Colt Python. I just got to have one.

[Sling Shot]

I have never owned a Colt Python revolver, but I do want to own one in the near future. I will probably have to buy a used one, but one that is in excellent condition. I would prefer one that is stainless, but the blued models are catching my eye too. I am not a collector, so I will be buying a shooter. What type of conditions do I need to consider when buying a used Python? Anything in particular to look for? Also, what model is more desireable(the Elite)? I need general information on serial numbers also.
Thanks in advance for your reply. Sling Shot

[Ala Dan]

Greetings Sling Shot:

If I were you, I would seek out an older 70's model Colt Python in Royal blue; either with a 4" or a 6" tube. I
have owned both the blued and the nickeled versions, in
both barrel lengths; but for some reason the blued one's
always appealed to me. I have no experience with the newer
stainless versions? If you are lucky enough to find a 70's
model Python with the Royal blue finish expect to pay around
$800.00 + if it is in emaculate condition. You want to look
at the lockwork, check the timing (as Colt's are known to jump timing, after use), and look at the overall appearance
of the weapon in question. Bare in mind, the Python is a large weapon, and it don't suit all shooter's; but if you are acustom to large frame handguns, the Python ranks among
the top. I have also determined that these weapons are known
for accuracy, straight of of the box!!!:):D

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[Hawkman]

Funny thing - I stopped by my usual gunshop/range on the way home this afternoon to try out some new .44 mag loads, and there sat an immaculate stainless Python. Lockwork and timing were good, no endshake - looked like it had never been fired.

Owner let me shoot a box through it, and that clinched the deal. It is a pure dream. Would love to have an older blue one, but I'm a happy camper with what I've got!

Hawk

BTW, 6"

[SnakeLover]

I love my python! I have the nickel 6" version, late 70's production according to serial number(brown box), bought NIB for $750 back in January. My dad has the 6" stainless version bought early 80's NIB. My uncle has 2 6" versions, one stainless and one blue. All are great to shoot. As a rule, I think the nickel I have is the hardest to keep in good condition.

I would definitely choose a 6" barrel for accuracy purposes if you are going to shoot alot. If I were buying another python, I'd get the stainless for ease of care. The blue version show use around the muzzle more than the stainless and I think the stainless are easier to maintain, having cleaned all the guns above. Some pythons also have a reputation of having a "heavy" trigger, but mine either doesn't or I never felt it truely heavy.

Attached are a couple links that might interest you.
Blue 6" - http://www.auctionarms.com/search/displayitem.cfm?ItemNum=852343 Stainless 6" - http://www.auctionarms.com/search/displayitem.cfm?ItemNum=842667

Have never shot the other elite or other sub models.

Good luck with your search and decision.

Snake

[4V50 Gary]

It was the Colt Python, period. When you picked it up, you knew you had the Rolls Royce of revolvers (poetic, isn't it?) with a high gloss polish, deep rich blue and butter slick trigger in either double or single action mode. Sure it cost more, but quality doesn't come cheap and you weren't just buying a gun, you bought an hierloom.

There was a time when Colt had numerous employees who could fit parts and build Pythons. Afterall, it was basically the same action as their Detective Specials, Diamondbacks and Police Positives. Even the first models of the Colt Trooper featured the Python's lockwork. Sadly, with the passage of time, labor costs increased and employees retired, making production of these guns more difficult. Finally, older designs were reengineered to take the new Mark III Trooper lockwork and gradually, of the old 19th century era lockwork guns, only the Python remained - and that too became specialised as a "custom shop" product.

What to look for? Here's some standard questions (points) to look for when buying a used revolver. How about tightness? When the gun is fired and the hammer in the forward position, how much endshake is there in the cylinder? How smooth is the trigger in DA or SA mode? Does the trigger smartly return to its position of rest when released? Is the crane straight and does the cylinder rotate freely either under DA/SA? Is there a noticable gap between the crane and the frame when the cylinder is closed? Has it been reblued and if so, by someone other than the factory? What conditions are the grips in (original)? Is the barrel straight and in alignment with the frame? Of course, you check the barrel and cylinder to see what condition they're in.

If you have anymore questions, post them and we'll try helping you. There's an old thread which describes the lockwork of the Python which may tell you more than you would ever care to know about the Python (and those type of revolvers). It's in the Smithy Forum and under my name.

[jimmy]

There are a lot of good reasons to like the Python. In better days, Colt's Royal Blue was the best factory blue and its nickel was the best factory nickel (IMHO :)). Also, I have a matte stainless Python whose finish is flawless. I remember from the 70s and 80s that the pure smoothness of the Python's action never failed to impress me beyond any other new guns on the dealer's shelves.

