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

[racinginthestreets]

Congrats on the two Pythons. You can identify a .38 Python Target by opening the cylinder and look around where the ejector and cylinder meet (on the inside of the cylinder where you load the bullets). Usually it's stamped ".38 special" there. Also, a target model is not stamped on the barrel .357. One note is that the cylinders on both the .357 Python, and a .38 special Target Python, are the same in size. The wall thickness on a .38 Target are actually thicker because of the slightly smaller bore. You can bore the cylinder (by a very qualified gunsmith or send to Colt) to accommodate a .357 cartridge. Since you have both I would enjoy them for what they are (The best revolvers made

[fennecfrank]

just saw this:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=224564291

in San Diego and available for PPT!

[Oceanbob]

I recommend

That you take steps to not fire or shoot these two weapons.

These are highly desired collectors items.! If you want to shoot .357 go out and buy a Ruger or Smith and head for the range.

Get those two Pythons cleaned up and back in the boxes.! Save them for the day you need cash for something special.

Everytime you work the action or shoot those Pythons the value decreases.

Keep them MINT.

JMO

Be well
Bob

[dfletcher]

Congrats on the two Pythons. You can identify a .38 Python Target by opening the cylinder and look around where the ejector and cylinder meet (on the inside of the cylinder where you load the bullets). Usually it's stamped ".38 special" there. Also, a target model is not stamped on the barrel .357. One note is that the cylinders on both the .357 Python, and a .38 special Target Python, are the same in size. The wall thickness on a .38 Target are actually thicker because of the slightly smaller bore. You can bore the cylinder (by a very qualified gunsmith or send to Colt) to accommodate a .357 cartridge. Since you have both I would enjoy them for what they are (The best revolvers made

I have a nickel 8" 38 Special target model. The best way to identify it is by the 38 Special stamped on the barrel - I haven't looked in a while but don't recall the cylinder stamp. Beyond that a letter from Colt works best.

Where do you get the information there is any difference in the chambers (other than being longer for the 357) between the two? Case diameter and bullet diameter of the 38 & 357 are the same - why would it be any different in the Python?

Regardless of its effect on dollar value, I have no idea if the heat treatment on a 38 Special cylinder or if the barrel forcing cone on a 38 Special Python is the same as the 357. I suspect it is and in my younger dumber days, having received from the factory a 38 Special target model with a 357 cylinder (accidents happen at Colt I guess) I did fire a few about 30 years ago. I won't do that now, I think reboring a 38 Special cylinder to 357 Magnum is a mistake.

[41M]

Glad to see such quality firearms being passed down within your family. As far as keeping it ready for home defense, I would recommend getting yourself another handgun for that use. I am sure the Python would serve the purpose, but even in a justified shooting the pollice may need to take the firearm as evidence while the shooting is being investigated. I don't necessarily think your Python should become a safe queen, but using another firearm for home defense avoids the possibility of damage to your Python while in police custody as evidence.