Colt Python .357 or .38 special... both?

[EvoJohn]

b

Thanks

[Jel]

If both of those are now going to be yours, I would keep both of them especially if they are in mint condition. Colt no longer makes Pythons and the only way to get one nowadays is through the used market.

The .357 can definitely fire .38 special but not vice versa. I _think_ there was a .38 special target model but I'm not positive.

[EvoJohn]

They are in mint condition, with box.

[Jel]

They are in mint condition, with box.

I keep one loaded in a handgun safe next to my bed and the other I transferred to my father.

There was a .38 special target model, but I wanted to make sure that .38 special can be fired in the .357 chambered Colt Python. I've run a dozen rounds of .357 through them, but I have easy access to a lot of .38 special and would like to fire that instead.

Agreed. Much cheaper as well. Congrats on your inheritance!

[bjl333]

They are in mint condition, with box.

I keep one loaded in a handgun safe next to my bed and the other I transferred to my father.

There was a .38 special target model, but I wanted to make sure that .38 special can be fired in the .357 chambered Colt Python. I've run a dozen rounds of .357 through them, but I have easy access to a lot of .38 special and would like to fire that instead.

Yes, the 357 mag chamber will handle 38 specials.

Godspeed to your uncle!! Congrats on the Pythons. Kudos for sharing with pops!!

[SAR_boats]

All .357 wheel guns can fire .38 spl

[dfletcher]

I have an 8" Python in 38 Special only, it's their target model. I bought it new from Kittery Trading Post in ME about 1978 or 79. Although stamped 38 Special Ctg it also happens to chamber 357. I called Colt shortly after buying it and they asked me to send it back to them. I'd expect at the factory someone attached a 38 Special stamped barrel to a 357 or a 357 cylinder to a 38 Special gun - no idea which but I'd figure the cylinder, not having the caliber stamped on its side, is easier to mix up. Since the anomoly is easily done by anyone outside the factory I'd presume it does nothing for value.

[Can't buy anything here]

Just to clarify....the Python was only made in .357 but it can shoot .38s...Colt also made the Diamondback which looks just like the python but was chambered in .22 or .38 only.

[fennecfrank]

Just to clarify....the Python was only made in .357 but it can shoot .38s...Colt also made the Diamondback which looks just like the python but was chambered in .22 or .38 only.

There were a few of the pythons made in .38 special called the Target Model

[Can't buy anything here]

There were a few of the pythons made in .38 special called the Target Model

Thanks, I did not know that..I bet it's worth quite a bit... a regular Python in mint condition can fetch over $1200....

here's an auction for one that ended..

http://rockislandauction.com/viewitem/aid/50/lid/3577

[westcoast362]

Here is a pic of my .38 special Python. I think that they were all made in 1980 and 1981, with eight inch barrels.

[fennecfrank]

Thanks, I did not know that..I bet it's worth quite a bit... a regular Python in mint condition can fetch over $1200....

here's an auction for one that ended..

http://rockislandauction.com/viewitem/aid/50/lid/3577

yeap, pythons are expensive. There are 2 at a gunshop that i always go to. One is for $1,800 and the condition is not as good as the one in the for sale section going for $1,200 in Fresno. The other one is in 99% condition and it's going for $2,000.....

If my memory serves me right, the Target Model is only offered in 8-in barrel. Just like westcoast362's (nice gun!! congrats!)

The set that I want to get is called the Colt Double Diamond which consists of a python and an Officer's ACP. About a few years back, there was one set on gunbroker for $3,000. now....it's $4,500: http://www.auctionarms.com/search/di...temnum=9516916

Even if I had the money back then, I could not buy the set due to that lousy CA roster....

[fennecfrank]

my apology, didn't see that was an auction that ended last year. here is a recent one:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=217919422

darn......$5,000+

[Andy Taylor]

I inherited two Colt Pythons and have been doing lots of research about them. Sadly, my uncle never went over his gun collection before he passed.

I found in his safe .38 special and .357, while all he had were two Colt Pythons in that caliber range.

Is the Colt Python configured to fire both? Everything I've found so far indicate they are the more common .357 Pythons.

Thanks

Any .357 Magnum revolver will fire both .38 Special and .357 Magnum ammo. .357 is just a .38 with a slightly longer casing. A .38 Special Revolver will not fire .357 Magnum ammo. Most Pythons are .357. Some were made in .38. The caliber should be marked on the side of the barrel.

[Mickey D]

There were a few of the pythons made in .38 special called the Target Model

That is correct, and they can bring a premium on the market.