Colt Python STS - calling experts

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AID_Admin

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Guys, once again I am trying to get my hands on the Python and need your help, please. I found a nice seller who's about 2.5 hours away from me. And before me and my money go over to him, I wanted to run a few pictures by you. He says the gun is in excellent condition, all original and ... from 1975! I asked him about rubber stocks, he says they came with the gun. I am not expert on Pythons and want one to shoot, but to be a part of a collection. But this gun looks a lot "newer" then 1975 to me. Am I wrong? Thanks.

colt_python.jpg
 
1975 is flat out wrong.

1. The PN serial number range is from some time in the mid or later 1990's.

2. The barrel is a single pin sight model which indicates the barrel had the New Style barrel threads, which Colt changed to in the 1990's.

3. The box is a later 1990's box and so is the label.

4. The grips are Hogue rubber Mono-Grip. Colt used these grips with molded in Colt logo on 4 inch barrel Pythons from about 1995 to about 1997.

5. The first stainless steel Pythons began to ship in late 1982.

So, very nice stainless Python, but not a 1975.
 
Now I am thinking may be he meant 1995 and made a mistake when he was writing an email... I will ask again. In general, what are the thoughts on these "later model" Pythons? I've heard some remarks they are not as good as earlier ones.
 
Now I am thinking may be he meant 1995 and made a mistake when he was writing an email... I will ask again. In general, what are the thoughts on these "later model" Pythons? I've heard some remarks they are not as good as earlier ones.
Click to expand...
No expert here but, IMO have to judge each Python on its own merit due to the hand labor on each. I'm fortunate to own three and each of the three have actions which feel differently to me. Some people think the Pythons built in the 80s are not as good because of Colt's labor problems but, as I said before, you have to judge them individually. Certainly, you would expect an added premium for an early model Python.
 
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FWIW - For me, Pythons are about pride of ownership, with their superior fit/finish & high-polish blueing - I wouldn't even consider one in stainless.

IMO, the stainless version doesn't look all that different from a King Cobra (I know - the Python lockwork's different).



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Well, for whatever it's worth I exchange another set of emails with the owner again and he insists this is 1975 gun. Since there is an obvious discrepancy between the gun and the given information, plus this is a 4" barrel, which is less desirable by me than 6" I think I am going to pass.

Thank you for your assistance guys, your knowledge is priceless!
 
AID Admin:

I own a 1995 4" stainless Python identical to the one you are considering. It has a PN0592x serial number and it came with the exact same rubber grips with the colt stamp impression on the side. I took these grips off and put them away since they are original to the gun and then installed some aftermarket Ebony wood grips as shown in the photo below:
 
I'm no help but I do have a 4" blued made in 1978. I basically purchased it as n investment as I got a really good price on it. If you really want a 6 then I'd hold out for one - you'll run across one at some point. I guess I'm having a hard time figuring out why the guy is sticking to his guns on the year he is telling you? If I remember correctly, the serial # are listed on proof house - an easy thing for him to look up. The bar code on the box alone should be a big clue that it isn't 70s.

You don't say what he is asking for it . . . if he is adamant about the date, he probably is at the top of the value. But, if it were reasonable and you had the extra $ to put in to it, yiou might dicker and get it and use it along the way for trading stock?

Personally, I don't really care to shoot mine that much - I have other pistols I much prefer. But, to me, a Python is an investment that will just increase in value. I also don't like shiny ones - but everybody has their likes and dislikes. If it could be bought right - I really don't think you'd have a problem finding a buyer - the plus is it has the box - and maybe you could make a little profit to further finance the 6" you want.
 
AID Admin:

Following are the only serial numbers indicated for 1975 and this is positive evidence that your Python was not made in 1975!::rolleyes:

1975 E83701-E99999
1975 01001E-15000E
 
I bought my blued steel Python in 1983. But I remember that the stainless ones were "the new thing" at the time.
 
Python grips

celtgun:

The Ebonywood grips on my Python were very well made by an ebay vendor named Jaruwan. He does beautiful workmanship and he is a very reliable seller and his prices are very low when you consider his high quality workmanship! Plus the real exotic woods you can obtain from him! The Ebonywood grips don't come up regularly so you have to watch for these! His shipping is also free and he packages his grips with care.
 
When i was buying my first new Colt python in 1981 they were in such high demand that I could not get one and settled on a blue 6". While they started to make stainless Pythons in 1981 they are very rare.This gun is not made before 1981! I hope you check the timing and make sure none of the screws have any sign they were opened or worked on. I would also make sure there is no horizontal end play which would leave a mark in the recoil shield from the star extractor. The gun looks good but you did not show the screws or racket , signs of flame cutting above the barrel, recoil shield, etc.
 
Colt Python age.

My uncle passed away in 1991 and I wound up with his Python. The first three of the serial number are: K76. I was wondering how old it is. I also started another thread about the finish, if anyone can help it would be much appreciated.
 
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