Need Advice About Colt Python

[gunsrfun1974]

This one is for the Python experts out there. I have an opportunity to purchase what appears to be a 6" stainless Colt Python. It has a serial# of 34428 which according to the database says it was manufactured in 1964, which would have put it before the stainless python era, I believe. Can any of you tell if this has been re-finished in any way? Is it possible to convert a blued one into another finish color? From the pics this doesn't appear to have the yellowish tint that nickel plating seems to have.

Also, the seller says he's from Oregon and he inherited this Python many years ago from his deceased uncle who was a police officer in Southern CA. The seller says he has had it almost his whole life (I don't know how old he is) and brought it down to CA from OR recently when he moved down here. He says it is not registered to him either. So, how or can we even do a PPT for this gun legally and how can I check to verify this was indeed originally registered to a LE officer and is not a stolen gun? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

[GM4spd]

That is not a 1964 Python. More like about 1984. There appears a
Letter(like a capital "T" is missing from the serial#)It looks stainless for
sure. Non original grips for sure. As far as how,who, or when sounds
like 40 miles of bad road. Pete

[gunsrfun1974]

That is not a 1964 Python. More like about 1984. There appears a
Letter(like a capital "T" is missing from the serial#)It looks stainless for
sure. Non original grips for sure. As far as how,who, or when sounds
like 40 miles of bad road. Pete

The seller just responded and said there was a V under that number if that helps...

[highpower]

On my '64, there is a "V" under the serial number but it is an assemblers mark.

If there is no serial number prefix, then it has been refinished and the value should be cut at least in half.

[GM4spd]

On my '64, there is a "V" under the serial number but it is an assemblers mark.

If there is no serial number prefix, then it has been refinished and the value should be cut at least in half.

You may be correct and I'm wrong. If I had a picture of the barrel on the
opposite side I could tell by the size of the lettering roll marked on the
barrel,(it's larger then later examples.) The PYTHON roll mark looks
very thin(light) from possible refinishing. Pete

[Sky_DiveR]

Looks like he took sandpaper to a blued Python. That is definitely not stainless. If it was refinished, the extractor wouldn't still be blue. Hope you're gonna get it for a great price cuz it'll rust if you don't keep it oiled.

[onelonehorseman]

It could be just the pictures, but some of the edges appear a little rolled. That could be evidence of polishing with steel wool or a pad. On the last photo there are a couple of small dings at the muzzle that look like they may have been doctored. Again, maybe it's just the pictures, but I would look very closely at this one if you have it in hand.

[drdanno84]

You can call colt and give them the serial#, they will provide history of the gun, finish, manufacturing year etc.To check if gun is stolen, you can check with your local PD, they will let you know if gun is legal to sell

[onelonehorseman]

Also, the seller says he's from Oregon and he inherited this Python many years ago from his deceased uncle who was a police officer in Southern CA. The seller says he has had it almost his whole life (I don't know how old he is) and brought it down to CA from OR recently when he moved down here. He says it is not registered to him either. So, how or can we even do a PPT for this gun legally and how can I check to verify this was indeed originally registered to a LE officer and is not a stolen gun? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

If the seller moved to CA with it recently, he needs to mail in his registration form and fee to CADOJ. Once in his name, he can transfer it.

[Colt & S&W Fan]

Is it normal for the star ejector to be blue on a stainless python??? (picture #2)

[TripleThreat]

Looks like he took sandpaper to a blued Python. That is definitely not stainless. If it was refinished, the extractor wouldn't still be blue. Hope you're gonna get it for a great price cuz it'll rust if you don't keep it oiled.

Is it normal for the star ejector to be blue on a stainless python??? (picture #2)

Your question collided with a prior response.

Triple

[Kid Colt]

Looks like he took sandpaper to a blued Python. That is definitely not stainless. If it was refinished, the extractor wouldn't still be blue. Hope you're gonna get it for a great price cuz it'll rust if you don't keep it oiled.

I think Sky_DiveR is dead on! This looks like a blued python that has been sanded down, and then polished. In the picture it appears that the flutes in the cylinder actually are a little darker also, not to mention the extractor Really hope you're getting this thing in the $1K price range. even at that, don't expect a return on investment.

THE MISSING PONY ON THE LEFT SIDE IS A DEAD GIVE AWAY!!!!!

[maylebox]

My local PD (Oakland) wont tell me if a gun is stolen based on a sn I give them. My brother is a leo and he could look it up but only as a part of an investigation. If it is stolen that should be revealed during the DROS and the seller would have some splainin' to do.

[TripleThreat]

If you can get it cheap it would make for an awesome shooter.

Triple

[gunsrfun1974]

If you can get it cheap it would make for an awesome shooter.

Triple

That's exactly what I was thinking I have an unfired, bright polished stainless that I refuse to shoot and this would be great to get my fix and not have to worry about scratching it. How much should I offer him for it?