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1959 Python…Does this make me an opportunist?

1468 Views 9 Replies 7 Participants Last post by  Wyatt Burp
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I had the opportunity to purchase this 1959 Python that was listed on a local forum without original grips, so I did! The grips sure look to me to be from one of the many renowned 60’s-70’s LAPD grip makers. I’d posted about the grips in the revolver section http://www.coltforum.com/forums/colt-revolvers/307962-anyone-recognize-these-grips.html and the jury is still out on who may have made them. Member A1A steered me in the direction of searching Fuzzy Farrant, thinking that the word “George” written on the inside might be who they were made for instead of the maker. The lower section seems to be more flared than any Farrant’s that I can find so far. Another member suggested John Hurst and what few of his I can find they do resemble closer since he did make some with the diamond around the escutcheon. I think the key will be how the flip side looks on those made for the Python. Any thoughts on other searches would be appreciated.<br><br>
Meanwhile, I did find a nice set of fully checkered target grips with silver medallions that I'll probably be sending to Smamprat for gold medallions before long. Sure like the feel of these aftermarket's though:cool:

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I don't have a clue on who made them but they sure are pretty nice.
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After market grips are great and the one set you have are nice. Personally I'd like to keep things as original as possible especially an early model as yours.

I can always appreciate great eye candy and you take great pictures. Thanks for sharing.
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After market grips are great and the one set you have are nice. Personally I'd like to keep things as original as possible especially an early model as yours.

I can always appreciate great eye candy and you take great pictures. Thanks for sharing.
I agree. I don't know about the grips but your gun looks great and your photos show it well.
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I'd be tempted to just leave those on. Nice!
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Very nice find and the condition looks good for an older python.
This is a situation where replacement grips are just about as good to have on the gun as originals. I actually consider them a bonus. There were some K frame john Hurst grips for sale recently over at S&W Forum that sold. They had double palm swells with the screw plug on the left side. I sold some fuzzy Farrant K frame grips over there last year but they had to sell at a discount because that plug was missing. Your's is intact. Looks like your gun doesn't have the front corner of the grip cut off like was needed for some Farrant and others grips. Your gun being so early are perfect with those grips contemporary to them.
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Thanks for the kind words all! Wyatt, you are right about the plug! The rosewood is so dark and blends so well I didn't notice it. It would never photograph, but with a high intensity light the plug can barely be seen. You are also right about the grip frame not having to be cut.
The mystery is over. It was confirmed by a gentleman on another forum who was a friend and shot with John Hurst, that Hurst indeed carved these stocks.
The mystery is over. It was confirmed by a gentleman on another forum who was a friend and shot with John Hurst, that Hurst indeed carved these stocks.
Good going. Farrant's name is generically attached at first to all the grips from those 50s-60s southern California grip making masters associated with the LAPD, but they are all equally desirable now. The four dollar Farrant's I found in a gun shop parts box last year missing the plug looked like the top one here. This pic was sent to me by a S&W Forum member. You have a very special Python there. And there had to be tons more S&W grips made by those guys than for Colts. Make sure you don't over tighten the grips on them just in case it's possible to pop the plug out.

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