"Bucket List" Ultimate Zoot Revolver

PJ Hardtack · October 08, 2020, 02:57:51 PM

I just acquired a 4" Colt Python in immaculate condition for slightly more than half of what it would have cost had it been a 6" model? Colt says it was made in 1991.

Why? Because in Kanuckistan, any gun with a 4" barrel or less is a "prohib" meaning you have to have a 12(6) "grandfathering" licence to own it. I do, but most do not., so it was a sleeper on the market.

Can't wait for it to arrive. Yes, I will shoot it as there is no market for "prohibs" in Canada.

Abilene · October 08, 2020, 04:33:05 PM

Excellent! I paid $600 for my 8" nickle model 20 yrs ago. We await pics!

Bat 2919 · October 08, 2020, 10:17:14 PM

Great guns, I've had deals set up for two different Pythons over the years, neither happened. The first was in 1975, a 4" for $200, bum agreed to a to a pay day purchase, he had sold it (for more money) when I showed up on pay day with cash in hand. Second was about 6 or 7 years ago, had a deal on a 6" for $1000, had the money in my pocket and the gun in my hand when the seller decided he just couldn't part with his baby. I think he still owns it to this day, I can respect that. Between the two deals I had a Smlot (or Smython) made for me with a 3" Python barrel on a round butt S&W M19 by a great pistol smith. Not many of them in this world, real fine gun. Gunsmith still advertises them as one of his signature creations today, I think mine was his first.

Now the bad news, Zoot guns had to be in production by 1949, Colt didn't start selling the Python until 1955. Still a great gun, enjoy your new baby.

PJ Hardtack · October 09, 2020, 07:52:26 PM

I had a 6" blued Python in the mid-60s. Sold it to buy my first parachute for free-falling.

Tried to buy it back and the guy refused. Been wanting to replace it ever since.

DeaconKC · October 09, 2020, 07:57:14 PM

Sold a blue 4" Python when I got married to pay some bills. It was a fine shooter.

Abilene · October 09, 2020, 08:24:11 PM

While waiting for PJ's to show up, here's mine, with a set of Altamont grips. I need to take some better pics, this one is so old it pre-dates my digital camera. Made it by laying the gun on a scanner (which wasn't quite large enough hence the muzzle cut off)

PJ Hardtack · October 10, 2020, 10:20:59 AM

I'm considering Altamont grips for my Python - IF they offer slim and with no finger grooves.

PJ Hardtack · October 11, 2020, 04:03:17 PM

In surfing the net for Python grips, I was shocked to see the prices that ORIGINAL Colt Python grips command - up to $500 USD for pristine early models !!!!

Even late model grips in good condition go for $250 USD.

I'm DEFINITELY ordering Altamont grips now and keeping the originals pristine.

DeaconKC · October 11, 2020, 07:28:24 PM

I have several sets of Altamont grips and have always been pleased with them.

PJ Hardtack · October 13, 2020, 05:28:36 PM

During the Covid 19 pandemic, Altamont is no longer shipping out of the USA.

However, I found a set of Altamont dark rosewood grips on ebay with both the Colt medallion and rampant Colt inletted!

The original Python grips will be placed on the block.

Baltimore Ed · November 05, 2020, 04:52:03 PM

The closest that I've ever come to a Python besides the zoo is its big brother, a .45lc s/s 6 inch Anaconda. Bought it almost new. A lgs had it with the blue Colt box and papers, even the po's sales slip. I don't remember what I paid but after getting it home I tried shooting it and found out why I got a deal. At 20 yds it was all over the target. I tried light bullets, heavy bullets, factory ammo, lead, jacketed and an assortment of charges with no luck. Hearing my tale of woe a bud gave me some plated lead .45 bullets and lo and behold it grouped. The plated bullets were .453/.454, I pulled out my very accurate 625 .45acp and started measuring both revolvers. Turned out that the freebore in the Colt cylinder was bigger than the Smith. I could see light around a .452 bullet but a .454 filled it up. I'm thinking that the .452 bullet loads would enter the forcing cone inconsistently, deform the bullet and ruined the accuracy. From then on I would only load .454s for it and got excellent results. Used it in bowling matches along with the 625. The po probably had a similar experience and traded off the gun and the lgs marked it down thinking it was a very pretty lemon. Still have it. Beautiful revolvers.

Abilene · November 05, 2020, 06:30:44 PM

I think those .45 Anacondas are worth more than the more common 44 mag guns. But all the snakes keep going up!