Colt Python

[Huddog]

I am traditionally a dyed in the wool S&W man but have always wanted a Python. I can't explain it. I would buy one tomorrow if I could get a great deal but I won't spend what they are asking for them currently. In my opinion Pythons have become collector items. I would be afraid to hurt the value one by firing it and can you imagine if you used it for self defense and it went in to a Police evidence room for two years or more until trial???? I guess I'll just buy another Smith.

 

[cherryriver]

Dang, Bayouboy, we're on the same page again.
I just got back from pounding another 300 rounds through my four-inch Python, "practicing" for another hundred-round IDPA match tomorrow morning. This only a week or two since a three range trips in four days string of nearly a thousand slugs through the selfsame barrel.
On top of the other thousands of rounds that came before, it's a wonder this high-strung wretch even shoots anymore.
Can I mention again that 13th overall out of 49 total shooters finish I nailed with this thing a couple of Sundays ago at my club's March IDPA shootin' match?
Or did I mention it already? Sorry.
With this gun, I have to strictly ration the amount of .38/.357 that goes into the range bag every weekend or I'll be so broke I won't be able to afford primers.
Oops, gotta go hit the sack to get up at 4am to hit the road to deliver another few hundred thermally reconfigured wheelweights (and a few Berry's).
Bill

 

[bayouboy]

Some folks will never understand. Maybe that's not a bad thing!

 

[Grayrock]

You always kick yourself for the one that got away. Passed on a nickel 8" model couple of years ago. It was a shooter in about 85-90%. Asking $800 for it. I might have been able to talk him down a little- but by the time I decided I needed it (a couple of weeks later) it was gone.:banghead:

For a hunting handgun would an 8" or 6" be better? Are there scope mounts for the Python? How do they attach?

 

[NickEllis]

Hey Folks,

My great grandfather owned Rajo's Guns out in Evansville before he died, and one of the gifts he passed on to my dad was a beautiful 4'' Python, serial number 86xxx E. Last year Dad passed it on to me as a first "inheritance" gun, a wedding present. I've still got the original box, as well as the box of shells Rajo sent with it, six empties included, and that's been the extent of its use. Anyone care to enlighten me on the date this fine beauty was birthed? I believe its 1977, but have never confirmed that date.

 

[LKB3rd]

http://proofhouse.com/colt/index.html
serial numbers by date

 

[Ash]

The 8's are for hunting, but to me they are just too darn long. 6" would be my preference. Yes, scopes can be mounted on them as I have seen scoped Troopers and the top strap of the Trooper is the same as the Python. As to how it is done, I could not say.

As to the website link above, it is a very helpful site, but it doesn't have serial numbers on the Python or Trooper Mk III's past 1978 or so.

Ash

 

[Gordon]

I have a 6" Python Hunter. It came in a Haliburton aluminum case with a 2x Leupold scope clamped onto the vent rib with what I believe are "sterile" B-Square mounts. Mine is now in the climate controlled 'investment' safe, even though I've shot a cpuple boxes thru it.

 

[easyrider604]

Save up for the Python, and a 686....

I guess my main question is would you save up the money to get a Python or just keep the GP 100???

Had a Python 4" about 17 yrs ago. Never fired it because I found the operation of the cylinder release weird and unnatural. Still regret having sold it. In the world of .357 magnum revolvers, one has to have at least one each of all the big three: Python, 686 and GP100. They are all beautiful in their own way. Who do you choose? Miss New Hampshire, Miss Connecticut or Miss Massacussetts?

 

[Ralphie Parker]

I own a 6" blue built in 1961. Nicest gun I've ever owned. I'm not parting with it...ever.

 

[Blacksmoke]

IMHO, the best DA six gun ever made.

Worth every penny.

Royal Blue is my favorite color and wish I could paint my truck to look so good.

Trigger pull is like skating on glass. Well, assuming I could skate on glass I might remark it was like a Colt Python's trigger pull!!

#2 Trooper, first model ,357 magnum

#3 New Service Target

then comes S&W

then comes Taurus

then comes Ruger.

Why is Ruger last? It is only becuase of their blueing which sucks. If they would do a better job they would be a contender for #1. Well, they need to improve the Redhawk's trigger pull anda few other things.

 

[SaxonPig]

I had a 4" nickel Python I got at a local show for $500 about 4 years ago. It took a while for the signs to develop, but I realized it had been refinished. Nicely done, but a couple spots of corrosion began showing through. I sold it for $450 to friend and I went shopping for another. Paid $600 for a blued 4" gun but I wish I had one in nickel.

The early Troopers share the Python action but aren't as deluxe. Great shooters. I bought this one showing a LOT of holster wear at a local show for $210.

 

[OneFastBird95]

I was wondering if anyone had basic info on this style of Python? Is this the "Elite" version and what years were they made and how much do they go for?

 

[dfariswheel]

Three identifying features of the Elite are the barrel marking as "Python Elite", the single pin front sight, and the last type laminated grips.

Other than those, the Elite is exactly the same gun as the Python.

The Elite was introduced in 1997 and ended with the end of Python production in 2003.

 

[OneFastBird95]

Thanks for the heads up on the elite! What type of price range are these running used?