Colt Python

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el Godfather

el Godfather

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Dear THR,
I am on quest to gather Pythons is all sizes. So far just one in 4'' SS finish. I have located another in 6'' also in SS finish. I undersatnd that there is one in 8" and one in 2.5" as well. However, some one told me that a rare 3" model also exists. Is this right?

When collecting pythons is it better to get all SS finish or blued ones will alsohold same value as far as a complete set is concerned?

How reliable of revolvers are Pythons? I have fired mine quite a bit because I love the trigger, but folks have it that they losing timing fairly quickly when compared to other revolvers. Is this true?

Some suggest to fire 38 special in it to keep it functional over the long term. I don't get it. If I wanted 38spl, I would bought a revolver in that caliber. How much truth is there in this "folk story"?

Any other information would be also greatly appreciated.

Thanks.
 
I would be happy with any factory finish they provided. I wouldn't pay more of a premium for one or the other though. OTHERS MIGHT.
 
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I saw 3 of the older ones at the gun show this weekend, all nickel. The finish on all 3 of them was quite poor. It seems to me that nickle in general really needs to be looked after and not abused. Unless I can see the gun for myself or get a commitment from the seller for inspection, I find it real hard to buy a nickle gun sight unseen just for this reason.
 
am on quest to gather Pythons is all sizes. So far just one in 4'' SS finish. I have located another in 6'' also in SS finish. I undersatnd that there is one in 8" and one in 2.5" as well. However, some one told me that a rare 3" model also exists. Is this right?

When collecting pythons is it better to get all SS finish or blued ones will alsohold same value as far as a complete set is concerned?

How reliable of revolvers are Pythons? I have fired mine quite a bit because I love the trigger, but folks have it that they losing timing fairly quickly when compared to other revolvers. Is this true?

Some suggest to fire 38 special in it to keep it functional over the long term. I don't get it. If I wanted 38spl, I would bought a revolver in that caliber. How much truth is there in this "folk story"?

In order.
The Python was made in barrel lengths of 2 1/2", 3", 4", 6" and 8".
The 3" version is extremely rare and often sells in the nearly $4,000 or higher range.
A buyer needs to be very careful since fakes rebarreled with 3" barrels are common. The only way to be 100% sure it's an original is to buy an Archive letter from Colt verifing that it left the factory as a 3" gun. Even boxes and lables are being faked.

The Python was available in Royal Blue, Bright Nickel, Royal Coltguard (an electroless nickel) satin stainless steel, and in Bright Polish stainless steel.
The most rare finish is the Royal Coltguard, because it was only offered a couple of years and not many were made.
Whether you choose blue or stainless doesn't make much difference on the value since the values tend to fluctuate from blue to nickel to stainless, depending on what's popular with the market at any time.

The Python is the same action as the old Army Special/Official Police that was the prime police gun from the turn of the 1900's to the 1960's.
Strangely, for all those years we didn't hear much about reliability issues with the Colt's.
The Python is a very highly refined, more or less semi-custom revolver intended to be the finest DA revolver ever made in America.
To get the performance requires maintenance. No one complains that a Ferrari needs oil changes, plugs, and tires more often than a Chevy.
Gunsmith Grant Cunningham has a great explanation about "weak" Pythons.

http://www.grantcunningham.com/blog_files/colt_python_delicate.html

The Python was built to shoot the .357 Magnum and will shoot a lot of them before needing a tune up.
Like ALL .357 Magnum revolvers, full charge Magnum ammo will increase wear and will require maintenance sooner than if shot with .38 Special ammo.
A lot of us Python owners shoot mostly Magnum ammo and our Pythons are still in perfect condition.

Last, the Python was the finest American made DA revolver ever built. Owning a Python is like owning a Rolls Royce, a Purdy shotgun, or a Rolex watch. It's something a gun owner should own at least once in his life, just so you can have the pleasure of owning the best.
The single action trigger pull and action are the smoothest ever, and accuracy is legendary.
 
Massad Ayoob wrote about the Python


great read

here are some quotes

"The Python is expensive, and it should be." Jeff Cooper

"I rate Colt's .357 Python as the top performer in its class" Chick Gaylord

""The Python is an expensive revolver to be sure, but it will outlast the shooter." Stan Trzoniec

"Jerry Moran told me of one Python he owned that had passed 100,000 rounds of Magnum ammo and was still perking along with only minor tuning" Massad Ayoob

"I found the Python to be a superbly accurate gun with functionality that went far beyond its pricey prestige." Masaad Ayoob

http://www.grantcunningham.com/acc-rifle.html
 
I tried to collect all Colt snakes....however, being in California didn't help at all. After several years, I gave up. It takes a lot of patience and endurance to find the guns.

For your quest on pythons, I understand. It's one of the best revolvers ever made. I wish they made Pythons in .41 or .44 magnum.

If I were you, having the cash and being able to buy handguns without harassing state laws, I would get a Korth. Compare it side by side with your python and write about it.
 
No, no. Don't you know Colt's are weak and delicate? ;)
That's why they lock up like a vault and are damned accurate.

As far as looks go, I have a preference for the Royal Blue Python. 4 and 6 inch models make me shiny.
 
What I found out is the near flawless examples with box, papers, etc. are difficult to find. When you do find one, be prepared to spend a lot of $.

Shooter grade versions are much easier to come by. If you plan to shoot them, save yourself a lot of money and buy the shooter grade Pythons.

I picked this one up last month for a reasonable sum. It has some corrosion around the muzzle but almost no drag line on the cylinder. A shooter grade gun :D

Python1.gif
 
Collect them in gold, nickel, stainless, blued, their all good...
Just for the record: el Godfather
If I wanted 38spl, I would bought a revolver in that caliber.
Click to expand...

You may already know this, but there was a .38 Spl. version of the "Python" called the "Diamondback" I personally have not seen too many and I think it only existed till the late '80's or early '90's but that also would be a cool one too add to your collection as well.:)
 
i happened upon a colt python 8" .38 special target model in beautiful blue last week and couldnt resist buying it even though it was the most expensive gun ive ever purchased. This gun had not been fired, but it has been now! From what i read if they do go out of time you can send it in to colt and its about a $100 fix. if you always shoot it single action i bet it wont ever go out of time.
 
Unless you have your local dealer send it and then it will only be a total of maybe $30 because dealers can use the Post Office to mail handguns.

John
 
I always listen very carefully when Dfariswheel speaks on Colts /here or on the ColtForum/.
 
Good morning
I always thought Colt missed the boat not offering a 5 shot in 41 & 44 mag or 45 Colt..
Imagine for just a moment a 5 shot Python 41 mag or 45 Colt !
I would have been thrilled with a Trooper 5 shot.
Mike in Peru
 
The rare 3 inch Python you refer to is the Lew Horton Combat Python. The trick is to make sure the seller has a letter from Colt that authenticates it.

If you are interested in a genuine 3 inch, Royal Blue Combat Python in beautiful condtion that has a certificate from the Colt historian...get in touch with me...

It has no box but it looks brand new and it comes with the letter.
 
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