What model/frame is my pistol

[LMaz]

I'm new to large pistols and this forum, but not new to shooting (22 rifle and pistol). I got a hold of 2 pistols that I just love to shoot.

I've got a brand new Springfield "loaded" .45 ACP (for 7 months).

I've got a used .357 Colt Python Elite (6" bbl) (for 5 months), and I'm wondering how I can find out it's age/model year/frame type of the Colt. This is my main question.

I've read a lot on this site's different forums about the different .357 loads to use, depending on the frame ( "J" frame, "K" frame, etc.)

Right now I'm shooting Winchester JHP 110 and 115gr bullets and am wondering how high/heavy I can go before I start to put a strain on the piece, or possibly start damaging it. It's too nice of a piece that I want to risk damage to it. My second question.

I like the loads I'm shooting, as I'm only shooting paper at short ranges indoors and outdoors, and I am looking into reloading something if my bro-in-law hands over the unused equipement he has.

I've started foraging for brass at the range along with picking up my own, after reading through the reload forum. I think I'm hooked.

Thanks to whomever started all this, it's a terrific site. My head swims, after spending a couple hours here, with all the info that's available.

 

[Jim Watson]

The Python is on the Colt "I" frame, same size as the old Army Special, Official Police, Trooper, Three-Five-Seven, and Officer's Model Match revolvers; once known as the .41 frame guns. (That's .41 Long Colt, not Magnum.)

The Python Elite has been made off and on since 1997. Colt seems to be having a hard time making up its corporate mind if they want to produce DA revolvers at all.

The Python is about the same size as the S&W "L" frame guns but is not usually considered as sturdy as Smith or Ruger. All I can say is that my Python has shot many .38 Specials and a bunch of Magnums over the past 25 years, and still works just fine.

The 110 grain discount store magnums are actually pretty mild. I am not familiar with a 115 grain load. The 125 grain magnum ammo is very hot and is probably harder on the gun than any other standard load, including the original 158 grain magnum. Its popularity as an anti-personnel round and the tendency for PDs in the late years of revolver use to train with full power ammo are the main reasons S&W came out with the "L" frame guns; the "K" frames were not holding up well with the hot new ammo.

You will be a lot more comfortable shooting .38s at paper, especially indoors. I have shot mostly .38 target wadcutters, .38 semiwadcutter or roundnose standard speed, and a .357 handload tailored to meet IPSC Major Power Factor; a 158 grain bullet at 1130 fps.

 

[LMaz]

Thanks for your response, Jim.

Iwas at work and guessed on the loads I shoot. You are right, it is 125 grn (WinClean) and not 115 grn, and it does seem to pound the pistol at bit harder.

I do like the 110 grn, and am very comfortable shooting it, even one handed. If/when I do start reloading I will definitely try the 158 grn load you suggested.