Python guru's, please help??

[Stock gt]

I'm looking to add a python hunter to my collection, but I'm stuck with a bit of a dilemma...............I went to look at it and the foam from the case has started to embed itself into the bluing.......is there anyway to get this stuff off without ruining the bluing? If I have to refinish the bluing, then will this hurt the value and by how much? The hunter is otherwise brand new, never fired! Thanks in advance.

[Barbarosa]

I have had that happen to a S&W. Fortunately I found it early and was able to get it all off without damaging the bluing. A friend found it on his S&W but it had advanced to the point that getting it off ruined the finish and left deep pits. I think the only way you will know is to try it (or have the current owner try) and see how it goes. If it leaves pitting a reblue won't help much.

[Franklincollector]

I would pay half, and make it a shooter.

[1911R SSS]

If it needs refinishing, then there is no collector value.

[beetle]

unfortunately this is a known issue with the Python Hunter and the halliburton case it came in. The foam deteriorates and eats into the bluing. Usually the bluing is ruined.

Yes it hurts value very much. Serious collectors consider a refinished gun to be a 0% gun -- as in it has no original finish left.

[Franklincollector]

Yeah it's 1500 bucks if you consider it a shooter, because it will never be a safe queen. If the seller is reasonable he should understand that. I have a realtree Python and anaconda nib, and two that are shooters I got second hand, I enjoy them a lot. Buy it if the price is right, or pass me the deal.

[Stock gt]

Thanks folks, I appreciate all the help. Everything y'all said was pretty much what I had been thinking already but wanted some added reassurance. If the deal is right, I won't pass this thing up. After all, would be kinda cool to have a python hunter "shooter".

[john myers]

is this a problem with all Colts in a foam case?
I have a few two piece with a cardboard sleve

[HPGunner]

All my guns I use bore stores in the safe. The OEM boxes are kept separate in storage. I don't store my guns in OEM boxes foam, card board, styro foam, and packaging materials are not good long term storage. Also it preserves the OEM boxes because your not constantly opening the packaging each time you take it out to apply oil or just from moving things around in the safe.

[hambam105]

That blue sheet stuck to the finish of the Colt will make the bullets go faster so don't be so quick to wipe it off.

[beetle]

is this a problem with all Colts in a foam case?
I have a few two piece with a cardboard sleve

no it's specific to this model. the python hunter came with an aluminum briefcase made by halliburton.



In the pic above the foam has already been replaced. The original foam is known to deteriorate and stick to the bluing, causing freckling.

[john myers]

no it's specific to this model. the python hunter came with an aluminum briefcase made by halliburton.



In the pic above the foam has already been replaced. The original foam is known to deteriorate and stick to the bluing, causing freckling.

thanks nice to know

[Cody]

Guns were made to be shot. If you want something to look at, buy a nice painting.

[saki302]

Even with ruined bluing, I doubt you can touch one for $1500.

Colt custom shop could fix it right up for you as long as the pits aren't too deep.

[bug_eyedmonster]

Why couldn't it be sent back to Colt for repolishing (assuming it has not ruined the finish completely)? I sent a Python back that had serious scratches onto Colt years ago, and they buffed it right up for $200ish and replaced two springs.


Jerry