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I need a Colt Python lesson please

tall dark and handsometall dark and handsome Member Posts: 39 ✭✭
edited May 2002 in Ask the Experts
What do I look for in my search for either a 4 or 6 inch Python? Do the letters preceeding the serial number designate its lineage? Example, saw one today with a letter V preceeding the serial number. Saw one the other day with a T in front. Which are the most desirable; the 70', 80', 90's and how can I tell right off the bat? What is the difference? What about chrome vs. nickel? I do have a blue 21/2 inch blue Python without a letter preceeding its numbers and it is a real beauty. I shall assume its an earlier model. So share with me your thoughts please as to what I should be searching for and keeping an eye out for both pro and con? Many thanks TDH.
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  • JudgeColtJudgeColt Member Posts: 1,790 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I do not know much about later Pythons, but will tell you the little I do know. According to the serial number charts, the "E" prefix guns began in 1969. The "E" suffix guns began in 1975. The "V" prefix guns began in 1978. What happened after that, I do not know. I assume the prefixes you mention came later. I think the last production Pythons probably had some combination of letters and numbers as seems to be the trend on all guns these days.

    There are no chrome Pythons as far as I know. They are all nickel or blue or stainless. Do not confuse stainless with either nickel or chorme. A high-polish stainless might look like chrome to some, because both have a blue cast to them, as opposed to the more yellow tinge of nickel.

    A non-prefix Python is, to me, far more valuable than the later prefix and sufix guns. The earlier the gun, the more valuable and desirable it is. There are design differences too.

    For instance, the earliest Pythons had a higher rib and a hollow lug. The hollow lug continued after the higher rib was discontinued, but then that feature was also dropped. The earliet Pythons had the "flat" rear sight, a very desirable features as it was soon dropped.

    If I were to buy more Pythons, I would look for non-prefix guns, the earlier the better, preferably the 1950s. Those early guns are in a class by themselves. I prefer first year specimans of any guns I have, and have kind of specialized in that area when possible. I have first year Pythons in 6-inch (very low three-digit 1955), 4-inch (the "Police" Python) of 1960, and the Snub 2.5-inch of 1963.

    Of course, there are some later guns that are, in my opinion, collectable, such as factory-tuned guns with Elliason sights, first year stainless and 3-inch Snub and 8-inch .38 Target Pythons. There are rumors of Pythons in .22LR, .256 Winchester, .41 Magnum and .44 Special, but I do not believe they ever got outside the factory, even though the Blue Book says otherwise. I have a brochure on the .256 Python, but I doubt that any ever made it outside Colt.

    From the prices I have seen Pythons bring lately on the auction site, collecting Pythons will require some serious committment. Good luck.
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  • tall dark and handsometall dark and handsome Member Posts: 39 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Judge and Sazon, you were the two I was hoping to here from, thanks. Great info. Any additional info out there would appreciate hearing from you. Any had nickel Pythons and how do they hold up? What about preference in size 4-6 inch and why? TDH
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  • JudgeColtJudgeColt Member Posts: 1,790 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Given reasonable care, the nickel finish will outlast you.

    For shooting, I prefer the longer barrels. Eight-inch is my favorite. To me, six-inch blue is the "classic" Python.

    Do you remember the Hawk character on the "Spenser for Hire" series? He carreid an eight-inch (I think) nickel Python! It really fit the character well.
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  • TOMBECKTOMBECK Member Posts: 64 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    JUDGE & SAXON, I ALSO THANK YOU FOR THE HELPFUL INFO ON PYTHONS
    COULD YOU BALL PARK ANY CLOSER "E 79XXX"
    SUGGESTED BOOKS FOR DATING COLTS
    TOMBECK@STATECOM.NET
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  • JudgeColtJudgeColt Member Posts: 1,790 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Such a Python is probably a 1974 production, but the charts are a guide only.

    I would not be surprised to see the charts for sale somewhere, or at least available on-line. I know they are for the Model S (Woodsman).

    The Wilson book "The Colt Heritage" has the charts through 1978 in it, and the Wilson book "Colt: An American Legand" has charts through 1985 (I think) in it. If you really want to know, buy a letter from Colt for $100.
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  • airborneairborne Member Posts: 1,728 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Can definitely say that serial number Jxxxxx, is late 70's early 71 production. Picked up a Colt Python, 6" barrel, royal blue, last weekend and verified the serial number prior to purchasing.

    B - BreatheR - RelaxA - AimS - SightS - Squeeze
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  • JudgeColtJudgeColt Member Posts: 1,790 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I think airborne is mixing apples and oranges. The "J" prefix was applied to J-frame Colt revolvers such as the Mark III Trooper, etc., but never to Pythons as far as I know. Saying a JXXXXX is early 1970s seems odd but is technically correct because JXXXXX would cover the entire J-frame J-prefix run from 1969 through 1973, which is clearly the early 1970s.

    I would be curious to know how one verifies a serial number before purchasing. (By "verify" I am assuming airborne means get the actual production date. Correct?) Can Colt "verify" Python serial numbers over the telephone now? (I know that service is available at a substantial cost for First and Second Generation Single Action Army revolvers, but I did not think so for anything else.) Please explain.
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  • airborneairborne Member Posts: 1,728 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    JudgeColt,

    I purchased the Python at a Gun Show. After looking at the revolver I checked the serial number and then looked in a Colt book listing serial numbers by date of manufacture. For Colt Pythons serial numbers beginning with letter 'J' were manufactured in late 1970 and 1971.
    The serial number on the revolver is J398xx.

    By verifying I meant checking serial number to date of manufacture, not calling Colt directly. Hopefully this will clear up any confusion.

    Thanks for keeping me on my toes, even got the Python out of the safe to re-check the serial number.

    B - BreatheR - RelaxA - AimS - SightS - Squeeze

    Edited by - airborne on 05/29/2002 02:57:53
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  • JudgeColtJudgeColt Member Posts: 1,790 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    airborne, I have never seen a Python with a J-prefix. I think what happened was that you looked at the wrong line on the charts. The Mark III J-frame revolvers, which have J-prefix serial numbers, are on the line right below the Python on the Wilson charts. All Pythons in the 1970-1975 production range had E-prefixes, not J.
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  • airborneairborne Member Posts: 1,728 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    JudgeColt,

    All I can say is the revolver is definitely a Colt Python, .357 Mag cal., 6" barrel with vent rib, royal blue finish. The barrel is marked PYTHON .357 then underneath * .357 Magnum CTG. *, the other side of the barrel is marked Colts PT. EA. MFG. CO. HARTFORD. CONN. USA. The serial number stamped in two places is J398xx. Additionally, it has the Colt Emblem stamped on the left side of the frame. Not a dealer, but am not a novice in dealing with guns, and am confident this is an authentic Colt Python, all original, including grips.

    If you discover this one to be one of a kind please let me know as it will likely add value to the revolver.



    B - BreatheR - RelaxA - AimS - SightS - Squeeze

    Edited by - airborne on 05/29/2002 20:58:21
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