainer.........keep the Python, save some money and wait for a hot deal on a used high quality scope. Plenty of people are out of work and deals will start popping up.
     
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