[rickytz7111]

I was at a local gun show today and I came across a 4" python that the guy said was bright stainless. It looked to me it had a nickel finish on it. Can someone tell me how I can tell the diffrence in the two. The gun had black colt grips and I belive that the serail # started with a T. Thanks for any help

 

[MtnSpur]

Stainless wasn't offered until 1983 for the Python and by coincidence the T prefix began in 1983. Nickel will have an almost yellow hue when compared to the bright stainless steel. If the gentleman will remove the rubber grips a prominent "N" would be on the grip frame if a nickel finished Python (not to be confused with the "INS" raised lettering for inspected). In all probability the revolver you are looking at is the stainless finish but without more information like DOB or at least the serial number so we can date the firearm it's hard to say for certain. Pictures, especially closeups are always a plus.

 

[hotblue]

Another way to check for stainless is to put a magnet on it. Stainless has about 1/3 the pull of carbon steel.

 

[Major Dad]

Hey, hotblue! Welcome to the Forum. I was unaware of the stainless low magnetism part. I'll have to remember that. And BTW, you've been here over a year now, so don't be so stingy posting your knowledge here. I'm sure you've got plenty to share. Enjoy!

 

[dfariswheel]

Stainless Pythons have an "S" stamped inside the ejector rod shroud on the barrel, in the center of the cylinder under the ejector, and on the lower left side of the grip frame under the grips.

The "S" inside the shroud and rear of the cylinder is easy to look for.

A nickel gun will have a bright and shiny nickel finish under the grips. A bright polish Python will have unpolished stainless under the grips and inside the frame window and breech face.

As above, a nickel finish has a noticeable yellowish tint when compared to stainless steel or bright chrome.

 

[rickytz7111]

Thank You it does have a S stamped inside the ejector rod shroud. Thanks for all the help

 

[Mcbrmicr]

Thank You it does have a S stamped inside the ejector rod shroud. Thanks for all the help

Hope you are the new owner !!!

 

[rickytz7111]

I am the new owner. I couldn't be happier with the gun. I have another question now. Is there a diffence between bright stainless and ultimate bright stainless? Thanks

 

[Mcbrmicr]

I am the new owner. I couldn't be happier with the gun. I have another question now. Is there a diffence between bright stainless and ultimate bright stainless? Thanks

They are one in the same. Not to be confused with the ultimate python that came with a factory custom tuned action and elliason and accro sights.

 

[skeeeter]

I think the first stainless guns were called Ultimate stainless for the first year then bright stainless after that. They are the same.
I know stainless guns were in limited supply in 1981 when I first ordered my 6" Python. While stainless were being advertised, I had to "settle" for my first blued Python as the stainless guns were VERY hard to get.

 

[Colt-SL]

Stainless Pythons have an "S" stamped inside the ejector rod shroud on the barrel, in the center of the cylinder under the ejector, and on the lower left side of the grip frame under the grips.

The "S" inside the shroud and rear of the cylinder is easy to look for.

A nickel gun will have a bright and shiny nickel finish under the grips. A bright polish Python will have unpolished stainless under the grips and inside the frame window and breech face.

As above, a nickel finish has a noticeable yellowish tint when compared to stainless steel or bright chrome.

Photo illustration of chrome-like tint of stainless and yellowish/warm tint of nickel:

Top gun is Ultimate Bright Stainless, the bottom two nickel:

The "S" stamp in the inside ejector rod shroud: