Python buy - did I just get taken - fake stocks/refinish blue?

Hard to tell on the Bluing, looks good to me.

Stocks are 100% legit Factory Original.

The Gold is 100% aftermarket.

Nice piece.

Thanks keystone. Lighting fast response appreciated. Was having buyers remorse for a second.

Is it true that lacquer can rid the gold lettering but won't harm the bluing?

Novice here.

You can safely use lacquer thinner on bluing, parkerizing, and plated finishes.
It "may" harm some paint type finishes, may damage front sight inserts and some plastics, and will remove painted sight dots and safety markings.

To remove the gold filling, just use a solvent-proof toothbrush and lacquer thinner. Make sure to apply a lube after it dries, especially if the thinner gets into the bore at the muzzle and if it soaks into the front sight around the slot in the rib.

You'll sometimes see Colt stocks in which the grip screw bushing was "stripped" and turns in the wood. A repair sometimes involved drilling the hole deeper and seating the bushing down in the hole more.

IMHO even if you decide to do nothing, it's still a beautiful piece.

I concur, super nice Python - the colt icon looks sharp and crisp so I don't think it was reblued, JMHO. can I ask how much you paid?
Kraaaken

The grips are original but not to that Python. If the Python dates to 1980 then the medallions are incorrect. It should have the regular horse medallions. The one you have there didn't come into light till 1986 for the 150th anniversary. Some one may have taken the original medallions off and did a switch or the grips are from after the 1986 date from another gun or purchased from colt as a parts dept. The blue looks good to me and a very nice Python if I may add. The gold will come off if you use regular solvent its just a wax stick which you can buy from Brownells. It looks nice to make the lettering stand out.

Thanks for the input fellas

Don't care for rollmark fill-ins, but the more I look at that one, think it's just fine like it is.

Congrats, OC. That's a nice Python.

Nice Python. I kinda dig the gold lettering.

nice python. it reminds me of that colt ad where the men are wild hog hunting and one of the men is holding an 8" python posing with the dead hog. the grips are mid eighties. are you sure the gun dates to 1980?

Gun oil and a toothbrush will normally remove the lettering.

Very looking piece. The gold gives a great contrast and reminds me of those custom engravings with gold inlay.

The gold does No harm, personal prefference.

ussmanlovede36 said:

nice python. it reminds me of that colt ad where the men are wild hog hunting and one of the men is holding an 8" python posing with the dead hog. the grips are mid eighties. are you sure the gun dates to 1980?

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Thanks for the compliments everyone.

Would love to find an authentic scope for it to complete the look.

My assumption is that it was born in 1980 based on the serial.

It was made in 1980.

The "Big Pony" medallions were introduced for Colt's 150th anniversary. They had a "150" on the medallion. For a few years after the anniversary year Colt used the same medallions without the 150. Within a few years they went back to the traditional Colt medallions.

So, the grips are not original to the gun but are the correct style Third Type Target grips.

I have a question that could help the poster and myself. I have a few pythons myself and if I wanted to verify in detail that the gun is "right", where would you get the information on stuff like that? Book? Website? I'd like something to reference for them when I snag a few in the future. I'm currently lining up rifles to sell so that I can shop for a few pythons and am afraid of feeling like this guy did.

I am not a fan of any 8 inch barrel revolver (just way too long for me) but, to me the gold inlay lettering gives it a little bit of character. I like it, especially since it will not harm the finish.

IowaMustang said:

I have a question that could help the poster and myself. I have a few pythons myself and if I wanted to verify in detail that the gun is "right", where would you get the information on stuff like that?

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I am not aware of any other resource better than right here at the Colt Forum. The expert members here are extraordinarily generous with their knowledge and willing to answer the most mundane of questions. You ask, and they will share.

Kanatak said:

I am not aware of any other resource better than right here at the Colt Forum. The expert members here are extraordinarily generous with their knowledge and willing to answer the most mundane of questions. You ask, and they will share.

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I've been impressed with what I've been able to learn here. That's why I supported the site today. Just wish I could get a solid colt book.