Finally got a family photo of the girls.
The grips on the 3" are sold as NOS from the 70's, but I'm not sure that's Colt's NOS? lol
You can tell they're old just by the smell, like old antique wood.
They fit very precisely though.
But, Colt...?
One things for sure, the original configuration is how they should have re-released this 3 incher!
What do y'all think, genuine NOS Colt or not?

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Dave Ramsey Cultist

Congrats on a fine set of revolvers!

Colt has knocked it out the ballpark in the last few years with the Python and Anaconda. Never thought I would say it, but the Python and Anaconda are one of the best values in the market today.

I don't have enough experience to call the grips, but there's no doubt the service grips are the way to go with a 3". My 2.5" models from '92 came with stock Colt branded rubber Pachmayrs.

Enjoy!

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Best Regards,
Mark

Nice family.

Still looking for a 3inch at MSRP.

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Sure you did

Thanks guys!
MarkAlt
I agree, they missed the boat by not releasing it again without the service grips, who made that decision?

ladder13
They're out there at MSRP or a little over, that's what I paid for both.

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Dave Ramsey Cultist

Any opinion on the grips?

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Dave Ramsey Cultist

For a 4 inch they are ok. For a 3 inch I’m looking for the ones you have or maybe some bone grips same size as yours.

Probably do bone grips for the 4 also.

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Sure you did

Deer Hollow makes very nice repro grips and had them in stock not too long ago.

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Best Regards,
Mark

Thanks for the heads up, but do you have any opinion on originality of these grips?

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Dave Ramsey Cultist

I love the look of the 3 inch with older style grips.

I am not up on Pythons really, but did they ever ship with service (non-target) stocks? Could they be off a different non-Python Colt of the same frame size? Regardless, they look "right" on that 3 inch gun.

Larry

Both my originals had target stocks, so I’m not certain, but they certainly look correct. I’m ok with my new production stocks on the these two. For me, the service stocks with Tyler feels perfect on the 4.25 inch.

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I do not have one of the new 3" ones yet . . . . but I will

I still have my old stainless ones from decades ago

And some longer barrel ones to go with them

I preferred the Hogue grips to the smaller stocks that came on the Ultimate Stainless 2 1/2" Python

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"Acta non verba"

Hey Larry,
No expert for sure, but from what I understand the 2.5" & the rarer 3" were shipped with the service stocks.

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Dave Ramsey Cultist

My cousin was a Jefferson Co, Colorado deputy in the late 60's/early 70s. I remember his Python having darker grips like this. Also didn't the old pre Python Colt 357s have dark target style grips?

Okay, just got a confirmation on the Colt forum and the grips are reproductions.
Colt's never had a bushing in the grips left side, just a drilled hole for the screw.
Anyhow, they still feel and look 100% better.

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Dave Ramsey Cultist

They look original to me. I base this on the contouring and fine checkering. Not looking at the medallion or comparing online, just letting the item speak. I have seen variations in color, what has me inclined is what I stated above. Older grips that have not been exposed to oil or handling have a distinct look by brand. I think you are good-to-go and appreciate you sharing.

About...I'll say 17 years ago...I came across an old timer at a small gun show that I only saw once, not sure why the show went away. Anyways, he had maybe 100-150 NOS sets of Colt grips. Prices varied from $30 - $125 (IIRC). I am still kicking myself for not buying all he had, but then again didn't have the money at the time.

ETA: Just saw your post with feedback from the other forum. Very surprised to hear this; it is an exceptional reproduction, then.

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Rather be outdoors

If you are saying that the screw threads into a drilled hole in the wood, then you misunderstood what they told you

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"Acta non verba"

I hope to own a new 3" Python when the price is right. I, too, like the looks of the service style grips on the short barreled Pythons. I have a special pair that is awaiting my 3" Python purchase. I tried them on my NIB 1974 blued 4" model, and they look great, but then again, I think the bluing (my favorite Python finish) has a lot to do with that. The 4" came with a super nice pair of target grips. The new Python grips don't do anything for me, so putting the Sambar Stag ones on one will improve the looks by 100%!
Larry

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Miss Buddies crsides & fat tom

No, not the threaded part, but the collet bushing the screw goes through from the left side is what he/I was talking about.

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Dave Ramsey Cultist

I’ve looked all over the net for a 3 inch @MSRP. $1499

If anyone has a source……….


I just ordered a set of service grips from Grashorn, no bark, silver meds. A couple months backlogged.

Now I really need that 3.

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Sure you did

^^^^ Love the dedication of buying the set of stocks/grips before having the gun.


I may have done it a time or two as well...

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Rather be outdoors

I really enjoy this trio of older Pythons and will add a new 3” one day soon. And while I have original service stocks for the 2.5”, I prefer shooting it with the target stocks.

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Pass it on.
Mark

Cannot attest to the originality, but the Service grips look great on the 3"!

They feel so right too!

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Dave Ramsey Cultist

Finally found one on GB of all places, for MSRP and free shipping, on Sunday.

Hope to get it before I head south to Jekyll Island for a week.

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Sure you did

Here’re my pythons, new and old

1961 4”
1977 6”
2021 4”
2022 3”

I am still looking for a nickel 2.5”

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213th FBINA

That is good, but I miss the old days of no sales tax on GB!
Larry

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Miss Buddies crsides & fat tom