Python Quality..When Did it Start to Decline?

[Randy63]

Hello All,

I'm looking at a very nice 4" blue Python from 1977. The fit and finish seem 1st rate. I'm a little hesitant to buy it though. I've read here and elsewhere that the Python's quality started slipping at some point.

Were the late 70's Pythons still top quality revolvers? Should I just focus on this particular revolver and not worry about when it was made?

Are there certain years to avoid?

K22

 

[Majic]

There has always been negative comments about Pythons. The price, being delicate, and the full underlug to name a few. As far as quality, the finish is not as nice as it once was because of the hand labor required, but the mechanics is still the same. I personally wouldn't worry about it if the price is right with you.
You will probably get several suggestions to get a M686 or a GP100 and save the extra dollars. Both are nice models, but I would take the Python over either one everyday of the week.

 

[Standing Wolf]

I believe Pythons have been a hit or miss proposition for twenty years, perhaps longer. I have a good one made about three years ago, but others made at the same time are no better than Rugers.

On the whole, I'd rather have a 1957 Python than a 1977, but better a 1977 than a 1997. Well, no one ever buys a gun on the whole.

If it turns out to be a mediocre Python, you can always sell it for what you paid for it.

 

[dfariswheel]

Guns aren't bottles of wine. There are NO "good" years or "bad" years. There are good guns and bad guns. Each gun must be judged on it's own merits.

I will say that a mediocre Python is a step above most other makers "best".

 

[JMag]

Cha-ching on the last post!

Very cogent points. All very true regarding that last post.

 

[.45FMJoe]

What dfariswheel said. I'd take the Colt over a Ruger or Smith ANY day of the week.

 

[Ala Dan]

I think the initial QC problems of most Colt's
started in the very early 80's; with one exception.
And that was a self-loader called a Colt Combat
Elite.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[Bren]

The desirable Pythons are "pre letter" pre 1970. I also had a 1970 snub ("E"letter) and it was a good gun with a good fit and finish and action.

The older ones also had a bore that got smaller as the bullet left the barrel (for accuracy) I used to get squibs with my 4" 1965 useing super light loads. They stopped this because of cost and labor.

I don't know what year the stopped doing Royal blue.

 

[Rich357]

I bought Python new 1983 or '84 . It has a beautiful bright blue finish. All the parts fit beautifully, but it goes out of timing quite easily if I use factory magnum loads.

A family member had a 4" shiny nickel plated Colt Python made in the '70s that seemed to hold up well to magnum loads. That 4" Python was one of the best balanced revolvers I've ever held.

Rich