Python serial number prefix

22951 Views 25 Replies 14 Participants Last post by 5thGroup, Jun 11, 2017

SnakeGunner

Discussion Starter · Nov 18, 2013

Did Colt ever make Pythons with a BY prefix or would it be a PY?Store is calling it PY, but it really looks like a BY to me.Also what would extra letters mean under a serial number?

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TFlyboy

· #2 · Nov 18, 2013 (Edited)

PY series is basically what I nicknamed the later Pony series -- basically the 90's python's.

After that came the PE series which are the Python Elites.

dfariswheel

· #3 · Nov 19, 2013

The stamp under the serial number is a factory inspectors stamp.
It's usually thought to be the final inspectors stamp.

You'll also find an inspectors stamp on the left rear of the trigger guard, thought to be the assemblers stamp, and the Colt "VP in a triangle" Verified Proof stamp on the left front trigger guard.

SnakeGunner

Discussion Starter · #4 · Nov 19, 2013

Thanks guys. Was there ever a "BY" prefix for Pythons, are is it a "PY" like the gun shop claims?

Primer88

· #5 · Nov 19, 2013

There are prefixes of "E", "V", "K","T","LA", "TO","VA", "PT", "KT", "AKT", "PE" and I would not doubt a few other prefixes by Colt that are a Colt mystery but these are the credited basics.

TFlyboy

· #6 · Nov 19, 2013 (Edited)

I had one PY serial numbered python which the Colt Firearm Serial Number Lookup - Year of Manufacture site listed as a 1993 mfg. My apologies for not having a picture of the serial number to show.

This would be a somewhat logical progression of the serial numbers since the PT series maxed out in 1991 (serial number records are a little sparse from 1992-1996).

With the caveat of "Never say Never when Colt ...", I have not seen any records of a "B anything" series serial number in the pythons. And none are listed in the BB Pocket Guide For Colt Dates of Manufacture. Note: The PY series is not listed in BBPG either, but I have handled a few PY's.

Check the serial number stamping carefully. There may be an overstrike from the serial number or an assembler mark overstrike. Should you need more clarification on any "B anything" series on the Pythons, call Colt Customer Service (number listed on the Colt site) and then post back.

And you may be able to find a few PY serial numbers pictured on GB.

Overall, if that store has a stainless python that you are interested in, go get it ... and if you tell one of us Forum members where it is, it will probably vanish.

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SnakeGunner

Discussion Starter · #7 · Nov 19, 2013

Thanks Tflyboy. Here is a pic. What do you guys think "BY" or "PY" When I get it, I'm probably going to get a letter from Colt. Just not sure what to tell them what it is. Would like to figure it out before I p/u.
Thanks

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TFlyboy

· #8 · Nov 19, 2013 (Edited)

SnakeGunner said:
Thanks Tflyboy. Here is a pic. What do you guys think "BY" or "PY" When I get it, I'm probably going to get a letter from Colt. Just not sure what to tell them what it is. Would like to figure it out before I p/u.
Thanks

View attachment 45679

It looks like a P with a . under it.

Here's a trick - remember the last step afterwards.
Assuming you are on a PC,
1. Click on the picture which usually takes you to a new page
2. To enlarge, "CTRL +" a couple of times. -- Likewise, "CTRL -" decreases viewing size.
3. To return to normal viewing, "CTRL 0" -- that's a zero

(This picture is enlarged when it goes to the next page)

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d.a.r.y.l

· #9 · Nov 19, 2013

It looks like a "PY" serial number to my old crooked eyes.Unless my memory is worse than usual The first Python I ever owned was a "PY" serial number.I still have photos of it on my old hard drive that I will check when I get home.It was traded to another forum member who might still have it because it was a real bright stainless.I sure do regret letting it go.D*

bsmalley23

· #10 · Nov 19, 2013

It's definitely a PY prefix. Looks like a B slightly because of lighting or matrixing of the photo caused by an oil smudge or some other characteristic of the finish. I wouldn't worry about it. You got a nice Python waiting for you.

Reactions: 1

SnakeGunner

Discussion Starter · #11 · Nov 19, 2013

Thanks for all the help and pms guys. Another very helpful member here pm'd me about what looks like excessive wear on the yoke. What do you guys think?
Thanks in advance.

Reactions: 1

Bigl1911

· #12 · Nov 30, 2013 (Edited)

Very interesting posts... I own a 4" stainless with a PY prefix in perfect condition - no question it is a PY4xxx ... Tried uploading a pix but it did go.. It is keeping my 59 and 1980 company at the momment

Primer88

· #13 · Nov 30, 2013

Primer88 said:
There are prefixes of "E", "V", "K","T","LA", "TO","VA", "PT", "KT", "AKT", "PE" and I would not doubt a few other prefixes by Colt that are a Colt mystery but these are the credited basics.

And PY of course.

KMKCOLT

· #14 · Nov 30, 2013

Check the box if you have the original. It is PY, I have one with PY. Which stands for Python.

arris

· #15 · Jun 8, 2017

What year is the KT prefix?

TFlyboy

· #16 · Jun 8, 2017

arris said:
What year is the KT prefix?

Most likely a 1991 or later gun. Check the front sight pin to see if it is a single or double pinned front sight. If a single front sight pin, it is a 90's or later vintage.

You can try to run the serial number on the Colt web site or call Colt Customer Service (number listed on the web site as well)
Colt Firearm Serial Number Lookup - Year of Manufacture

ponyup

· #17 · Jun 8, 2017

Got "eyes-on" a P N 1996 S S 6 inch over here boss.

arris

· #18 · Jun 9, 2017

Thank you TFLYBOY, it is a single pin. I picked this up for $400 last week.

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ponyup

· #19 · Jun 9, 2017

arris said:
Thank you TFLYBOY, it is a single pin. I picked this up for $400 last week. View attachment 328089

I have to ask,....just where are you, that you "picked this up" for $400 ??? That's quite the deal !

toucan

· #20 · Jun 9, 2017

ponyup said:
I have to ask,....just where are you, that you "picked this up" for $400 ??? That's quite the deal !

Did he leave out a 0? Nice Python!

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