Parkerized Colt Python?

Colt did not offer a dark matte finish like that on the Python.

Somehow, Parkerized and Python, when used together in one sentence, gave me a severe headache almost instantly!

rc

No way, I'd give near 1k for a park'd Python with slop in the action. 500 bucks would be my top.

My guess is that it originally suffered from pitting and corrosion and the owner thought that parkerizing (manganese phosphate) would be the best way to "hide" any pits that may have resulted. Parkerizing should not have had anything to do with causing the "play" in the cylinder. My advice: run, don't walk, away from this one!

Rust Blue?

33 years ago I bought Two used Pythons for about $125 each. They were LEO turn ins.
After messing with the actions in school, I Rust Blued one for somebody that wanted it that way.
Years ago a S&W M-66 was worth more on the street.

I think Old Cav has it right.

Of course it could be bead blasted and then blued.

I have an old Diamondback that I had to save. The poor old girl was a basket-case, and I have a soft spot for them. I am working on the mechanics now and will am considering doing the bead blast/blue finish to cover up the pitting.

The dull finish will be in-congruent with the classiness of the gun, but she won't be "scarred" anymore.

rcmodel said:

Somehow, Parkerized and Python, when used together in one sentence, gave me a severe headache almost instantly!

rc

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i have to admit i became ill as well.

I have very limited revolver experience, but would like to dabble in it; even I, however, had a pretty good sense that was a fouled up piece. Too bad.

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Were you checking the "play" in the revolver at full lock up with the trigger held back, or just wiggling it back and forth with the trigger forward? Makes a big difference in determining if it's loose or not.

At full lock up with the trigger back, a Colt with the old style lock work should have NO play, as in none. If you just wiggled the cylinder with the trigger forward... well... that doesn't really tell you anything. ( I see people do this all the time at gun stores). If the lockup is good, and the price is right, it could be a great shooter for reasonable (for a Python) money.

I think my brother parkerized an old police used Python once years ago. As mentioned, when they get worn and beat up, any finish is better than none. It was o.k. as a beater/shooter. Still solid, and accurate, just ugly.

l remember Colt having an "Electroless Nickel" finish. l saw several Pythons offered in shops back then. l have a Govt Model in that finish. Over the years it has turned a dirty grey and gotten darker from use. l have seen another that turned like mine. Some have disputed me saying its really stainless. The old magnet trick proves them wrong. lf l remember correctly the finish came out before Colt started making stainless guns. Mine is a series 70. lt was only offered a brief time.

Colt called it "satin nickel" or "Coltguard"

I saw a Python at a gun show this weekend, and it was finished in a very matt/non-gloss dark color... it looked like Parkerizing to me. Is that an option that Colt offered, or did somebody do something to it?

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Are you sure it was a Python? Colt offered the Peacekeeper model during the 1980s which was essentially a Trooper Mark V with a parkerized finish.

If it was a Python it was a travesty.

It was labeled as a Python...

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Shoot, I was rooting for a Peacekeeper. At least it would've come from the factory that way.

I'm not sure which is worse, the fact that the Python was parkerized or that the sellar honestly believes it's worth a grand in that condition.

I remember the Peacekeeper. UAW Strike (1986-90?) product when the polishers were off walking the picket line.

I would have made an offer to see if seller would haggle because that'd be a unique wheelgun to tighten up and shoot. Or at least talk about w/ the seller.

Does it look like this one? http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=259954576

Just curious.

l remember Colt having an "Electroless Nickel" finish. l saw several Pythons offered in shops back then. l have a Govt Model in that finish. Over the years it has turned a dirty grey and gotten darker from use. l have seen another that turned like mine. Some have disputed me saying its really stainless. The old magnet trick proves them wrong. lf l remember correctly the finish came out before Colt started making stainless guns. Mine is a series 70. lt was only offered a brief time.

One more time: The stainless steels used in firearms is a type to which magnets will stick.

The stainless steels used in firearms is a type to which magnets will stick

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Yep...high carbon.

Will rust too

I would actually like to see a parkerized Python just for the novelty.

InkEd said:

I would actually like to see a parkerized Python just for the novelty.

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Not me . I'd rather someone poked my eyes out with a sharp stick .
Now, the Peacekeeper....the parkerized finish is/was thinly done and they were prone to blemishing very easily. Shame that Colt even put those out on the market due to the fact that all their work prior to the labor problems was so well done.

ATLDave said:

I saw a Python at a gun show this weekend, and it was finished in a very matt/non-gloss dark color... it looked like Parkerizing to me. Is that an option that Colt offered, or did somebody do something to it?

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You certainly would not want Python like that, but lowly .38 'Commando' oh Yeah!!!