shooting my Colt Python...

[45acpguy]

It will shoot factory 125g's all day long, but won't take a lot of 158g's until it gets out of time. Python's are wonderful guns, but delicate for their caliber.

I reserved full power loads for the house, and kept it down to .38 Special at the range or plinking. Occasional fireball blasters are fun, and I'm guilty of that. But Colt basically took a target gun, and beefed the frame and cylinder to handle the pressure of the Magnum, with little regard to the internals.

That's a bit disappointing. Never would have thought the Pythons wouldn't be able to handle moderate to full power .357 mag loads.

[nickel plate]

Won't the Mothers Mag polish put a bright nickel shine on the revolver?

There were two stainless steel finishes offered by Colt but I don't know the year when Colt first introduced the Python in "B STS" bright mirror like polished stainless steel. Morphing the unpolished version into a B STS look alike will diminish it's value or if done fraudulently will increase it's value if not discovered by the buyer as the B STS factory version usually fetches higher prices.
A Colt factory B STS finish will have crisp roll marks and well defined edges. A factory letter (for a fee) will tell the owner what finish the Python had when it left the factory.
45acpguy, when I bought my 6" B STS Python new, it came with a black wraparound "GRIPPER" grip made by Pachmayr. This is a very comfortable grip if you intend to do a lot of shooting. Two years ago I came across a new never installed set of Colt factory period correct GEN lll walnut grips. The first time out with them on was quite an experience as the checkering is brutally sharp as it is raised above and not cut into the surface so you may want to invest in some rubber. I see Python factory Pachs for sale on ebay or GB that are quite reasonably priced.
Now go shoot and enjoy your Python.

[nickel plate]

Here's a possibly helpful tip I found on a Colt forum:
Call 1-800) 962-2658 and scroll to CS-be polite and say that you are wanting to purchase a particular stainless steel Python-give the Colt responder the serial number and you should get over the phone the factory finish when left for resale. B STS or matte.

[den888]

I sold mine a few months ago. It was a 1986 6" SS. Loved it, but wanted to move on.

[45acpguy]

There were two stainless steel finishes offered by Colt but I don't know the year when Colt first introduced the Python in "B STS" bright mirror like polished stainless steel. Morphing the unpolished version into a B STS look alike will diminish it's value or if done fraudulently will increase it's value if not discovered by the buyer as the B STS factory version usually fetches higher prices.
A Colt factory B STS finish will have crisp roll marks and well defined edges. A factory letter (for a fee) will tell the owner what finish the Python had when it left the factory.
45acpguy, when I bought my 6" B STS Python new, it came with a black wraparound "GRIPPER" grip made by Pachmayr. This is a very comfortable grip if you intend to do a lot of shooting. Two years ago I came across a new never installed set of Colt factory period correct GEN lll walnut grips. The first time out with them on was quite an experience as the checkering is brutally sharp as it is raised above and not cut into the surface so you may want to invest in some rubber. I see Python factory Pachs for sale on ebay or GB that are quite reasonably priced.
Now go shoot and enjoy your Python.

My Python has Pachmayr rubber grips. Not certain if they're factory, as they don't have the Colt medalion on them.

[Franklincollector]

That's a bit disappointing. Never would have thought the Pythons wouldn't be able to handle moderate to full power .357 mag loads.

I have at least 6 thousand full power 357 loads through one, no issues.

[45acpguy]

I have at least 6 thousand full power 357 loads through one, no issues.

Sweet! She's ready! I threw a set of factory rubber grips her tonight.

[Franklincollector]

Enjoy it man. There is so much to like about shooting a Python it's crazy. Odds are, you're shooting the nicest gun on the range.

[45acpguy]

Here's a few more pics. I'll post some nice ones after I've had a chance to clean her up a bit.

[45acpguy]

Enjoy it man. There is so much to like about shooting a Python it's crazy. Odds are, you're shooting the nicest gun on the range.

Absolutely!

[Your ad here]

Won't the Mothers Mag polish put a bright nickel shine on the revolver?

No. To get that nickel look you have to get the sandpaper out.

I have shooter pythons in 2 1/2,4,6 and 8 inches. I have one at Bolsa gunsmithing right now having the timing worked on, 8 thousand rounds on it. Shoot it, take care of it and love it.

Report back on that Bolsa experience.

[Franklincollector]

No. To get that nickel look you have to get the sandpaper out.



Report back on that Bolsa experience.

What are you alluding to?

[hambam105]

Shoot, shoot what, a Colt Python! OMG! You might scratch it.

[BigStiCK]

MeWant.

[JTROKS]

If you want to maintain the value then find a nice spot for it in your safe. You bought it for a purpose. Shoot it occasionally with target loads utilizing gas checked bullets and carefully clean it. Will the value go down? Yes it will for there will be the inevitable turn ring and other wear marks.

There are folks buying $3-6K race guns and they shoot them religiously.