I think quality took a downward turn in the mid- or maybe the late 80s. I used to have a four-inch blue Python from that period whose barrel and frame were distinctly different shades of blue, and whose action was a bit rough. It was still a Python, but I traded it way. Now I sure do wish I had it back!

My 1 1/2 cent.

[Sling Shot]

Thanks men for the information. What is difference between the Colt Python Elite and the Colt Python? As near as I can figure without having a definitive answer is that the Elite was manufactured near the time the Python was discontinued. Are the Elite models a good value?
Thanks, Sling Shot

[Dr45ACP]

Having handled both Pythons and Elite Pythons, I can tell you my opinion is there is no real difference other than the label.

Older Pythons, I believe, are of better overall quality than more recent products. However, even the late models are extremely nice.

Any serious handgun collector should have at least one Python. They are works of art.

[OFFICERSJD]

Hey guys:
Im a VA armed spo and use my Colt Python as my service weapon and after my requal it started to shoot to the right of the center of mass. Its to the point that I have to aim all the way left to hit center. Can you guys give me an idea about how to fix this problem or how to adjust the sights myself to get me shooting dead center again. Thanks so much for helping out.

Steve

[Wildalaska]

Someone looking for Pyhtons?

WildwellwellAlaska

[Doug.38PR]

Check the timing in DA and SA. Make sure the cylinder doesn't throw by due to a worn bolt head. Make sure the cylinder is secure and the notches don't slip from the bolt when you wiggle it with your fingers. Check for a large amount of cylinder endshake. Look down the bore using your thumbnail to reflect light and make sure it looks smooth (no rust). Make sure there isn't a whole lot of space between cylinder and force cone (they say if you can stick a credit card in between the two then it is too much). That's all I can think of at the moment

[schmeky]

Wildalaska,

I think they were looking for Pythons.

What is Pyhton ? :D

[Dfariswheel]

OFFICERSJD:

Just use a small screwdriver to adjust the windage screw on the rear sight.
The sight is marked as to which was to turn it.

Give it a "click" or two then shoot it.

[Wildalaska]

What is Pyhton

Your right. I meant to say I have two Pythons.

And a Pyhton too.

Thats the 4 inch Royal Blue one with the hammer spur cut, DA only, and a Bomar Rib.:eek::eek::eek:

I shake when I look at it, and start getting that pre vomit drool. As I do when i look at a Remington Rand 1911A1, all original parts that has been nickeled...or the 1917 Spandau GEW98, all matching, original and immaculate save for the cut and crown and hack of stock to 20 inches......

But thats how they did it back then...

WildthehorrorAlaska

[gvf]

I got a beauty, nickel, $450 Gander Mtn, though there is a reason it was SO cheap (not having to do with the gun or store quality); it would have been low-priced anyway but that was a buyer's dream.

There are three at the following store at a suburb of Buffalo, NY, they ship and have a year warranty (though how that works with a gun going out of the purvey of their store you'd have to ask - they have their own gunsmith):

Buffalo Gun Center
www.buffaloguncenter.com

3385 Harlem Rd
Buffalo, NY 14225
(716) 833-2581

One is nickel 4" for $1200 - the going auction rate. I think a 1960s. No bargain there but it is barely fired. Then a very nice, little fired, Blue from I believe the 90s for $800, low average price there. Last, a 6" Blue, no idea of year, for $700, a shooter. I guess low average for a shooter.

I'd stay away from auctions: they're ridiculously high. Look around local stores, they show up. A lot were made by Colt for many years. Great guns, big but really balanced well and makes any recoil easy to take.

[Lou22]

"I'd stay away from auctions: they're ridiculously high."

I agree that you will see some high prices on Gunbroker and Auction Arms. But if you take the time to look every day or so for a couple weeks, like I did, you can find a very good deal. Recently I paid about $805 including shipping for a 6 inch Python that had no worn blueing and only a couple of scuff marks on the original wood grips. A truely gorgeous speciman, IMHO.

Lou

[Harry Callahan]

"I'd stay away from auctions: they're ridiculously high."


I've noticed that when you figure in shipping, insurance, transfer fees, etc., I could pick up much of what I see on Gunbroker for new or for about the same price(or cheaper!)at my local shop-WITHOUT having to BS around with an auction!

[et45]

There is a 6 in. nickel one that is LNIB for $1600 at a local pawn shop.

[BC Mike]

Wildalaska,

I think they were looking for Pythons.

What is Pyhton ?

It's those things you hammer into a rock face when you're climbing in Alaska. Sorry (almost) I couldn't let that go by.