Colt Pyton 6" Help on when it was made please

[DenverDuck]

My first post, I just foung the board today.

I just picked up a Colt Python 6" CTG .357 and wondered when it was made. S/N 463XXE

It appears to be stainless, but I saw another post that said if there is no "S" by the S/N it is nickel, it has a brushed type finish not a bright nickel. There is however a 5 below the s/n if that means anything.

Any help would be appreciated.... A range of value would be appreciated. Hogue Uni-grips and not the original Colt grips, very good condition with the exception of the Colt Horse Logo on the side is a bit worn off. Otherwise almost like new.

Thanks much....

 

[capnrik]

I believe your gun was made in 1976.

http://www.proofhouse.com/colt/index.html

 

[dfariswheel]

In 1976 the only finishes Colt offered were bright blue and bright nickel.

The "5" stamped on yours is simply an inspector's stamp.

Stainless steel Pythons have a small "S" stamped inside the barrel shroud where the ejector rod fits, and on the center bushing on the rear of the cylinder, under the ejector.

Colt never used an "S" or any other letters in the serial number to ID the finish.

What it sounds like you have is an after-market finish of some sort.
One identifier is the worn pony stamp UNDER the finish.

Compare the gun to something made of stainless steel. If the color looks similar, it's probably a hard chrome finish.
If the Python has a slight "yellowish" tint, it's probably an satin Electroless Nickel finish.

In any event, this is very unlikely to be a factory finish, unless it was sent in years later for a re-finish to a plated type.