I have a Colt Python. How do I tell if it's nickel or stainless ? Can I track the serial number someplace ?

Question

Thanks for the great answers ...... well most were. Very enlightening.

Answer 1

First, don't use any Hoppe's #9 to clean it until you are sure it is not nickel plated. This solution is made to strip bits of lead and copper from the inside of the barrel and will also pit nickel finish it comes in contact with. The Python is a high dollar, collectable gun and if the finish is original Colt you will ruin it.

What did they tell you when you purchased it? Colt finished the Python in Royal Blue (easy enough to tell); shiny nickel (nearly indistiguishable from bright stainless); bright stainless; and matte stainless.

To tell if your Python is original Colt shiny nickel:

Any factor Colt nickel on a revolver will "smudge" nearly immediately between the grip and the cylinder release. I don't know why. Use degreaser all you want, but just run your fingers over this area and the smudge will return. This is fine if you intend to display your Colt under glass, but carry it and just resign yourself to having that smudge there. I have a Colt Detective Special in shiny Colt nickel and I have never found the solution to the smudging issue.

I also own a royal blue 6" Python and a matte stainless 4" Python. I passed on a shiny nickel 6" Python because of the smudging problem and am waiting instead to see if a nice shiny stainless will come along.

To get any info available on any Colt handgun contact Colt firearms. I don't know the website but try "Colt firearms" on a good internet search engine. They will give you an address where for around $90. you can get info on your Colt by serial number. The letter (suitable for framing) will tell you the date of manufacture and known ownership history.

Good luck.

H

Colt Pythons were originally made in carbon steel, not stainless steel, and offered in the Royal Blue finish or the Colt shiny nickel finish. It was only after Colt started manufacturing Pythons in stainless steel that the shiny nickel finish was dropped. In stainless they were available in matte finish and shiny stainless finish. I own Colt Pythons in carbon steel (that is a non-stainless) in Royal blue finish and in matte stainless finish. I don't know why some answers are stating that Colt Pythons are only made in stainless steel. The original Pythons were all carbon steel.

H

Answer 2

Stainless Colt Python

Answer 3

I belive all colt pythons are Stainless you could contact Colt to run the number for you

Answer 4

its stainless, No colt pythons were made with nickel

Answer 5

1. small s stamped in barrel shoud, on left lower frame under grip and under the ejector on center bushing of the cylinder

Answer 6

It's in the barrel. You have to keep your finger on the trigger, and pull it for better illumination.