colt pythons...4 to choose from.

[glassman]

Went to my local range/shop and as usual, looked at the used gun case. There were 4 pythons (all police trade ins) from the same collection on the shelf. They ranged in price from $750 to $950. The least expensive showed some pitting and looked generally beat up. The other 3 showed some significant holster wear but otherwise looked to be in good mechanical condition. All of them needed grips replaced. I was wondering what to expect if I bought one and sent it back to Colt for refurbishing. Do they still do the royal blue finish? Are original stocks still available? What should I expect to pay for the service. Thanks.

 

[harmonic]

I had a Python refinished and the cylinder release latch came back purple. I sent it back and they tried again but it was still purple.

I sold the gun. It was the mate to another Python I've still got.

If I were you, I'd just go ahead and buy a Python that doesn't need to be refinished. You won't be out anymore money than if you pay $950 + shipping + refinishing fee + return shipping.

 

[Guillermo]

Few people work on Colts as they are more complex than other makes.
Original grips are out there but pricey
after market grips are easy

If you are not a Colt guy I will assume that you know all of the things to look for when buying a revolver but not necessarily with a Colt.

The lock up is different so check carefully

This is how to do so.

Check the gun and then close the cylinder. pull the hammer back and then pulling the trigger all the way lower the hammer (keeping the trigger back). Try to rotate the cylinder. There should be NO movement. ANY movement and you should pass.

Also, because Colt "smiths" are so hard to find, one buggered up screw and I would pass. Bubba can kill a Colt FAST

 

[glassman]

Harmonic That's what I was thinking. Wondering if it would be worth the hassle and expense or should I just wait till a real nice one comes around and pay the $1200 (or more) it would bring.

Guillermo...I did just that and all three of them locked up tight and had little to no end shake.

 

[oneounceload]

and had little to no end shake.

NOT what he said - ZERO movement, not even a little bit or you're in for repairs

 

[dfariswheel]

Colt does refinishing.
The guns come back looking like brand new and you'd be amazed at what they can do to even worn guns.
While it's there they'll give it a 100% check out to be sure it's in perfect condition.

Since the blued Python was only made with the Royal Blue finish, that's what Colt will do unless you specify some other finish.
Colt can even re-do the roll marks if the lettering is worn.

Call Colt to ask about pricing.

Worn grips can be refurbished and the checkering can be touched up unless the wood itself is badly worn.
Some pretty worn grips can be made to look like new.

 

[Sniper X]

To give you an example...

Before,



After:



HOWEVER! There is a caviot! That is when you get it back looking PERFECT you will be hesitant to shoot it or even touch it! I am going to shoot mine for the first time since getting it back this coming weekend and have had it back for a month.

 

[harmonic]

Wondering if it would be worth the hassle and expense or should I just wait till a real nice one comes around and pay the $1200 (or more) it would bring.

I checked gunbroker.com and there's a nice one for $1195. Personally, I would keep shopping. You'll pay $100 for grips. $950 for the gun. Shipping both ways and the cost of refinishing. You'll have more in it than $1200. But of course, you'll also have a pristine, beautiful revolver that will be a sin to shoot.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=173872958

 

[postalnut25]

Colt does a pretty decent re-blue. I sent a Thre Fifty Seven with a very worn finish in about 5 months ago. It went from the matte blue finish to the royal blue. It looks like a brand new gun. Colt also went through it and replaced worn springs and took out what little bit of shake there was. It was money well spent. As far as grips, I went with some Pao Ferro Hogue grips. They fit my hand better than the stock Colt wood.

 

[jdomin]

pass on the pythons that need refinish,buy a python that is in better condition you will futher ahead $ and less problems.my .02

 

[glassman]

dfariswheel...thanks for that. Much obliged.

sniperx...all I can say is, "wow". That turned out beautifully. Now you got me thinking.

harmonic...sound logic but I am a sinner!

postalnut...do you mind saying what you paid to have the work done?

jdomin...I hear what you're saying but it's worth looking into.