Colt Python versus Elite
- Thread starter FrankD
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dfariswheel
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The only major differences between a 1960's Python and the Python Elite are:
The Elite has a new style thread barrel, and a single pin in the front sight.
The single pin was both a cost savings, and a method of identifying a new thread barrel.
The second big difference is the Elite stamp on the barrel.
The post mid-1970's Pythons had a different internal ejector and rod assembly.
Most people will say that the older Pythons were better quality with a better finish.
As far as actual physical differences between older and Elite Pythons, the Python changed remarkably little over it's production life.
The very early Pythons had features like a slightly different top rib, and a hollow under lug.
By the mid-1960's these were dispensed with, and the Python changed almost not at all thereafter.
A 1960's Python and an Elite Python mechanically are indistinguishable.
The Elite has a new style thread barrel, and a single pin in the front sight.
The single pin was both a cost savings, and a method of identifying a new thread barrel.
The second big difference is the Elite stamp on the barrel.
The post mid-1970's Pythons had a different internal ejector and rod assembly.
Most people will say that the older Pythons were better quality with a better finish.
As far as actual physical differences between older and Elite Pythons, the Python changed remarkably little over it's production life.
The very early Pythons had features like a slightly different top rib, and a hollow under lug.
By the mid-1960's these were dispensed with, and the Python changed almost not at all thereafter.
A 1960's Python and an Elite Python mechanically are indistinguishable.
Standing Wolf
Member in memoriam
Do you mean the Python had three barrel thread types?
I know the barrel threads were changed once in the early 1990s when the front sight was secured with one rather than two pins. Were the barrel threads changed again with the advent of the "Élite" name?
Thanks, eh?
dfariswheel
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No, there was only one thread change.
The question was, what were the differences between a 60's and an Elite Python.
The thread change was part of the later guns, including the Elite.
The question was, what were the differences between a 60's and an Elite Python.
The thread change was part of the later guns, including the Elite.
dfariswheel
Member
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- Dec 26, 2002
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Yep, this site has numbers up to 1978:
http://proofhouse.com/colt/
The book, "Colt: An American Legend" by RL Wilson has ALL Colt numbers up to 1985.
For numbers after 1985, you have to call Colt, they'll give you a date over the phone.
http://proofhouse.com/colt/
The book, "Colt: An American Legend" by RL Wilson has ALL Colt numbers up to 1985.
For numbers after 1985, you have to call Colt, they'll give you a date over the phone.
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