My Colt Python has an ATF serial #

phenson · December 16, 2009, 10:14 AM

Not sure if this is the right place to post this or not, but if not, I apologize.
I picked up a nice 97-98% blue 6" python from an individual a couple of weeks ago. I didn't look at the serial # till I got home and got curious about the manufacture date. I have determined that the serial # is one that has been assigned by the ATF when the original serial # has been destroyed on the gun. I have already called Colt. They couldn't help me because this number is not in their data base. I called the ATF hesitantly. I was passed off 7 or 8 times. I never talked to anyone who had a clue. What makes me really curious is the fact that I can see no damage on this gun where the original serial # would be. The gun is not refinished. The ATF serial number is on the frame inside where the crane swings open just like the original. I am wondering if anyone knows who I could contact who would be able to track down why this gun has this serial # instead of the original Colt number or ultimately give me some history on the gun.
Thanks,
PH

w_houle · December 16, 2009, 08:29 PM

Could it be a 'lunch box' special?

phenson · December 16, 2009, 08:41 PM

Interesting,
never thought about that. Long shot I think.

johnwilliamson062 · December 16, 2009, 10:51 PM

That would be awesome.

David Hineline · December 16, 2009, 11:02 PM

All manuf. make sterile guns for govment types, it could easily be one of these that a govment employee got registered, could be a sterile gun that got re-imported. Could be a re-finish that you just can't tell the difference.

laytonj1 · December 16, 2009, 11:05 PM

Why do you believe it's an ATF stamped SN? What is different about it? Just curious.

Jim

dogtown tom · December 17, 2009, 12:07 AM

Quote:

phenson Not sure if this is the right place to post this or not, but if not, I apologize.
I picked up a nice 97-98% blue 6" python from an individual a couple of weeks ago. I didn't look at the serial # till I got home and got curious about the manufacture date. I have determined that the serial # is one that has been assigned by the ATF when the original serial # has been destroyed on the gun. I have already called Colt. They couldn't help me because this number is not in their data base. I called the ATF hesitantly. I was passed off 7 or 8 times. I never talked to anyone who had a clue. What makes me really curious is the fact that I can see no damage on this gun where the original serial # would be. The gun is not refinished. The ATF serial number is on the frame inside where the crane swings open just like the original. I am wondering if anyone knows who I could contact who would be able to track down why this gun has this serial # instead of the original Colt number or ultimately give me some history on the gun.
Thanks,
PH

You need to post pics on the Colt forum http://www.coltforum.com/forums/

December 16, 2009, 10:14 AM	#1
phenson Junior Member Join Date: April 5, 2009 Posts: 3	My Colt Python has an ATF serial # Not sure if this is the right place to post this or not, but if not, I apologize. I picked up a nice 97-98% blue 6" python from an individual a couple of weeks ago. I didn't look at the serial # till I got home and got curious about the manufacture date. I have determined that the serial # is one that has been assigned by the ATF when the original serial # has been destroyed on the gun. I have already called Colt. They couldn't help me because this number is not in their data base. I called the ATF hesitantly. I was passed off 7 or 8 times. I never talked to anyone who had a clue. What makes me really curious is the fact that I can see no damage on this gun where the original serial # would be. The gun is not refinished. The ATF serial number is on the frame inside where the crane swings open just like the original. I am wondering if anyone knows who I could contact who would be able to track down why this gun has this serial # instead of the original Colt number or ultimately give me some history on the gun. Thanks, PH

December 16, 2009, 08:29 PM	#2
w_houle Senior Member Join Date: March 29, 2007 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 1,391	Could it be a 'lunch box' special? __________________ How could you have a slogan like "freedom is slavery" when the concept of freedom has been abolished?

December 16, 2009, 08:41 PM	#3
phenson Junior Member Join Date: April 5, 2009 Posts: 3	Interesting, never thought about that. Long shot I think.

December 16, 2009, 10:51 PM	#4
johnwilliamson062 Junior member Join Date: May 16, 2008 Posts: 9,995	That would be awesome.

December 16, 2009, 11:02 PM	#5
David Hineline Senior Member Join Date: December 23, 1999 Location: South Sioux City, Nebraska Posts: 704	All manuf. make sterile guns for govment types, it could easily be one of these that a govment employee got registered, could be a sterile gun that got re-imported. Could be a re-finish that you just can't tell the difference.

December 16, 2009, 11:05 PM	#6
laytonj1 Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2005 Posts: 4,443	Why do you believe it's an ATF stamped SN? What is different about it? Just curious. Jim