I have purchased a Python 6" Matte - Stainless Steel last week. We, the seller and I, thought it is Matte - Stainless Steel, but today I received some information from a company that Colt referred me to for something else saying something very interesting. That company was trying to research something for me, and I told them it was purchased new in 1982. They came back and said:
"As for the date of production of your 6" stainless Python, I can only state that it was probably produced after 1983. This was the first year of production of stainless 6" barreled Pythons according to The Blue Book of Gun Values."
Now I am wondering how can I, as someone who is totally unfamiliar with differentiating between these two finishes, verify which type of finish it is that my Python has? Electroless Nickel - Satin Finish, or Matte Stainless Steel? Looking at pictures of both types of finish they look the same to me.
09.16: I have talked to Colt today. Colt says that this Python was made in 1981. Colt also informed me that SS production began in 1985 which is also different than what The Blue Book of Gun Values states. Very bad news for me. The gun has been delivered to my FFL today, and I will be looking at it Wednesday to verify what I can, unless my FFL gives me a most definite answer to what type it is.
09.17 The Python was received by my receiving FFL. They believe it to be Satin Nickel. A great disappointment for me.
09.18: I have used advise given by some to call Colt. Colt said this Python was made in 1981, and that they didn't start making SS Pythons until 1985. I have personally seen it now, and to me the gun is in excellent condition. There is no way I personally can say what finish it is though. I have no Python to compare it to directly, and any other manufactures satin nickel looks different than the Python. I have looked for an "S" stamped inside the barrel lug where the ejector rod fits, and underneath the ejector ratchet on the center rear of the cylinder, but there isn't any "S" there. I did see an "S" stamped on the left Side Plate, or the Frame just above and behind the trigger guard area, but this isn't where the "S" would usually be. The hammer is very shinny. That I would guess at being Nickel because it is so shinny.
Thank you everyone for your advice. It has been all very helpful. I have sent back the Python to the seller. If anyone is looking for a very good condition Python in Satin Nickel Finish then just ask me and I will put you in touch with the seller. It will be re-listed soon.
Links to see the pictures that I have:
http://home.earthlink.net/~ballar66/_uimages/6InchLeft.jpg
http://home.earthlink.net/~ballar66/_uimages/6InchRight.JPG
http://home.earthlink.net/~ballar66/_uimages/Barrel.jpg
[This message has been edited by ballar66 (edited 09-19-2002).]
"As for the date of production of your 6" stainless Python, I can only state that it was probably produced after 1983. This was the first year of production of stainless 6" barreled Pythons according to The Blue Book of Gun Values."
Now I am wondering how can I, as someone who is totally unfamiliar with differentiating between these two finishes, verify which type of finish it is that my Python has? Electroless Nickel - Satin Finish, or Matte Stainless Steel? Looking at pictures of both types of finish they look the same to me.
09.16: I have talked to Colt today. Colt says that this Python was made in 1981. Colt also informed me that SS production began in 1985 which is also different than what The Blue Book of Gun Values states. Very bad news for me. The gun has been delivered to my FFL today, and I will be looking at it Wednesday to verify what I can, unless my FFL gives me a most definite answer to what type it is.
09.17 The Python was received by my receiving FFL. They believe it to be Satin Nickel. A great disappointment for me.
09.18: I have used advise given by some to call Colt. Colt said this Python was made in 1981, and that they didn't start making SS Pythons until 1985. I have personally seen it now, and to me the gun is in excellent condition. There is no way I personally can say what finish it is though. I have no Python to compare it to directly, and any other manufactures satin nickel looks different than the Python. I have looked for an "S" stamped inside the barrel lug where the ejector rod fits, and underneath the ejector ratchet on the center rear of the cylinder, but there isn't any "S" there. I did see an "S" stamped on the left Side Plate, or the Frame just above and behind the trigger guard area, but this isn't where the "S" would usually be. The hammer is very shinny. That I would guess at being Nickel because it is so shinny.
Thank you everyone for your advice. It has been all very helpful. I have sent back the Python to the seller. If anyone is looking for a very good condition Python in Satin Nickel Finish then just ask me and I will put you in touch with the seller. It will be re-listed soon.
Links to see the pictures that I have:
http://home.earthlink.net/~ballar66/_uimages/6InchLeft.jpg
http://home.earthlink.net/~ballar66/_uimages/6InchRight.JPG
http://home.earthlink.net/~ballar66/_uimages/Barrel.jpg
[This message has been edited by ballar66 (edited 09-19-2002).]