A Myth?

[sigp220.45]

I've owned two, and I still have this one:

I prefer the Smith double action, but this Python has a fantastic single action pull, and has been noted before it locks up like a bank vault. Its very accurate and I think it just looks right. I'd like to find a six inch sometime, but the prices have gotten ludicrous, so this will probably be my only one. My oldest boy will probably jump over my cooling corpse to get that Python before his little brother can snag it out of the safe.

 

[flat top]

The only experience that I ever had with a Python was years ago. It belonged to a buddy who was a real Python/Colt nut. He really new how to rework the trigger mechanisms on a Colt, and I had the chance to compare a "before and after" trigger job that he did on a Python. The before was "ok" but nothing to rave about...the "after" was absolutely splendid!!!! He had done trigger jobs on other revolvers, and he told me, that Smiths are easy to work with...and they are, but, he said that the mechanism of the Colt required much painstaking work and a great deal of time to achieve an ideal trigger. I guess that is why I always preferred Smith revolvers. I had the opportunity to shoot that Python, and while there is no doubt that it was top of the line, and very accurate, I was never that enthused about getting one, when the price of the Smith was more affordable to a young guy with a family.

 

[tjsguns]

I'm an S&W guy but I've owned at least two or three of everything and anything worthwhile over the years.
Here's the BEST Python I've ever seen let alone owned:

It is a 2 1/2" that was made in 1964 and that makes a HUGE difference between it and Pythons of later manufacture.
These early Pythons were miles beyond the later guns as far as fit, finish, the smoothness of the triggers and accuracy.
This one is un-fired except at factory test and it will remain so while in my possession. (Shameless Plug I have this one up for sale on GunBroker right now!)
I have however tested the trigger and double action and it's just like GLASS! Miles beyond even the Combat Python, (EXTREMELY RARE 3 1/2" Barrel), I own, which I have shot and is of later manufacture.
I've also owned and shot many Colt .357's (Pre- Troopers) and they are more in line with the early Pythons.
All of the Troopers and Detective Specials I've owned and shot are more like the later manufacture Pythons.
While the Colts are very smooth and very accurate there is a HUGE difference between the Colts and all of the Model 27's I've ever owned.
Here is one of my favorite Pre-27's that I feel is comparable to the 2 1/2" Python in fit and finish:

The double and single action trigger pulls on the guns are as different as night and day.
ALL Colt double actions "Stack" Even during the first pull. Not only the ALL the Python's but ALL of the .357's, Troopers and Detective Specials I've ever owned exhibit this trait. It's due to the way the gun is constructed and can't be eliminated by even the finest action job.
The Smiths double and single action may not be as "butter' smooth but it is MUCH crisper with NO "Stacking" whatsoever!
The heavy frame of the 27 also gives it a hands down accuracy advantage.
IMHO the Colt action may be smoother than the Smith but it can't compare in crispness and overall accuracy, so the Smith is the better overall of the two!

 

[phenson]

OK, since we have a lot of C*** guys on here, I need help with my Python. This is what the serial # looks like, exactly:

ATF
98800 I-I
289

on the inside of the crane.
Am I looking at only the middle line of numerals to date the gun? Proofhouse has nothing that looks exactly like this, but they only go up to 1978. Another site went to 1985, had nothing that looked like it either and stated that if made after '85, one had to call Colt to get date of manufacture.
So, if I only look at the middle line of numerals, it was made in 1969. If the letters come into play, I guess I have a post 1985 gun and need to call Colt. Any ideas?

Oh, and I will post a pic as soon as I get the grips I bought from another member here. It has rubbers on it right now.

 

[wlmccann]

I own both a number of Smiths , mostly N frames of varying vintage, and Colts, mostly New Services. Both have their place and they are different in feel. I would really hate to have choose just one or the other. I have worked on both and will say the Colt V spring actions are more complicated to do properly than the Smiths. This is the one Python I own after many years of lusting after one. I am a lousy photographer and the picture really doesn't look as good as the gun really is. As originally purchased it was finished in Armaloy, had Pachmayr rubber and a very badly screwed up action. Whatever idiot tried to do a trigger job screwed the hammer notch up so badly it was horribly out of time. This is the end result after getting the Armaloy stripped,replacing and fitting some new parts, making grips and a careful hand polish and reblue.

 

[Aglifter]

I have a 60 something Python (either 67 or 64 -- I forget.) It's a lovely gun -- the grip shape of a colt seems odd to me, but I keep it around. I've dry-fired a Colt Custom shop trigger on a Python, and that was fantastic. But, I prefer the trigger on my Patrolman to the stock Python trigger.

 

[wlmccann]

Phenson. What you apparently have is an ATF issued serial number. Probably the original serial number was damaged and ATF specified a number to replace the original. I have a 600 Remington that came into my possession, overpolished and slightly rusty, that only part of the original serial could be read on. After contacting ATF, they specified a serial number I could restamp on the receiver. The format is what you have posted. I.E. ATF-XXXXX-XXX.

