Coly Python Elite

D

Digger686

New member
Hi:

I have been looking for a revolver for range use and have come across a nice Colt.

It is listed as a Python Elite, which is a model I have never seen before. Then again, I am in the UK and Colt revolvers don't exactly grow on trees around here.

Here's the photo:

image.jpg


Has anyone come across this variant before?

I would appreciate any information on the quality of these revolvers. Other than finish, is there any appreciable difference between this model and the blued version?

Thanks in advance.
 
Hello Digger.
There are a few Python guys here. Am sure they'll be along soon.
Very nice pistol.
Never heard of a Python with "quality issues".
Value here would easily be north of a grand.
 
I think it might well be north of 2 grand.
With a long out of production Colt numbers matter and I don't think many were made.

Any 6" python is 100 yard accurate.
 
I think the Elites were SS and were the last of the Pythons. I am not sure about the stocks on yours. They may be correct. It sure is a nice looking Colt congrats. There is a Colt forum with many experts that can tell you everything you would want to know about your Elite. :)
 
Hi guys, thanks for the input.

I should point out that I haven't actually bought this yet. The gun is in Germany so it will have to be ordered through my local dealer who will arrange the international transfer.

It is being sold by a very reputable company, so I have no doubts about its authenticity or legitimacy. However, is there anything else that I should check before buying - eg. timing, etc?

Thanks again.
 
I take it you know about the "revolver checkout" sticky on this forum. I use that to check before I buy. If you get the SN we can probably find the date of birth for you. Good luck with the purchase. :)
 
Hi Digger686:

"Production of the Python continued as a production line gun until the late 1990's. With the Colt company in financial difficulties and having lost some of their best craftsmen, Colt moved production into the Colt Custom Shop in 1997 and made it a custom order only revolver. To highlight this move, the Python had the name "Elite" added to the barrel and it became the Colt Python Elite. The Elite was exactly the same gun as the standard Python with only the barrel stamp being different. Production of the Python finally ended in 2003-04."

The above exerpt regarding the Python Elite, was taken from this in depth article on the history of the Colt Python-which I am sure that you would enjoy reading. Following is the link to this article:

http://www.coltfever.com/The_Colt_Python.html

The picture you've posted above is correct for a Python Elite with the brushed stainless finish. The Royal Blue Python Elite is exactly the same gun-just with this different finish.

Following, is a picture of my NIB 2003 vintage brushed stainless Python Elite-which was near the end of production in 2003-2004. You will need to call Colt to determine when the Elite in question was manufactured. A Colt Letter is $75 but takes awhile to receive it. However, for $100 you can get an Expedited Letter which includes an answer over the phone- and with an email reply within two or three days-which will contain all of the information that the Letter will have in it-which you will receive shortly thereafter:
P1060257.jpg
 
Thanks to everyone for the pointers. Your posts have been extremely helpful and I have already learned a lot more than I hoped or expected.

The information on buying a revolver and also Colt's history was particularly useful, it would have taken me a very long time to find this without your help.

I am not sure if I will be able to get the serial number before I would buy this, however it is good to have an approximate time of manufacture. I hadn't realised the gun was as recent but for a shooting piece, that won't matter at all.
 
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