[coltpython]

Well I tried....

The python was so badly pitted and rusted I had to do something to stop anymore damage. I looked into several options and took into account several opinions and decided that just bead blasting and an e-nickel finish was the best idea. It came out about how I thought it would. It is not a beauty queen but will be a good shooter to add to the mix.

Here is the before:

 

[coltpython]

and the after:

 

[Blademan]

I think the Python looks good after you rendered it some first aid. You will have years of fun shooting the Colt. Enjoy the Python.Blade

 

[Merwin2]

Other than body filler and Cerakote, I can't think of any way it would look better. I think it's a fine shooter you won't worry about.
Jim.

 

[MtnSpur]

Other than body filler and Cerakote, I can't think of any way it would look better. I think it's a fine shooter you won't worry about.
Jim.

You read my mind on body filler. The craters on that poor thing are about as deep as I've ever seen on a gun, any gun, except that SAA somebody dug up still in the holster near Abilene (I think it was Merkel or maybe further east) and even put it on GB, as is, for big bucks as I recall. But I digress, it does look some better but I'm afraid her beauty days are long gone. Shame, but hope it fills the shooting niche.

 

[weagle99]

Classy truck gun that probably still shoots as good as any Python.

A replacement barrel would go along way towards mitigating the damage. You might keep your eyes open for a suitable barrel. The good news is you could accept holster wear since it would be blasted to match.

To be honest, owning a beater Python like this has some appeal because the gun could actually be used without fear of finish damage.

 

[LilbitandThor]

Shoot it and love it. Everyone needs at least one "mutt" to take in the field. . (Some of us need more than one).

Sent from a teletype.

 

[JudgeColt]

A silver (but still unpolished) turd!

 

[Smoke-Wagon]

I'd shoot it till the barrel fell off and then replace it. I understand pythons are supposed to be beauty queens but my 1963 that is en route surely will not be a safe queen. Enjoy it

 

[minic99]

"ugly girls will love you forever and pretty ones will leave you" ........sounds a little country

 

[Docneeley]

I have a WWII 1911A1 in pristine condition so since I didn't want to shoot it, I looked around and found one, also WWII, but it looked like it had been dragged behind a pickup. But now I have a classic shooter, and you, sir, do too.

 

[browntowel]

Thanks for posting. That's almost exactly what I want to do with mine. What kind of grips are on yours?

 

[oberon]

That thing will give you a lifetime of shooting pleasure, and your grandkids, too.
Someday way down the line, there won't be so many jewel type guns around, and that thing will be in good comany.
For my preference, any gun that does what you want it to is ok in my book.
I have a soft spot for beaters anyway.

 

[coltpython]

Thanks for posting. That's almost exactly what I want to do with mine. What kind of grips are on yours?

They are hogue wood grips. They have a great feel.

 

[browntowel]

Thanks. I'll have to look into them. They look good on it.

 

[Colt-SL]

I think you did an excellent job with what you had to work with. I agree with you, it will be a good shooter. It may have some acne but inside it's still sweet!

 

[KMKCOLT]

In general the gun came out spectacular. I love it. If you had gone the other way it would have cost you more than one I. Mint shape. The other route would be labor induced nightmare. You would have to weld fill the pits re machine or file by hand to smooth out the shape. I don't even want to think of it. You took a beat up wounded warrior healed him up like new but you can't hide the battle scars. Kudos to you a great shooter. Enjoy it.

 

[ussmanlovede36]

bead blasting and Parkerizing. for that military python look.

 

[smokehaus]

you can't polish a turd" or roller skate over a buffalo herd, but you can shoot the heck out of it , if you've a mind to. Its a great shooter as is, have a ton of fun with it

 

[BigG]

A turd in my opinion is something that never had any value in its time. A handgun called a R---r is more like a turd to me than a Colt Python. Yes, the Python had been neglected but it never was a turd. The other one NIB is still a turd. jmtc