 

[phenson]

Phenson. What you apparently have is an ATF issued serial number. Probably the original serial number was damaged and ATF specified a number to replace the original. I have a 600 Remington that came into my possession, overpolished and slightly rusty, that only part of the original serial could be read on. After contacting ATF, they specified a serial number I could restamp on the receiver. The format is what you have posted. I.E. ATF-XXXXX-XXX.

Interesting. I'm almost certain the gun is not refinished, there is absolutely no damage anywhere else, and it does not look to have been stamped over. I did kinda wonder about the initials ATF when I looked. Now, I am really curious about this gun. I can't find any Colt folks to discuss it with, and not sure it would be appropriate to do so here. Wonder where I could go?

 

[VM]

Pat - join the Colt Forum and post your pic with serial number question

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[2152hq]

RE; ATF ser#....I worked on a Colt SAA, an old 1st generation revolver, that had been stolen from the owner 10yrs prior to that. It was recovered with the serial numbers(s) filed on and hacked over. But betw the numerous serial number locations on the gun, L/E was able to put together an entire ser#, run it NCIC and find it was reported stolen and eventually return it to the owner.

Before it was returned, instead of the ATF allowing the original number to be remarked on the gun, they insisted that an 'ATF' ser# as described in the above post be stamped in the gun. That became the legal ser# of the firearm. This was in the '80's.
Don't know if ATF was involved in a criminal case with the gun as evidence, or how they came to insist on the ATF ser# be stamped on the gun. Perhaps the simple fact of the obliterated serial# called them in on it.

 

[WILDCATT]

S&W

I will take my mod 10 bull over any colt.and my wife mod 10 bull.her mod 28 aint any slouch either.all are older made.

 

[phenson]

Pat - join the Colt Forum and post your pic with serial number question

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Thanks,
Mike

 

[perrazi]

i'm glad we have so many people that feel pythons are not as good as smiths, don't have the right trigger pull, feel they are over-priced, whatever. leaves more for me. for those who think the pythons are over-priced, how do you feel about what a nice 5-screw 44 mag costs these days?

 

[tabs]

Anybody here ever own a KORTH...made in Kraut land... they have been in biz since the early 50's and make 100 guns a year. All handmade out of a billet of speciall steel. Tkes about four months to make one. Last price check now get this $12,000.00 USD. Their production has recently taken a downturn as 2 of their LONG term employees retire..both were in their late 80's.

 

[perrazi]

never owned one but shot 3 different ones. the triggers are unlike anything every experienced. they are on roller bearings,talk about smooooth.

 

[phenson]

If anyone is interested, here's what I have gotten so far over on the Colt forum:
From time to time pistols turn up with ATF stamps but no signs of an original number being obliterated.
I suspect that these were made for the ATF with a special serial applied by a factory.
You might call Colt and ask about this. They will tell you a production date over the phone on a standard gun, but they may also be willing to tell you if this was done at Colt.

Update: I called Colt this morning and they could not trace the gun with this serial # or give me any history on it. They suggested I call the ATF. I did. I was passed from one extension to the other for about 45 minutes and talked to about 8 different people. No one seemed to know anything about this. Amazing.

 

[TxCol]

colt/smith

I have owned only 4 pythons, 2 old model troopers, and 6 Diamond Backs. I have owned many more s&w N's, L's & K's. IMHO the N's have better actions and are better if being fired "offhand". The Pythons are more accurate if fired from a rest. A few of the old time shooters shot as well as a rest, so they shot pythons for the extra accuracy. For many of us the S&W action let us shoot DA better because we did not shoot well with the colt "stack" when we tried fast DA.

My .02

Doc

 

[Duke426]

I always wanted a Colt Python. My dad had one when I was a kid and sold it before I got to shoot it. Hence, I grew up on nothing but S&W revolvers.

When I finally got the chance to shoot one...I hated the thing!! I just could not get used to that Colt trigger. Thank God I didn't blow the cash on a Python before I got to shoot one. Of course I could have resold the thing easily but it sure would have been a big let down to spend money and be that disappointed in the interim.

 

[Joni_Lynn]

Pythons are nice to look for, especially if you have a gun addiction anyway. Always hand inspect one prior to purchase.
The way to sort of get around the so called delicate lock work is to keep the hand and the ratchet well lubricated. The nature of the design lends itself to wear on the ratchet and the second stage of the hand. Any fore/aft play in the cylinder adds to the problem. I enjoy shooting mine but I also keep Pythons and similar Colt double actions well lubed. (I learned this a few guns too late)
The double action trigger pull can be tuned a good bit through adjustment of the V spring it uses.

 

[bmcgilvray]

"...keep the hand and the ratchet well lubricated."

Thanks Joni Lynn for that bit of wisdom.

I don't have extensive experience with Colt revolvers and haven't subjected them to hard use but I've long suspected that proper cleaning and lubrication goes far to keep the classic Colt double actions from "being all delicate" and wearing.

You've provided a bit of validation.