Colt python
- Thread starter Tolly
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dfariswheel
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The Combat Python was first.
It was made as a special, limited production model for a California distributor.
For that reason, it's sometimes called a "California Combat" Python.
Apparently, in order to do the 3" barrel, Colt used 8" barrels which they cut down.
This was because of the position of the barrel stamps and the vent ribs, which allowed cutting the barrel to 3" and having both a clean surface to roll stamp with the new marks, and because the rear vent lined up properly when cut to 3".
Sometime after the custom run, Colt began to manufacture the standard factory 3" Python. The regular production models had no special markings.
It was made as a special, limited production model for a California distributor.
For that reason, it's sometimes called a "California Combat" Python.
Apparently, in order to do the 3" barrel, Colt used 8" barrels which they cut down.
This was because of the position of the barrel stamps and the vent ribs, which allowed cutting the barrel to 3" and having both a clean surface to roll stamp with the new marks, and because the rear vent lined up properly when cut to 3".
Sometime after the custom run, Colt began to manufacture the standard factory 3" Python. The regular production models had no special markings.
Standing Wolf
Member in memoriam
All four hundred ninety-thirteen variations Colt ever offered? Sure. Heck. Why not?
Hey Wolf,
have you ever tried to figure out how many variations of the Python there really is ?
I never even thought about it until today.
Now my brain hurts... Ha ha ha
Just in factory released versions, how many do you think they made ?
You gotta figure at least 5 different barrel lengths and at least 5 different finishes for the standard Python. Then you have the limited edition stuff like the Snake Eyes, Double Diamond, Silver Snake, target, silhouette, hunter, bicentennial and all those special very limited ones like the Buford Pusser & those special police dept engraved guns. Don't forget the 50th anniversary gun which only COLT will ever own.
Now I'm really hurtin my brain.
Thanks Wolf.
Jeff (GUNKWAZY)
Hi GUNKWAZY,
No,I don,t have the 8" target model python. What I have
is the 8"-.357 python. I was mistaken when I said I had the complete colt python collection. What I should have said is that I have the 2.5-.357, the 3".357-4".357 -6"-.357,and the 8"-.357, all NIB with papers.
Thanks,
Tolly
No,I don,t have the 8" target model python. What I have
is the 8"-.357 python. I was mistaken when I said I had the complete colt python collection. What I should have said is that I have the 2.5-.357, the 3".357-4".357 -6"-.357,and the 8"-.357, all NIB with papers.
Thanks,
Tolly
Standing Wolf
Member in memoriam
That's an excellent start. Are those blued, stainless, or nickel? Have you started collecting in serial number ranges yet? Various grades of factory engraving?
The trouble with liking Pythons is that they're awfully easy to like too much. I was perfectly happy with the first. It probably wouldn't even have occurred to me to buy the second, save that it was in fine condition and priced to sell PDQ. It was my second six-inch blued model, so it occurred to me to have it refitted with a four-inch barrel, and as soon as I had two Pythons...
I'm planning—seriously planning—to quit at nine. I mean that. I really do.
Colt pythons
Hi Standing Wolf,
The pythons I have are all blued. I would like to in the near future collect the nickel ones, but I don,t knnow if they made the 3" in nickel, but that 3" is going to be just abouut impossible to find. I don,t collect in serial number range, or ingraved models, because I also collect winchesters. I can only reach so far down in the pocket
We all say this will be the last one until we see that one we just must have, and we dig a little deeper. Good-luck collecting,and hope to here from you again with python numbr 10.
Tolly
Hi Standing Wolf,
The pythons I have are all blued. I would like to in the near future collect the nickel ones, but I don,t knnow if they made the 3" in nickel, but that 3" is going to be just abouut impossible to find. I don,t collect in serial number range, or ingraved models, because I also collect winchesters. I can only reach so far down in the pocket
We all say this will be the last one until we see that one we just must have, and we dig a little deeper. Good-luck collecting,and hope to here from you again with python numbr 10.
Tolly
Combat Controller
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- Oct 11, 2006
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Myself, I am trying to collect the whole set. I have two blue 4", a nickel 4", a 6" blue and a 8" blue (perhaps two, I just found one at a pawn shop). I also have an unusual 6" Clark Custom pin gun with a bomar barrel. The darn thing will hold a 2" group at 100 yards! Old man Clark worked on it himself in the early 80's. I really desire a snubby python. I don't have a picture of every one, but I do have a pic with most of them in it...
Here.
(I just go the nickel two day's ago, and the other 4" is lent to a friend)
Here.
(I just go the nickel two day's ago, and the other 4" is lent to a friend)
schwantz
Member
Here is a copy of the factory letter regarding a 3" Combat Python that I bought new in the late 80's
The California "Colt Combat" was manafactured by Colt in an 8 inch barrel. It was then shipped to Pacific Industries and they in turn cut the barrel to 3 inches. You cannot obtain a certificate of authenticity from Colt for a California Combat 3 inch. You can obtain a letter from Colt stating the weapon was manafactured and sold with an 8 inch barrel.
