Colt Python

hlds54 · August 25, 2013, 08:03 AM

My dad showed me his new purchase of a 4in Colt Python .357 magnum, He'd wanted one a long time and my step mom bought one for him. needless to say he was very happy as was I. the Serial number puts production at 1968, bluing is very good minimal holster wear, no rust, and very tight. Trigger is amazing best stock one I've ever seen on a revolver. I ll try and get some pics up. Just Thought I'd share.

ps we named it Joe Pike, after the Python toting character of the same name.

gav1230 · August 25, 2013, 08:31 AM

Pics?

DaleA · August 25, 2013, 02:25 PM

"Our" Joe Pike will be soooo disappointed!

I've said this before...with only a finite amount of "Python Goodness" left in the universe I would personally feel a little guilty of using it up. (Plus there's no way I'm going to pay what they are asking for a nice Colt Python.)

That said, I'm really happy when somebody (especially a 'mature' guy or gal) gets a gun they've "always wanted" and I hope you Dad enjoys shooting it.

Joe_Pike · August 25, 2013, 02:55 PM

Quote:

ps we named it Joe Pike

Well, thank you.

Quote:

"Our" Joe Pike will be soooo disappointed!*

I really wish that the character "Joe Pike" would carry a model 27, but he carries a revolver, so, I can live with the Python.

Ramon_ · August 25, 2013, 03:30 PM

My dream revolver!

Nick_C_S · August 28, 2013, 10:26 PM

On September 3rd, 1983; I took possession of a new Colt Python. 6" barrel. Blue. It was my first gun.

I have since purchased many guns and am quite fond of Smith 686's (I have three, and may get more). The Smith fits my hand better and is more durable (stainless). That said, my beloved Python became a safe queen not long after I got it.

This coming Tuesday - September 3rd, 2013, on its 30th anniversary; I'm going to take my Python out for a shoot for the first time in at least 26 years.

Looking forward to it.

Nick_C_S · August 29, 2013, 12:53 PM

Here it is. . .

Yankee Traveler · August 29, 2013, 12:58 PM

6 in ?

ATCDoktor · August 29, 2013, 01:02 PM

I purchased this one brand new in 1983 (paid $400.00) and it's 30 years old as well.

I could not begin to tell you how many rounds have been fired through it in that time (most were lead SWC/WC over a light charge of Bullseye and the round count would be in the multiple tens of thousands).

I had it out the other day checking accuracy with a new load and I regret not taking a picture of the 12 round group I fired with it at 25 yards using mixed 357 magnum brass, Tula SPP, 4.0 grains of HP38 and a no name 158 grain LSWC. A little less than 1.5" off a rest at that distance.

Granted my S&W Model 686 will shoot just as well at the same distance but it ain't nearly as old nor as worn in.

black mamba · August 29, 2013, 05:08 PM

Even though I'm not a huge fan of the Python because of the poor fit of the grip to my hand, the biggest regret of my shooting life involves a Python. When I worked at a gun store in the early '80s, a customer brought in two revolvers to put up for consignment sale. One was a 4-screw S&W 6-1/2" pre-29 44 magnum, serial #170xxx, which I bought. The other was a 6" blue Python 357 magnum, serial #1011. Both were in the original boxes in 99%+ condition. I could only afford one of them, and the Smith won out. According to Jenks book, the 44 mag was made in March or April of '57, and the Python was either 1st or 2nd month of production, with that low of a number. Too bad I was a broke kid just out of school. I should have borrowed the money for the Python.

DaleA · August 29, 2013, 11:01 PM

The Python is without question one of the nicest firearms ever made.

Your pictures are great but IMhO they don't do the finish on the guns justice. The Royal Blue finish on the Pythons really has to be seen in person to be appreciated.

That's one of the few good reasons I would have for going to a gun show again.

Nick_C_S · September 1, 2013, 03:01 PM

Yes 6" bbl. Count the vents, multiply by 2.

Heck ATCDokter, our guns could have gone down the line together back in 1983. My S# is K78xxx. Is that anywhere close to yours? (Also, I wish I knew how you made your pic display within the thread, instead of having to click on the jpeg link, like mine.)

And yes, the bluing finish on Pythons is outstanding. Very deep, almost liquid looking. Mine has just a little bit of holster wear on the first inch of the end of the barrel; but otherwise, the bluing is pretty close to mint.

Skans · September 4, 2013, 12:40 PM

Quote:

serial #1011

I believe these 1st year low serial number guns sell for about $5,000+ in excellent condition; 2-digits going for over $8,000.

