Python grips. Refinish or buy aftermarket

How closely can you match the original finish? If I had the skill to make it hard to tell they were refinished I'd take that route. If not, I would install Altamont's and store the originals.

You stated you bought a shooter. Shoot it.

anothernewb

I would probably put the original grips away and get some aftermarket ones that fit you right.

I have refinished a Python set or two. I stripped them and put on a coat or two of Tru Oil. I have a thread on here about it somewhere.

Pythons can be hard to find a good fitting grip for at times. Not sure why but I think the frames changed a bit over time. So, I think I would refinish and shoot what you have unless you can find a pair locally to install to confirm fit before you buy.

If it's not too bad just leave it. Tapping a few new drops of laquer should cover up any messes decently enough. Either way, if they're good fitting then minor bluffs like that aren't too noticeable.

If the finish is "largely worn" they're really not helping the collector value anyway. What have you got to lose?

About the closest match to the Colt factory grip finish was Min-Wax Polyshades in Olde Maple.

The factory grips were finished with some sort of semi-gloss stain-finish that was a Reddish Walnut stain mixed with a finish, possibly a lacquer.
The Min-Wax Polyshade is a Reddish stain in a polyurethane finish.

First, strip the old finish with a good remover then apply a couple of thinned coats of the Polyshade with an artist's brush.
I used an airbrush to spray on the last coat for a more even finish.
The final finish should be a semi-gloss, not a hard gloss.

The main question is, did you buy it to sell it or did you buy it to shoot and enjoy it?

If you bought it to sell it, leave the grip panels alone. Put some different ones on, maybe.

If you bought it to shoot it, refinish them.

The grips on this python were ruined, it came back from its refurb at Colt wearing these.
They look like some that Altamont offers.

The best part of owning a python is shooting it.

Refinish the original grips but do it correctly. There is nothing like the original manufacturers grips on a gun unless they are rubber.

I would say refinish and buy an aftermarket set. Use whichever looks better and save the other one. Some of the aftermarket grips are as nice as or better than the originals. My older Python came with Pachmayr grips but I bought the pair in this picture which were great looking and they upped the value. Four years ago when I was offered $3K for it I said goodbye to it and used the S&W 627 for a while until I got a Korth.

When I got mine I liked the grips and they were in good shape but I set them aside and installed these from Altamont. I use my as a shooter so depending on your tastes/wishes I would either put back on the originals and refinish them or get and aftermarket set.There really is no right or wrong answer just your personal preference. JMHO

Snake Plisskin said:

When I got mine I liked the grips and they were in good shape but I set them aside and installed these from Altamont. I use my as a shooter so depending on your tastes/wishes I would either put back on the originals and refinish them or get and aftermarket set.There really is no right or wrong answer just your personal preference. JMHO
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I agree.
You can set the originals aside and get what you like.
Win/win
That's a great -looking snake btw...uh... Snake

Man! I like those grips Snake. I may have to get a set for myself.

CajunBass said:

Man! I like those grips Snake. I may have to get a set for myself.

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Thanks, Got them on Ebay for about $74 , I love them they look awesome IMO.

I always get a pair of Pachmayr and keep those handy. Lately I've been deciding they feel the best on the gun, dont know if that's a sin or not