[ScottsGT]

OK, now I'm even giving thought to a blue Python. I have a question on the blue finishes. Looking at various auction photos, it is obvious that some sellers have better photography skills than others do. But some of the blue pythons seem to have a very deep high gloss blue finish, and others are just, well, blue. Did Colt offer the Pyton with a deep blue and a standard blue finish, or am I seeing differences in photography?

[dfariswheel]

You're seeing both differences in photography, worn or dirty finishes, and the difference between the older 1950's and 60's Pythons and the later guns which had finishes just slightly less mirror-like.

The Python always had the finest polish jobs ever used on a production revolver, but like everything else in the world, the quality did deteriorate "slightly" over the years.

[Confederate]

The Python is the only pistol I'd take in blue any day over stainless. Before buying one, I'd sure request additional photographs. On some of those auctions there's a blurb saying, "E-mail me for further photos" or something to that effect. There's no reason someone can't take a gun like that outdoors and take a photo or two in full sunlight.

Also make sure the seller gives a five-day lookover period.

Final thought: e-mail the seller and ask specifically how good the finish is. If he knows you're interested in a nearly perfect finish, he's more likely to disclose any defects rather than risk you returning it. That can be a hassle.

Those are wonderful guns.

[Standing Wolf]

Speaking strictly as a guy who used to teach Photoshop: it's impossible to judge the quality of the finish on a firearm with certainty from photographs.

Very good close in photographs can help quite a bit, but a.) they're uncommon, and b.) it would take an awful lot of photographs to cover an entire gun.

[Tbu61]

As posted above, The Python has an incredible finish. The earlier ones almost looked like Cobalt Glass. The only regret about a Python is NOT having one.

I got mine in 1990 and smiled... Every time I see it I still smile.

[Sniper X]

Mine is a 1975 model and the blueing was spectacular but now is slightly "worn" from years of holster use. But still looks very good. See a pic in Got the python heres a pic....