August 28, 2013, 10:26 PM	#6
Nick_C_S Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2013 Location: Idaho Posts: 5,525	On September 3rd, 1983; I took possession of a new Colt Python. 6" barrel. Blue. It was my first gun. I have since purchased many guns and am quite fond of Smith 686's (I have three, and may get more). The Smith fits my hand better and is more durable (stainless). That said, my beloved Python became a safe queen not long after I got it. This coming Tuesday - September 3rd, 2013, on its 30th anniversary; I'm going to take my Python out for a shoot for the first time in at least 26 years. Looking forward to it. __________________ Gun control laws benefit only criminals and politicians - but then, I repeat myself. Life Member, National Rifle Association

September 1, 2013, 03:01 PM	#12
Nick_C_S Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2013 Location: Idaho Posts: 5,525	Yes 6" bbl. Count the vents, multiply by 2. Heck ATCDokter, our guns could have gone down the line together back in 1983. My S# is K78xxx. Is that anywhere close to yours? (Also, I wish I knew how you made your pic display within the thread, instead of having to click on the jpeg link, like mine.) And yes, the bluing finish on Pythons is outstanding. Very deep, almost liquid looking. Mine has just a little bit of holster wear on the first inch of the end of the barrel; but otherwise, the bluing is pretty close to mint. __________________ Gun control laws benefit only criminals and politicians - but then, I repeat myself. Life Member, National Rifle Association

August 25, 2013, 08:03 AM	#1
hlds54 Senior Member Join Date: November 3, 2011 Location: Martinsburg WV Posts: 174	Colt Python My dad showed me his new purchase of a 4in Colt Python .357 magnum, He'd wanted one a long time and my step mom bought one for him. needless to say he was very happy as was I. the Serial number puts production at 1968, bluing is very good minimal holster wear, no rust, and very tight. Trigger is amazing best stock one I've ever seen on a revolver. I ll try and get some pics up. Just Thought I'd share. ps we named it Joe Pike, after the Python toting character of the same name. __________________ "Survival favors the prepared mind." Last edited by hlds54; August 25, 2013 at 12:01 PM.

August 25, 2013, 08:31 AM	#2
gav1230 Senior Member Join Date: February 17, 2013 Posts: 148	Pics?

August 25, 2013, 02:25 PM	#3
DaleA Senior Member Join Date: September 12, 2002 Location: Twin Cities, MN Posts: 5,317	"Our" Joe Pike will be soooo disappointed! I've said this before...with only a finite amount of "Python Goodness" left in the universe I would personally feel a little guilty of using it up. (Plus there's no way I'm going to pay what they are asking for a nice Colt Python.) That said, I'm really happy when somebody (especially a 'mature' guy or gal) gets a gun they've "always wanted" and I hope you Dad enjoys shooting it.

August 25, 2013, 03:30 PM	#5
Ramon_ Member Join Date: August 7, 2011 Posts: 27	My dream revolver!

August 29, 2013, 12:58 PM	#8
Yankee Traveler Senior Member Join Date: April 17, 2008 Location: Middle Tennessee Posts: 265	6 in ?

August 29, 2013, 01:02 PM	#9
ATCDoktor Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 2006 Posts: 172	I purchased this one brand new in 1983 (paid $400.00) and it's 30 years old as well. I could not begin to tell you how many rounds have been fired through it in that time (most were lead SWC/WC over a light charge of Bullseye and the round count would be in the multiple tens of thousands). I had it out the other day checking accuracy with a new load and I regret not taking a picture of the 12 round group I fired with it at 25 yards using mixed 357 magnum brass, Tula SPP, 4.0 grains of HP38 and a no name 158 grain LSWC. A little less than 1.5" off a rest at that distance. Granted my S&W Model 686 will shoot just as well at the same distance but it ain't nearly as old nor as worn in.

August 29, 2013, 05:08 PM	#10
black mamba Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2011 Location: SW Florida Posts: 890	Even though I'm not a huge fan of the Python because of the poor fit of the grip to my hand, the biggest regret of my shooting life involves a Python. When I worked at a gun store in the early '80s, a customer brought in two revolvers to put up for consignment sale. One was a 4-screw S&W 6-1/2" pre-29 44 magnum, serial #170xxx, which I bought. The other was a 6" blue Python 357 magnum, serial #1011. Both were in the original boxes in 99%+ condition. I could only afford one of them, and the Smith won out. According to Jenks book, the 44 mag was made in March or April of '57, and the Python was either 1st or 2nd month of production, with that low of a number. Too bad I was a broke kid just out of school. I should have borrowed the money for the Python.

August 29, 2013, 11:01 PM	#11
DaleA Senior Member Join Date: September 12, 2002 Location: Twin Cities, MN Posts: 5,317	The Python is without question one of the nicest firearms ever made. Your pictures are great but IMhO they don't do the finish on the guns justice. The Royal Blue finish on the Pythons really has to be seen in person to be appreciated. That's one of the few good reasons I would have for going to a gun show again.