Hoser

When did Colt stop manufacture of the old, beautiful Royal Blue Pythons? How are these different than more modern Pythons in terms of fit and finish? What is the price range one should expect to pay for one of these? Thanks.
:roll:

JCM298

The bluing chemicals had to be changed because of environmental problems with the process used. I think the change took place in the early `80's.

From personal experience, I can tell you that each Python is an individual with it's own "feel". All are excellent guns, but some are "more excellent" than others. I've owned two Pythons, both 4" models, and the first was better than the second. I was issued a 2 1/2" as my plain clothes gun and it was nearly as accurate as the 4". In fact, during qualification, the snub was better than the 4" until I reached the 25 yard line. I could shoot a "possible" until the last stage. At 25 yards, the extra barrel length made a difference.

I've only handled one Python that did not feel right. It was a NIB stainless steel version. That was last year. It was NIB at a local shop and the asking price was $1,099.00. Even the dealer said that it did not feel right.

The price range, here in the Tucson area, is $600 to $950 for a used one. A co-worker just bought an older model nickle model from a friend of his for $300. The sale took place last week. That was a steal.

I bought my first Python in `61. The first shot, at 25 yards, hit the center of the "X" of the bullseye target. The next four rounds were also "X's". The second string were also in the "X" or ten ring. My instuctor thought that I had sighted it in before going to the range. Unfortunately, I had to sell it.

I still have my second Python, bought NIB in `65, for $100. I carried it as a duty gun for 20 years until I was forced, kicking and screaming, to switch to a Sig 220. After 20 years of holster wear, it showed its age so I had a local `smith re-blue it in `85. Colt had already changed the process and the original royal or Python blue was no longer available. It looks as good as new and still shoots as well as the day I bought it. My old eyes can not do what they did 40 years ago, so now I can only keep the groups in the 9 and 10 rings, with an occassional "X".

When I retired, I had the choice of buying the Sig or the 2 1/2" Python. I decided on the Sig. Looking back, I sometimes think I made a mistake.

Dfariswheel is the forum expert on Colt and if he sees your post, he can provide better answers than I,

John

Hoser

Thanks for your experience. Guns are pretty individual.

I saw a Python that had a deep, polished blue and was told it was an older model with Colt's original royal blue. He thought they stopped the original royal blue in the 50's and that back then, they were much more "hand-fitted" than later models. Not sure if any of it is true, but it sure was prettier than other blue guns I've seen.

Majic

Although you judge each revolver on it's own merits, you have a better chance finding a nice one made before the mid 1970's. Only the master gunsmiths were allowed to build and finish a Python. Time (viewed as retirements) and the strike depleted the number of the older master craftsmen. The polishing ability of these men made the major difference in the finish. They could make metal as smooth as glass which gives the revolver the almost mirror like blue appearance.
For NIB safe queens complete w/ box, tool, and paperwork from that era expect to pay from $800 to $1000. I recently paid $850 for a 4 incher made in 1968 complete with everything that doesn't have a turn line on it.

stansdds

I would certainly look for an older Python before buying one of the new ones. The new ones don't have the nice fit and finish or trigger pull of the older ones. For the money, an older Python is the better investment.

Hoser

Yes, this one had the mirror blue finish. It was stunning beautiful. Unfortunately no box or papers but here in CA, we need to buy 'em when we find 'em.

Huevos

Is there a serial # sort of mile post or some other means so that one can tell if they are looking at a pre-70s or not? Nice story JCM298, I wonder where your old Python is now.

Mossyrock

Gentlemen;

Up until a month or so ago, I would have bought into the "old is better argument". I just purchased a used 4" Royal Blue Python that was built in 1995 with a polish and blue job that rivals my Dad's late-'60s vintage Pythons. A bigger contributor to the final finish than the bluing chemicals is the polish job under them. This guns polish job is VERY nice. The ONLY blemish on this gun is that someone, while disasembling the gun, spun the cylinder while removing it, putting a scratch all the way around the cylinder. I have spoken to Colt and will be sending JUST the cylinder in for refinish. Sure, there is a chance that the cylinder won't match the rest of the gun, but the rest of the finish is so nice that I don't want to risk screwing up the rest of the gun on a complete refinish.

JCM298

While at a gunshop today, I saw two Pythons: a new blue 6" and a Python Hunter, complete with scope. The price on the new one was $1,115. and the Hunter was $779. The older Hunter had a smoother action than the new one.

There is really no "cut-off" date for Pythons. Each one is an individual. Some are better than others. Even NIB Pythons can be as smooth as the older models but the new ones don't seem to be as consistently good.

Huevos,

I sold the first Python to a co-worker but we lost contact and I haven't seen or heard from him in 40+ years. If I could locate that one, I'd gladly buy it back.

John

Majic

Huevos,
A quick reference for a pre-1970 Python is that the serial number will have no letter in it. If it has an "E" in front of the serial number then it will be made from early to mid 1970. Then the "E" shifts to the rear of the serial number.

Huevos

Thanks for the info guys. I have a fairly new Python Elite and was a little disappointed in the trigger although the rest of the gun is outstanding. I sure would like to find one with the trigger I've always heard about. I know I can and probably will get a trigger job done on mine one day but an older 2" blued sounds nice too......

Austin Behlert

Dont worry about the trigger pull. Send it to Dave Berryhill and have him do a supertune and wind up with the best . Austin

Huevos

Thanks Austin, I had planned on Dave doing it, although he probably didn't know it..... :wink: