Cobat Python Info. help needed

[Combat Python]

Hi, does anybody know how many of the 3" Combat Python's were produced and what distributor they were made for? I know Colt made a few 3" Pythons but Im asking about the special run marked Combat Python on the barrel. I have a NIB Blue one I bought in Jan. 1989 but I heard they came in Nickel as well. Does anybody have a picture of a nickel Combat Python they can post as well. Also, maybe somebody got an archive letter from Colt that has some of this info. on it. I cant seem to find how many were made. Thanks for your help.

 

[JNewell]

There were discussions of this gun here and at The Firing Line within the past month or two -- you should find plenty of information if you use the search. I don't recall the details off the top of my head.

 

[GUNKWAZY]

I've never seen any production figures for the 3 incher.
I've also never seen any in Nickel. Only Blue.
They did the Combat Cobra in Bright Stainless, maybe that's what you're thinking.
Also, if you're planning on selling it, it would be worth getting it lettered from the Colt Archives.
These are the most faked Pythons you will find.
The extra unused Colt barrels were sold off as a second party. Many were bought and people replaced the 6 & 4 inch tubes with them.
Collectors are aware of this and would gladly pay more money for a lettered gun.

Jeff (GUNKWAZY)

 

[Combat Python]

I was thinking of getting a letter anyway. Mine has Combat Python on the barrel and I bought it new in the box for a reputable dealer etc. so I know for sure mine is not a fake. Would the letter give production figures of how many were made ?

 

[dfariswheel]

I've never heard valid production numbers for the Combat Python, but I'd guess under 1500.
Most distributor special run models were under 1500 guns.

The actual "Combat Python" was made ONLY for a West coast distributor, and since Colt never sold any of those 3" barrels, the chances of getting a fake are VERY low.
I'm not 100% sure, but as far as I know the distributor Combat Python was made in blue only.

It's another story with the regular Colt production 3" Pythons.
These had no special markings other than the standard Python stamps.
Colt DID sell surplus barrels, and these production models are the ones that are often faked.

A factory letter should include how many were made, for who, and will include who the gun was shipped to.

 

[Combat Python]

Thank You, I will get the letter done.

 

[GUNKWAZY]

FYI: I have seen barrels marked COMBAT PYTHON for sale.
Maybe they were take offs, but one just never knows.

I actually had a chance to purchase one, and was not big into Pythons at the time. I thought about it and decided to go back to get it. As usual, all good things are gone on the 2nd try, so it did not become mine.

Jeff (GUNKWAZY)

 

[Baldy]

Colt Forum

Go over to the Colt Forum and ask. There's some real sharp collector's over there that will help you out. I have a 6" Phyton that I'll never sell, it's a tact driver.

 

[22-rimfire]

Definitely get the Colt letter on this gun. Knowledgable collectors are wary of the faked (non-original) 3" Pythons. The Combat Pythons are quite valuable and are very sought after. At a minimum, the letter will document how the gun was configured from the factory when it was shipped and therefore validate that your 3" Combat Python is factory original.

As has been mentioned, I would cruise the auction sites for the appropriate factory stocks (grips). Sometimes Colt Forum members and others will let go of a pair. You have already experienced comments from some of the Colt Forum members here so the question does not require a second asking. But, there is lots of great information on Colts there that you will not find on other forums.