The ONLY 3 inch Combat Python made by Colt was a limited edition run of 500 which were made for Lew Horton.
For those seeking certificates of authenticity, the waiting period is 120 to 150 days. I'm waiting for my certificate on my real Combat Python.
The ONLY 3 inch Combat Python made by Colt was a limited edition run of 500 which were made for Lew Horton.
For those seeking certificates of authenticity, the waiting period is 120 to 150 days. I'm waiting for my certificate on my real Combat Python.
schwantz
Member
According to the guys at the Coltforums the "California" variants will not letter as having 3" barrels although I'm not sure what this means in the long run.
All you have are blued guns? No nickel or stainless? And you claim to have "the complete collection?" I don't think you're even close, friend.
When you have a Python with a 5" barrel and one in ,41 Magnum you can come back and speak of having a serious Python collection.
When you have a Python with a 5" barrel and one in ,41 Magnum you can come back and speak of having a serious Python collection.
dfariswheel
Member
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- Dec 26, 2002
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That depends on whether you're collecting any Pythons, or JUST true factory Pythons.
Colt never released any of the reported TWO .41 Magnum Pythons they actually made.
These guns were made up for a distributor, but Colt quickly decided the Python simply wasn't up to the .41 Magnum and both guns were withdrawn and are now in the Colt museum.
All the .41's floating around were made up by custom gunsmiths, and are NOT factory guns. They're dangerous fakes.
The trouble is in determining whether a non-standard Python was made that way by the factory, or was altered outside the factory by a custom gunsmith.
The ONLY way to ever really be sure is to buy a Colt Historical Letter which details in what form the gun left the plant, and lists any custom features.
A good guide line is, if the gun is in any caliber other than .357 or .38 Special, it's a fake.
If it has really radical changes, it's almost certainly a fake.
Most Colt factory Custom Pythons are engraved and embellished, have fancy wood grips, are some type of commemorative, or special finishes.
If you want to collect true factory Pythons, it's going to be a big and expensive job.
In addition to the known versions, there are the private edition guns Colt made up for fraternal organizations, private clubs, and for individuals willing to buy at least 25 guns.
Since these were private editions, only Colt and the buyer even know they exist.
If you intend to collect "one each" of custom non-factory Pythons, you have a totally impossible job.
Colt never released any of the reported TWO .41 Magnum Pythons they actually made.
These guns were made up for a distributor, but Colt quickly decided the Python simply wasn't up to the .41 Magnum and both guns were withdrawn and are now in the Colt museum.
All the .41's floating around were made up by custom gunsmiths, and are NOT factory guns. They're dangerous fakes.
The trouble is in determining whether a non-standard Python was made that way by the factory, or was altered outside the factory by a custom gunsmith.
The ONLY way to ever really be sure is to buy a Colt Historical Letter which details in what form the gun left the plant, and lists any custom features.
A good guide line is, if the gun is in any caliber other than .357 or .38 Special, it's a fake.
If it has really radical changes, it's almost certainly a fake.
Most Colt factory Custom Pythons are engraved and embellished, have fancy wood grips, are some type of commemorative, or special finishes.
If you want to collect true factory Pythons, it's going to be a big and expensive job.
In addition to the known versions, there are the private edition guns Colt made up for fraternal organizations, private clubs, and for individuals willing to buy at least 25 guns.
Since these were private editions, only Colt and the buyer even know they exist.
If you intend to collect "one each" of custom non-factory Pythons, you have a totally impossible job.
Combat Controller
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- Oct 11, 2006
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I'm going to try anyway! That's half the fun, the other half is shooting them of course!
Although in very limited quantities the python was also made in 44 special along with the 41 magnum and in the ultra rare .256 winchester magnum in the early sixties... Looking at the current python prices I can't imagine what one of these guns would sell for at auction!
dfariswheel
Member
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There aren't any to sell.
Colt made only 2 or 3 .41 Magnum Pythons for a distributor as a demonstration, but had second thoughts and canceled the idea.
These were recalled and are now in the Colt museum collection.
The .41 Magnum Pythons you occasionally see for sale were NOT Colt guns. They were built by a custom gunsmith, and are unsafe to shoot.
Colt only built ONE .256 Python.
It was fired one shot, locked up, and was put into Colt's fabled Pattern room vault.
It too is in the Colt collection in Connecticut.
No .44 Special Pythons were made since the cylinder simply isn't large enough in diameter to allow it.
Colt made only 2 or 3 .41 Magnum Pythons for a distributor as a demonstration, but had second thoughts and canceled the idea.
These were recalled and are now in the Colt museum collection.
The .41 Magnum Pythons you occasionally see for sale were NOT Colt guns. They were built by a custom gunsmith, and are unsafe to shoot.
Colt only built ONE .256 Python.
It was fired one shot, locked up, and was put into Colt's fabled Pattern room vault.
It too is in the Colt collection in Connecticut.
No .44 Special Pythons were made since the cylinder simply isn't large enough in diameter to allow it.
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