Proud Owner of a 1976 Blued 4" Python

[Litespeeds]

Thanks to a fellow CalGunner, I was able to purchase my first Colt Python. She is a 1976 Blued 4" beauty that I would rate at 95% perfect. Comes with original box too. Can't wait to take her out and fire a few rounds.

So my questions to the Python experts are:

1) What is the cleanest burning 357 magnum ammo that will not damage the blued finish?

2) Where can I find a nice set of factory wood grips? Would it be worth buying since I don't have the original ones?

3) What is the best cleaner/lube to use on this finish?

I am currently using Hornady One Shot with Dyna Glide Plus HD-Extreme on my other semi-automatic handguns. I also have MilComm MC25, TW-25 and MC-2500 that I use too.

[Archon_g24]

No input on ammo buy nice purchase! I just picked up a 70s production Smith and Wesson 19-3. The really don't make them like they used to.

[SoldierLife7]

Cerakote it so that you don't have to worry about "messing up the finish".






I'm just kidding!! Don't unleash the dogpile...

That's a nice looking snake!

[1911whore]

What a sexy beast!!!!

[Tok36]

Gratz! May it treat you well.

Thank you for the pics.

[Ronin2]

Thanks to a fellow CalGunner, I was able to purchase my first Colt Python. She is a 1976 Blued 4" beauty that I would rate at 95% perfect. Comes with original box too. Can't wait to take her out and fire a few rounds.

Congrats on a beautiful, collectible piece of American firearms history.

1) What is the cleanest burning 357 magnum ammo that will not damage the blued finish?

DONT SHOOT IT! She is clearly a safe queen!!!

2) Where can I find a nice set of factory wood grips? Would it be worth buying since I don't have the original ones?

YES!!!! Get the gun back to original. Those pachmayrs look like crap




[/QUOTE]

[SonofWWIIDI]

Nice!! But go back to original grips!

[Omil]

Nice..congrats!

[trigger945]

1) Not sure

2) Yes

3) Not sure

Extra: Wow, nice!

[cannon]

1. No idea. Sorry.
2. Hoppe's #9 is what I use on low and high quality guns with no ill effects.
3. Coltforum. Very knowledgable crew over there. Different wood grips for different years and if you are going to spend $200 to $300 on grips. You may as well get the right ones.

[RP4570]

Gorgeous wheelgun Sir! It will be a joy to shoot.

[jsigone]

great looking gun!! hope you shoot the hell out of it!!

[static2126]

Buy the original.grips asap

[nickel plate]

Litespeeds,

Your 1976 Python would have also come with the Generation ll style walnut grips which were used from the early sixties through the late seventies but do further verify the serial number/date of manufacture with others. The members over on coltforum.com will give you stellar information on your particular Python.

Those black rubber grips look like they have the gold rampant colt medallions so they too are authentic, maybe your actual issue or perhaps from another Python.

Also check out gunbroker.com for your grip purchase, that's where I found my NOS Gen lll set.

Invest in a jar of Renaissance wax and use it as a top coat.

[AFTII]

Lot of grips on e-bay. Some original. Some not. These looked like the best deal for now, but its early.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/COLT-PYTHON-WOOD-GRIPS-FULLY-CHECKERED-COLT-ORIGINAL-FACTORY-WITH-SCREW-/371456986643?hash=item567c8fce13