WHEN WAS MY PYTHON MADE??

[glassman]

I'm now the proud owner of a blued python with a 4" barrel. The dealer told me that I am the first owner and I believe him based on the pristine condition. The only drawback is the black rubber grips which don't do it justice IMHO. I'm planning on replacing them with either rosewood or walnut grips that I found on 'grips4guns.com'. The dealer was unable to tell me when it was made and I was hoping someone here can help me out. The serial # at the cylinder hinge is PY83xx. Can't wait for range time this weekend.

 

[Majic]

For a serial number that high you have to call Colt and they will give you the date over the phone.

 

[Titan6]

Unless the dealer has had it himself the whole time you are not the 'first owner'. Colt quit making Pythons many years ago.

 

[Richard Simmons]

Congratulations on your new Python. Just got my first a couple weeks ago. Wish I'd had one years ago. As mentioned above Colt stopped regular production of the Python in 1998 or 99 though I think you could get one from their custom shop up until a few years ago. Your is probably a later one but regardless of when it was made or how many owners there may have been it's yours now and I bet you'll never let it go. Enjoy

 

[range_rider13]

Congratulations on acquiring your Python. I bought mine brand new in February 1994. Serial # PY6XXX. Mine also had rubber grips. My old 1995 Blue Book of Gun Values says that checkered walnut grips were placed on Pythons prior to 1991. I'm not sure what year Colt quit making them. I do know that the Colt Custom Shop does make the "Python Elite". I have since purchased original factory walnut grips which make the Python look so much better but I use the rubber grips when I'm hunting and/or plinking.

Hope this helps!

 

[dfariswheel]

Colt stopped production of the Python in 2003.

They no longer offer the Python even through the Custom Shop, and the Python is gone for good, according to Colt themselves.

Stainless Pythons were "usually" supplied with rubber Pachmayr grips of several types, always with Colt medallions.
Blued Pythons almost always had wood grips, although in the mid 1990's some "may" have shipped with rubber.
The later 1900's had the same Excalibur grips the stainless had.

Starting with the Python Elite in the late 1990's, the Python was fitted with laminated wood grips made by Excalibur.

As above, the "PY" serial block was made after 1985, so you'll have to call Colt during business hours and they will give you a production date.
If you want more info than that, you'll have to buy a Colt Historical Letter.

 

[Black Knight]

Congratulations on the Python. I have 2 of them. They have a way of growing on you. Colt made the last Python in 2006 after a 50 year run. Check out www.coltforum.com for more info on all Colt firearms.

 

[range_rider13]

dfariswheel,
I didn't know they quit making the Python Elite. I was only going by what their website said.

My Python must have been one of those few blued ones with rubber grips that you mentioned. The grips have the silver Colt medallion and molded on the inside in very small letters it says "Colt I Frame, Vintage Industries, Inc., Made in Longwood, FL, USA Copyright 1992.

It's amazing how much "Python Paraphernalia" is selling for on Ebay. Original factory walnut grips in very good to mint condition were going for $265 -$275. I'm glad I bought my grips when I did. The little owners manual like the one that came with my Python is selling for over $20.

Who'd a figured?

 

[glassman]

THANKS

Thank you everyone for the information. I'm gonna call colt mfg. to satisfy my curiosity. The rosewood stocks I mentioned earlier are 'excalibur' and I think they'll dress up this specimen real nice. I'm like a kid at christmas!

 

[Standing Wolf]

The only drawback is the black rubber grips which don't do it justice IMHO.

http://www.herrett-stocks.com

 

[GUNKWAZY]

The serial # at the cylinder hinge is PY83xx.

I'm sorry I didn't see this earlier.
I've been asleep at the wheel.
Your Python would have been made in 1994.
Congrats.

Jeff (GUNKWAZY)

 

[jlundy46]

My understanding is that Excalibur makes the grips for the Colt Python Elite. If you are interested in the walnut version, you can buy them directly from Colt for $65 which includes shipping. Just call Colt customer service. I bought a set for mine and I also bought a set of the rosewood from grips4guns at a little higher price.

John

 

[jlundy46]

Here are the Elite grips from Colt on my Python. The rosewood set ( has a gold logo) I bought from grips4guns for about $75. I got them both since they are both really nice. Of course, what I really "need" is another Python so both sets are at home.

 

[glassman]

ALL YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME !!

Thanks again for the input... especially gunkwazy for giving me a DOB and jlundy for the pics. Your python looks great as is but will shine with the royal blue. I went to the range this morning and put 100 rounds down range. Had 2 misfires (from the same box) that did fire when I reloaded them. Is this cause for concern?

 

[dfariswheel]

Try a different brand of ammo.
If it continues to mis-fire, it's possible someone bent the mainspring to try to get a "better" trigger pull.

 

[glassman]

HERE'S A PIC

GOTTA LOVE IT

[/IMG]

 

[Bongo45]

It really is a shame that Colt stopped production of the Python. At one time it was THE .357 to own.

 

[ARTiger]

Here's a Python Elite with laminated wood grips. I believe this gun can still be bought new as it's on Colt's website as of today.

 

[GUNKWAZY]

Here's a Python Elite with laminated wood grips. I believe this gun can still be bought new as it's on Colt's website as of today.

Wrong. The Python was discontinued and will no longer be made.
Colt is not the quickest at updating their website.
The lst of the breed was the "1" Python they made in 2005 for the 50th anniversary. She's a beauty too. Fully engraved, custom grips/stocks. Yowzer.

Long Live the King !!!

Jeff (GUNKWAZY)