Found my dream Python

[dpop24]

I cross posted this in the Colt Forum, but posting here too since I only have two days to decide.

Been looking for forever for a clean 4" nickel Python and stumbled upon a very nice example in the consignment case today. The price is high but fair by CA standards so I'm working on a deal hopefully south of his $3K asking price. I'll let my brother buy my well worn/shot 6" blued Python to help fund.

My question is more around what to look for to ensure it hasn't been refinished. It does look nice and to my untrained eye, nothing looks out of place. He let me dry fire it with snap caps; the trigger was buttery smooth and timing and lock up were solid.

Of course in my excitement I didn't take a pic or write down the S\N. Any tips on what to be looking out for? I'm going back in two days to claim it (fingers crossed)



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[DrewN]

Not too many folks could convincingly fake a Python factory finish. Or even come close really. If the transitions are all sharp and it shines like the sun with a fluff than it's most likely good to go. If it's so good it fools multiple people, it's still good to go, you're not gonna lose money in the long run.

[Erion929]

"Clean, 4" nickel" for $3k is a good deal....depending on "how clean" though

-- correct generation, original wood grips? Or aftermarket wood? Or rubber Pachmayrs?
-- cloudy spots in nickel?
-- scratches/nicks in nickel?
-- buggered screws?
-- are the markings (letters, Colt horse) sharp and clear... anything rounded or flattened that might indicate refinishing?
-- condition of turn line?
-- conditon of barrel, forcing cone, top strap?
-- lock up and timing?
-- original box? Any papers?

[hambam105]

For some uninitiated Colt Python owners...

It isn't as easy as you think it is to choose the traditional blue over choosing the nickel Colts. And that goes for many of the 50s thru 70s S&Ws such as the Model 27s and 19s.

Who? Me? Revolver snob? Oh well.

[nickel plate]

"Clean, 4" nickel" for $3k is a good deal....depending on "how clean" though

-- correct generation, original wood grips? Or aftermarket wood? Or rubber Pachmayrs?
-- cloudy spots in nickel?
-- scratches/nicks in nickel?
-- buggered screws?
-- are the markings (letters, Colt horse) sharp and clear... anything rounded or flattened that might indicate refinishing?
-- condition of turn line?
-- conditon of barrel, forcing cone, top strap?
-- lock up and timing?
-- original box? Any papers?

A very good check list. Wish you had the serial number because Colt offered two types of nickel finishes, standard and later on E-Nickel.
Also if it has wood grips, there are several different configurations so again, the SN would help.
Call the shop and get it over the phone.

[Walther_Guy]

I think I may know where this is. I bought a 4" blue shooter grade Python there in April and when I came in to pick it up, the exact gun you described above was there for that same price. If it is the same one I saw, I'm surprised it lasted that long. I'd be curious to know if we're talking about the same shop.

[dpop24]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the feedback. I didn't write down the SN, but I did look at it and if I'm not mistaken, it started with "V4" I think... if that helps anyone. I tried a SN lookup with V4 and some random numbers but that came up empty. I'll see if I can get the full SN.

It occurred to me that I guess it could also be bright stainless instead of nickel. Regardless, it was gorgeous and seemed to be on the up and up. If all goes well, tomorrow, I'll toss a pile of money on the counter and put it in jail.

I wish I would have looked at it closer and thought to take pics and get the SN, but I was too excited to have found it sitting there and was furiously trying to figure out how to fund it.

And of course I can name the shop after I buy it tomorrow.


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[Walther_Guy]

The guys at the shop said it was nickel. I believe it had wood grips and they mentioned it was brought in by a woman.

[Che762x39]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the feedback. I didn't write down the SN, but I did look at it and if I'm not mistaken, it started with "V4" I think... if that helps anyone. I tried a SN lookup with V4 and some random numbers but that came up empty. I'll see if I can get the full SN.

It occurred to me that I guess it could also be bright stainless instead of nickel. Regardless, it was gorgeous and seemed to be on the up and up. If all goes well, tomorrow, I'll toss a pile of money on the counter and put it in jail.

I wish I would have looked at it closer and thought to take pics and get the SN, but I was too excited to have found it sitting there and was furiously trying to figure out how to fund it.

And of course I can name the shop after I buy it tomorrow.

Great find. I had a Colt SAA in factory nickel. Colt did a great job on their nickel finishes. Looking forward to the pictures.

[BigPimping]

Congratulations. Never in my lifetime will I be able to afford one of those or even if I could the wife would put the clamp down

[Erion929]

Congratulations. Never in my lifetime will I be able to afford one of those or even if I could the wife would put the clamp down

Sell some of those safe queen Glocks and things might change

[dfletcher]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the feedback. I didn't write down the SN, but I did look at it and if I'm not mistaken, it started with "V4" I think... if that helps anyone. I tried a SN lookup with V4 and some random numbers but that came up empty. I'll see if I can get the full SN.

It occurred to me that I guess it could also be bright stainless instead of nickel. Regardless, it was gorgeous and seemed to be on the up and up. If all goes well, tomorrow, I'll toss a pile of money on the counter and put it in jail.

I wish I would have looked at it closer and thought to take pics and get the SN, but I was too excited to have found it sitting there and was furiously trying to figure out how to fund it.

And of course I can name the shop after I buy it tomorrow.


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A "V" prefix serial number Python would be a 1978 made gun.

[nickel plate]

A nickel Python will have a very slight yellowish tinge-a ST or a BST Colt python will not. You need to get it right as finishes from one to another command different prices-very tricky market.

[dpop24]

Got it! I even was able to talk him down to $2800. It's a fantastic little shop in Lincoln called Lincoln Gun Exchange. The guys there are great. I did take pics but will have to post them tomorrow as I'm "camping" in the backyard with the kids and they said "NO ELECTRONICS DAD!"

It's nickel......


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[dpop24]

I shot my 6" blued today for the "last" time. It will be transferred to my brother soon. At least it's still in the family and I'll get to shoot it again.


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