[GrAdmThrwn]

This is my new Colt Python...I recently acquired my full firearms license and the permission to purchase (I currently live in the Soviet Socialist Republic of Australia), and managed to seriously luck out by finding this safe queen up for sale (literally the only Python for sale in my state...one of two or three for sale across the country).

Previous history was a single owner, who carried it around in a holster for a bit, shot a box of .357's, then slathered it up in oil and left it in his safe for sixty years. It didn't come with the box, but it did have the original letters from Colt, and the accuracy proofing target, which was a rather pleasant surprise.

I'm not fussed about it as a collector piece and take it to the range with me every week to slaughter paper targets in style. However, I am rather curious to know it's vintage.
The serial number is 49xxx which places it as a mid-sixties piece.
However, the grip isn't a mid-sixties smiley grip...however the owner was a fairly old guy that bought the gun new and held onto it until selling it to me, so I don't doubt his word that that's the way he bought the gun.
I was also recently surprised when the underlug swallowed one of my Q-Tips as I was cleaning it, and even more confused when hearing all the varying opinions on when the hollow underlug was phased out.

So, any opinions?

 

[bsmalley23]

Fantastic looking Python!!! Congrats on getting it and joining the forum.

The hollow underlug was phased out in '67/'68 IIRC, and yours would be a '65ish. It will also have a completely polished muzzle face. They stopped that in '70ish. The front site was altered or replaced with a different one. The grips are definitely not original, as you already confirmed. Who cares though? You got a fantastic target gun from a great era. Just look at that blue finish.

 

[GrAdmThrwn]

Thanks for the warm welcome

Thanks for the info as well, I'm glad to hear that the hollow underlug matches the serial no. timeframe.

And yep, I absolutely agree. I always loved the lines and the go faster vents, but the depth of that blue and the way it shoots (I'm REALLY impressed with the single-action)...just blew me out of the water.
I was actually really pleased with the way the wood grips felt. Heard a lot of complaining about poor fit and bad ergonomics, but it sits perfectly in my hand, especially when shooting one handed.

I still might buy the original grips though, probably when I order in some spare internals in case it starts whinging a decade from now.

1965 eh? *begins preparing argument for girlfriend, explaining sudden need to purchase a '65 Shelby Mustang.*
Early twenties, not-quite-fair features, a V8 with a handcannon in the trunk...I'll be the biggest cop magnet in NSW.

 

[B.F.D.]

GrAdmThrwn, you sure did find a good one. The 50's and 60's Python's were some pretty good years and the one you found is in excellent condition. I don't know if you mind leaving the front sight the way it is or putting the correct stocks back on but regardless it would be easy to do.

I'm sure your going to cherish and enjoy that Python for years to come.

Thanks for sharing and enjoy!

 

[GrAdmThrwn]

Thanks, I'm really glad to finally be a part of this forum (after years of drooling longingly all over that gorgeous photo thread.).
I will likely have to order in the original sights as the previous owner didn't keep them on hand. Probably will do it, along with correct generation grips and spare internals.
Apparently the Old owner had three Pythons, sold the other two long ago. I also ended up with a target grip that fits like a glove, which he used on his 8", and a sweet holster he used to carry his stainless 6". My 60's smiley grips are probably sitting snug on one of the other two, somewhere far far away.

 

[bsmalley23]

Thanks, I'm really glad to finally be a part of this forum (after years of drooling longingly all over that gorgeous photo thread.).
I will likely have to order in the original sights as the previous owner didn't keep them on hand. Probably will do it, along with correct generation grips and spare internals.
Apparently the Old owner had three Pythons, sold the other two long ago. I also ended up with a target grip that fits like a glove, which he used on his 8", and a sweet holster he used to carry his stainless 6". My 60's smiley grips are probably sitting snug on one of the other two, somewhere far far away.

You are most likely correct. I would bet that he swapped the grips from the 8", as the 6" most likely had rubbers on it.

If you really want to make it original, you might be able to trade even up for a pair of 2nd gen stocks. The value is comparable. At the least, you could sell the ones you have and make enough to buy the older ones. Or you could just leave them on there as it isn't that big of deal.

I would probably leave the front sight alone too. The patridge style that it is mimicking works much better than the standard ramp it had. It is very possible that is the original sight but they cut and modified it. I have a patridgre front sight with a white dot and a rear leaf with white dots that I have been wanting to put on my 6" for better targeting. So the sight on yours might work rather well.

As for parts, Jack First is currently making repro parts for just about everything. In my opinion they will always be available, but if you want to order some spare parts go for it. I would look to JF though as the prices are quite reasonable. Most factory parts on auction sites are used and you don't want that.

If you don't abuse your gun, it should last a lifetime. Whoever had it before you took good care of it. I can tell from the turn line that your Python is properly timed and the bolt is dropping where it should be. Appears you got a really good example.

 

[JacksonsColt]

You are most likely correct. I would bet that he swapped the grips from the 8", as the 6" most likely had rubbers on it.

If you really want to make it original, you might be able to trade even up for a pair of 2nd gen stocks. The value is comparable. At the least, you could sell the ones you have and make enough to buy the older ones. Or you could just leave them on there as it isn't that big of deal.

I would probably leave the front sight alone too. The patridge style that it is mimicking works much better than the standard ramp it had. It is very possible that is the original sight but they cut and modified it. I have a patridgre front sight with a white dot and a rear leaf with white dots that I have been wanting to put on my 6" for better targeting. So the sight on yours might work rather well.

As for parts, Jack First is currently making repro parts for just about everything. In my opinion they will always be available, but if you want to order some spare parts go for it. I would look to JF though as the prices are quite reasonable. Most factory parts on auction sites are used and you don't want that.

If you don't abuse your gun, it should last a lifetime. Whoever had it before you took good care of it. I can tell from the turn line that your Python is properly timed and the bolt is dropping where it should be. Appears you got a really good example.

Agreed. Stocks are cosmetic and so what if they aren't exactly of the right generation, as long as you shoot well with them. You can buy the "2nd Generation" stocks on various venues and they can get pricey but if you desire to make everything like it came out of the factory, you really can't unless a lot of legwork is involved. You have a wonderful specimen.

It is well known in the Colt Collector community that many replaced correct stocks with rubber stocks and sold the correct stocks to make a nice profit. Then the wrong generation stocks were put on the Python to sell as a package. No new news. Enjoy your Colt, she's a beauty.

Jackson

 

[oberon]

That thing is a fine revolver, indeed.
You should have no serious difficulty locating the bits & pieces for it.
You're gonna love it!

 

[GrAdmThrwn]

I would probably leave the front sight alone too. The patridge style that it is mimicking works much better than the standard ramp it had. It is very possible that is the original sight but they cut and modified it. I have a patridgre front sight with a white dot and a rear leaf with white dots that I have been wanting to put on my 6" for better targeting. So the sight on yours might work rather well.

As for parts, Jack First is currently making repro parts for just about everything. In my opinion they will always be available, but if you want to order some spare parts go for it. I would look to JF though as the prices are quite reasonable. Most factory parts on auction sites are used and you don't want that..

Yeah, I shoot well with the current sights (not as well as the Python, of course), so I'll definitely keep them installed even after I buy some originals.

Thanks for the heads up, I'll definitely give Jack First a browse, will have to check if they're willing to ship to my club in the Australian SFSR once I organize the import papers. Importing is such a pain in the rear, so I'll go for all the internals in one go and potentially buy the cosmetic things like a box, set of period correct grips and original sights next time I'm in the US (non-mechanical firearms parts don't require permits).

 

[Citation 650]

Good to see you've got Ren wax.


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