Since we're discussing Pythons I'll share my story of my first one. 15 years ago I worked full time teaching and part time in a outdoor sports shop. The gun dept.manager, Tim, had a nice mid-60's four inch blued Python that he wanted to sell to raise money for a 1,000 yard rifle. He was asking a reasonable $450 for it. New Custom Shop Pythons were around $1000 to $1100 then. A regular customer, Jeb, was very tight with money and always tried to hammer down prices. He came in Saturday after Saturday and offered $400 for it. Tim got so tired of this that on one Saturday when I came in Tim approached me and said, "I need money to finish my rifle give me all that you've got on you." I said, "Sure just let me keep $5 to eat on and you can pay me back later.", and handed him $165. Tim said, "No, this isn't a loan, you just bought yourself a Python., but there's one condition. When Jeb comes in today like he always does you have to tell him you're the new owner and what you paid for it." Sure enough Jeb came in and asked to see the Python. When I told him that it wasn't for sale anymore he asked why. When I told him I'd bought it for $165 he sputtered, turned red and stormed off. The next week he was back and I was selling my 5" S&W #27 since the Python shot so well (1" groups at 20 yds from a rest). He bought it for my asking price without any argument. I like the old Pythons but I don't own any these days. Parts are impossible to find and steady use with medium to heavy loads gets them out of time. I may try one of the new ones but the waiting list around here is as long as your arm.
Best Regards,
ADP3