Colt Python - is this question unanswerable?

[mikemm]

hey,

i have read with interest almost everything that has been posted here about Colt Pythons.

and i understand that when looking to buy a python, or any firearm for that matter, the firearm should be judged on its individual merit or lack thereof as opposed to the year it was manufactured. gems and lemons occur during the same manufacure dates. true.

"just examine it carefully and make an informed decision if you are considering buying one," seems to be the advice given by all the python afficianados.

but the days of the internet make it difficult to do this sometimes.

of the last 7 firearms i purchased, i only held one in my hands before paying for it and having it shipped to me. i had seen pictures, asked questions, required better descriptions and so forth but these days it is rare, for me anyway, to be able to really examine a firearm before buying.

i have read and learned how to test the timing on a python, for example, but i can't do it over the internet.

so (finally) here is the question: can someone breakdown the history of the python into time segments saying soemthing like, "during the years from approx. 1955-1975 pythons this or that"/ from 1976 - 19?? were still finely made but the blued finishes were not quite so lustrous blah blah"/ the trigger pull seems to be heavier and more gritty on pythons made from 19??-19??"/
"the newer python elite...."

i will understand that none of it is written in stone. i just want some general guidelines to help me with these long distance purchases.

thanks,

mike

 

[Majic]

There are no real general guidelines like everyone has been saying. You will have a better chance at getting a nice one if it was made before the strike, but there is the possibility to get a really nice one made after the strike. You just never know until you examine the paeticular specimen. During and after the strike Colt began to lose their master gunsmiths and polishers that worked on the Pythons.
When buying over the internet insist on an inspection period (customary is 3 days). Then you will have time to look it over and decide if you want to keep it or send it back and keep shopping.

 

[mikemm]

hey,

When buying over the internet insist on an inspection period (customary is 3 days). Then you will have time to look it over and decide if you want to keep it or send it back and keep shopping.

yeah, that's one of the problems with this (not even close to a) deal.

he's got a "disclaimer" you could drive a tank through, make that a jumbo jet! this is on all his auction sales. he has good feedback but holy cow! read this thing.

"No warranty or guarantee is made as to their safety. Prior to firing, it is recommended that a professional gunsmith inspect the firearm. I only accept returns if I grossly misrepresent the item, wrong caliber, wrong make or wrong model..ect. For returns you must notify me within 3 days of receiving the item."

to me this says, "unless i got the make, model or caliber wrong in the description, you own it, bro."

is that how you guys read it?

i emailed him about giving me a 3 day inspection period and if there was something mechanically wrong i have the right to return. he hasn't gotten back to me yet.

mike