Wanted: Original Colt Python Grips

M

mr2edl

Inactive
I am in the market for a set of original Colt Python grips. I recently bought a Python Silhouette and the grips are in very good condition, but they are darker than I would like. I'm looking for a set with a lighter finish and hopefully a more obvious grain. If you have a set that you are willing to part with, send pics and a price and I'll get back to you. This is an older Python with what I assume is standard grips. It is not an Elite, nor does it have the larger target grips. I can send a pic of the grips I'm looking for, if needed.

Thanks for your help!
 
hi mr2ed

Most gunshows Ive been to usually had a vendor or three that had spare grips to fit a variety of guns. Another idea that comes to mind is, should your search prove to be unsuccessful, you could refinish the grips yourself. There are chemical strippers that would remove the old finish without damaging the checkering,then you could stain them any way ya want. Then poly-urethane the hell out of it to seal it up. :cool:
 
You can get them on E-bay regularly, just be prepared to bid up to $85 or so depending on cond. very popular item!
 
If you want the correct stocks you also have to know the vintage of the Python. There are several different styles of checkering.
 
I appreciate the input, gentlemen. I've found 2 or 3 sets that I am considering, which brings up another question. My older Python Silhouette has silver medallions, while most of the one's I have found on the market have the gold medallions. Were the silver medallions used on the earlier models and the gold on the later ones? I would like to keep my Python original, if possible. Thanks again for your help.
 
Normally, the Python ALWAYS had Gold medallions.
Up until the Python was introduced in 1955, Colt medallions were Silver.

Gold was introduced specifically for the Python, and for some years after, most Colt's still had Silver.

Some limited production Pythons, especially stainless models, were fitted with Silver medallions.

I'm assuming from your first post that the grips you need ARE NOT Colt Target grips but the smaller "service" type grips that leave the entire grip frame exposed.

The problem here is that these type grips were usually fully checkered.
Since these grips were also usually used on cheaper guns like the Trooper and Official Police, and the checkering obscured the figure, these grips are usually fairly straight grained walnut with little figure.

There should be no problem finding Service style grips with Silver medallions, but finding a pair with lots of figure will be VERY difficult, since these just weren't made.
 
Thanks for the info, Dfariswheel. Forgive my ignorance, but I have no clue whether my grips are service or target. I have never really had an interest in the Python until I saw this 8" Silhouette in the case at the local indoor range. I have always been a fan of the 8 3/8" S&W, but I didn't even realize the Python was ever produced in the 8".

See the pic below. While this is not my Python, these are the exact grips that I have. Service or target? Thanks again for helping a Colt rookie.
 

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Those are Colt's third type Target grips.
The identifying feature on the third type is the checkering ends just below the medallions, in a straight line.

Earlier grips are either fully checkered, or the checkering wraps half way around the medallions.

If I'm understanding you correctly, you have a limited production Colt, with these third style target grips, only with Silver medallions.
You want the same style grips, only in a lighter color, with more grain, and Silver medallions.

This will be a problem since this exact style grip was always fitted with Gold medallions, except as a limited production item.

Also, during the time this style was in production, the color got progressively lighter, BUT the grain got plainer and plainer.

What you will likely have to do is look for a pair of grips with better grain, then refinish them to a lighter color, AND replace the Gold medallions with a set of Silver.

The problem is, due to it's limited production status, you will not be able to find the EXACT style of grip with anything but Gold medallions.
The second problem is finding a pair with more grain, since this style of grip was made of progressively cheaper walnut.
 
Thanks again, Dfariswheel. As you suggested, I think I'll pick up another set of grips and try to refinish them to a lighter shade. If I can find a set with decent grain, I'll give it a try. I'm not going to worry too much about the medallions if I can end up with a good looking set of grips. I appreciate your help.
 
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