Colt Python

[dfariswheel]

Heat bluing was how Colt used to blue all their guns in the pre-war era.

The parts were packed into metal drums with a secret mixture that contained charcoal, bone meal, and charred leather.
The drums were baked in temperature controlled ovens, and when they came out, they had the most beautiful blue color you ever saw.

The Colt Custom Shop still offers custom guns with heat blued screws. This blue is a very pale, tremendously shiny blue thats very fragile.

Whatever the process used, all the heat bluing processes are actually methods of color tempering the metal. Heat a piece of steel to the right temp and it turns a nice blue color.

As in all bluing, no matter what the process, the quality of polish determines the appearance of the blue job.
Thats why the Python had the best post-war factory finish. Most of the people doing the polishing had at least 10 years experience before they moved up to the Python.

 

[Poohgyrr]

Hey 45R,

Pythons are nice, no doubt. But for that kind of money I'd look at one of S&W's Performance Center .357's. The 5" 627 and 3" 66 from the PC shop are both approved here and can be bought for quite a bit less.

If I really had to have a blued (my preference) six shooter, then I'd look for a M27 or pre M27 N frame. These don't seem as big as they look, and somehow feel just right.

In any case, it's always fun looking........

 

[Sven]

Couldn't find any pictures/info on S&W's website for the Performance Center models - can anyone steer me in the right direction?

 

[Standing Wolf]

...I'd look for a M27 or pre M27 N frame. These don't seem as big as they look, and somehow feel just right.

There's certainly nothing wrong with model 27s—I own one myself, in fact—but they're not Pythons. Some are very good guns, but they're bulkier than the Colt I frame revolvers, were rarely finished to Python standards, and run the full range of quality from extremely high to one notch up from scrap iron.

That saidâ„¢, they were less expensive than Pythons, as well as extremely durable.

 

[Poohgyrr]

Sven,

Try this:

http://www.smith-wesson.com/Products/Firearms/pc/pc_firearms.htm.

The M66 F Comp and M627.