Colt Python

tone59

January 22, 2012 20:18

How can you tell a nickle finish from an ultimate stainless finish? The bluebook lists both and I don't know which one I have. Also how can you tell the year it was made by the serial no.? Does the serial no. give any other info about the gun?

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  tone59

  January 22, 2012 20:18

  I have a Colt Python polished SS with a 8" barrel. The gun is NIB. all paper work, carrying case, the cylinder has never been rotated. I bought the gun in 1993. gun serial number is PY3985 My question is, what's it worth? Thanks, I appreciate any help...[:D]

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  tsr1965

  January 23, 2012 01:49

  tone59,
  
  We really need to se some well lit, good, close up pictures, to give an accurate evaluation.
  
  I am not sure about the date, but you need to excercise extreme care cleaning up that nickel finish. Not to harsh of a solvent, NO ABRASIVES, nylon brush, and a soft cloth.
  
  You are looking for value between $1200.--, and around $2000.00. With pictures we could narrow it down.
  
  Best

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  gary wray

  January 23, 2012 02:50

  Can't tell you much without some photos to estab condition. Condition determines price. But, having said that, while the gun market is a bit down now, it has always been strong for Pythons as their prices have not gone down but up! Just know that you are buying one of the best revolvers ever made....and since they are not made anymore, they do nothing but appreciate. You don't see many Pythons below $1k today and since this one has the box somewhere near what tsr1965 says would be my guess also. Photos will pin it down.

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  JohnnyBGood

  January 23, 2012 03:58

  quote:Originally posted by tone59
  Can i expect to have any luck scrubbing the powder residue and or burn off of the cylinder?If so,what cleaner would be best to use?
  
  
  My dirty and fouled cylinder from my Colt SAA.
  
  
  
  The cylinder after the usual cleaning with Hoppes and a toothbrush.
  
  
  
  And...after using Weiman Metal polish and an old rag.
  
  
  
  The residue that came off the face of the cylinder with the Weiman.
  
  
  
  Although Weiman is very watery and has no "gritty" feel to it, it no doubt has some abrasive in it. Hence, I would suggest you use it (as well as any type metal polish) sparingly.
  
  Johnny
  
  

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  22hipower

  January 23, 2012 04:11

  Another option for cleaning carbon/powder residue is Gun Brite Polish by IOSSO. I've used it with good results for years. Available at some gun shops and at supply houses like Midway. It is a paste and probably has some abrasive but leaves no marks on my nickel and stainless guns. Takes some hard rubbing with a soft cloth and sometimes I use 0000 steel wool on tough spots.
  
  I was at the SHOT show last week and saw several sonic cleaners which are primarily for quickly cleaning brass. The vendors (Lyman) said that it was equally effective for removing carbon etc. from handguns although a different solution is used than that used for brass. Haven't tried this yet but if it works and has no negative effects this should be an easy and quick way to get it done.

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  rsnyder55

  January 23, 2012 05:34

  I use Flitz, again a very fine abrasive, but I noticed that after using Flitz, subsequent cleaning was easiers using regular gun cleaning products

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  Knifecollector

  January 23, 2012 09:00

  I think 1981 is the year. I'd start by offering $1200.
  Alot of collectors would prefer a nice blue over a nickel, but as far as value they are pretty close.

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  tone59

  January 23, 2012 17:28

  Thank you all for your input.
  
  Purchased the gun today.Cannot see any muzzle wear at all.Absolutely mint inside and out.Powder residue came right off with Wiemans metal polish.

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