As a newbe cop in the early 1970's, I had a Python-fever that was to burn for many years. Most of the young cops within our PD, here in Columbus wanted a .357 to replace the .38 S&W Model 10 that was Department-issue. Back then the Department rules were much different than the existing/non-flexible rules of 2013! An officer in 1971-72-73 could purchase their own .357 and carry it on-duty (after) a quick qualification at the range. The .357 that most officers purchased then was the S&W Model 19 Combat Magnum in blue steel and a four-inch barrel. That is, those who could afford it! Most, if not all officers, desiring a .357 dreamed about getting a Colt Python. A blue steel, four-inch Python or the factory nickel Python in the same barrel length. A dream, that only 4-lucky-cops realized in 1973. For myself, and a few others, I settled on Mr. Bill Ruger's "new" Security-Six .357 that had just come out and was going for less than 100-dollars. That was within my 'compromised' budget and it took quite a few part-time jobs to acquire that 100-bucks necessary for the purchase. That made me appreciate my Ruger that much more but did nothing about the Python-dream. The pay of lawmen here in the south was modest, but well-stated, before I joined! I knew that being a policeman was not a job to get rich on. To serve and protect, under the worst of conditions or adversity and not to enrich myself at the expense of my soul! I made do with my blue steel 4-inch Security-Six until our S&W Model 66 came on the scene a few years later. Still no Python though! It wasn't until 2006 that I was to make that Python-dream come true. In 2006 a pawnshop owner, here in Columbus, called me about a 'special' Colt that was coming off pawn. He didn't tell me which model it was only that it was a double-action Colt and that's all he said. When I got there, nano-seconds later, Robbie smiled and reached under the counter and brought out the blue steel Python you see in this picture and shortly later a 35-year dream was made in reality! Robbie, a long term friend of mine knew about my Python dream from years past from many gun stories that we shared over our long friendship. For just over 600-dollars, his pawn total, this Python became mine. I had long since been off the streets as a beat cop and was deployed at the front desk of Fort Apache AKA: Health & Human Services Building, where as a Sergeant, with 4-troopers (deputies) in our squad, attempted to hold the peace in this sometimes, hostile environment. I, had at last, obtained the Colt prize, long wanted and dreamed of. I thank "GOD" for allowing me to make it this far and for protecting me from violent-minded individuals and from myself. Thank you my friends for allowing me to share my dream with you.
David
