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Wanted: Original Colt Python Handgun Grips
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I am in the market for a set of original Colt Python Handgun Grips. I recently bought a Python Silhouette and the Handgun Grips are in very good condition, but they are darker than I would like. I'm looking for a set with a lighter finish and hopefully a more obvious grain. If you have a set that you are willing to part with, send pics and a price and I'll get back to you. This is an older Python with what I assume is standard Handgun Grip. It is not an Elite, nor does it have the larger target Handgun Grips. I can send a pic of the Handgun Grips I'm looking for, if needed.
Thanks for your help!
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Most gunshows Ive been to usually had a vendor or three that had spare Handgun Grips to fit a variety of guns. Another idea that comes to mind is, should your search prove to be unsuccessful, you could refinish the Handgun Grip yourself. There are chemical strippers that would remove the old finish without damaging the checkering,then you could stain them any way ya want. Then poly-urethane the hell out of it to seal it up.
Join Date: 10-20-2002
Location: Peoples republik of Calif.
Posts: 607 You can get them on E-bay regularly, just be prepared to bid up to $85 or so depending on cond. very popular item!
Join Date: 04-26-2002
Location: Colorado
Posts: 735 If you'd really like to hang onto your Python, skip the factory stocks altogether, and aim your browser at http://www.herrett-stocks.com
You can find Python stocks at the auction sites, but take my word for it, please: you're going to end up hating them.
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Molon labe!
Join Date: 05-24-2004
Posts: 1,481 If you want the correct stocks you also have to know the vintage of the Python. There are several different styles of checkering.
Join Date: 11-29-2004
Location: Ohio
Posts: 219 I`ve seen original python Handgun Grips at the local gun shows for $25. Check out your shows.
Join Date: 11-22-2004
Location: East Tennessee
Posts: 10 I appreciate the input, gentlemen. I've found 2 or 3 sets that I am considering, which brings up another question. My older Python Silhouette has silver medallions, while most of the one's I have found on the market have the gold medallions. Were the silver medallions used on the earlier models and the gold on the later ones? I would like to keep my Python original, if possible. Thanks again for your help.
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Posts: 2,123 Normally, the Python ALWAYS had Gold medallions.
Up until the Python was introduced in 1955, Colt medallions were Silver.
Gold was introduced specifically for the Python, and for some years after, most Colt's still had Silver.
Some limited production Pythons, especially stainless models, were fitted with Silver medallions.
I'm assuming from your first post that the Handgun Grips you need ARE NOT Colt Target Handgun Grips but the smaller "service" type Handgun Grips that leave the entire grip frame exposed.
The problem here is that these type Handgun Grips were usually fully checkered.
Since these Handgun Grips were also usually used on cheaper guns like the Trooper and Official Police, and the checkering obscured the figure, these Handgun Grips are usually fairly straight grained walnut with little figure.
There should be no problem finding Service style Handgun Grips with Silver medallions, but finding a pair with lots of figure will be VERY difficult, since these just weren't made.
Join Date: 11-22-2004
Location: East Tennessee
Posts: 10 Thanks for the info, Dfariswheel. Forgive my ignorance, but I have no clue whether my Handgun Grips are service or target. I have never really had an interest in the Python until I saw this 8" Silhouette in the case at the local indoor range. I have always been a fan of the 8 3/8" S&W, but I didn't even realize the Python was ever produced in the 8".
See the pic below. While this is not my Python, these are the exact Handgun Grips that I have. Service or target? Thanks again for helping a Colt rookie.
Attached Images grip.jpg (47.3 KB, 20 views)
Join Date: 05-04-2001
Posts: 2,123 Those are Colt's third type Target Handgun Grips.
The identifying feature on the third type is the checkering ends just below the medallions, in a straight line.
Earlier Handgun Grips are either fully checkered, or the checkering wraps half way around the medallions.
If I'm understanding you correctly, you have a limited production Colt, with these third style target Handgun Grips, only with Silver medallions.
You want the same style Handgun Grips, only in a lighter color, with more grain, and Silver medallions.
This will be a problem since this exact style grip was always fitted with Gold medallions, except as a limited production item.
Also, during the time this style was in production, the color got progressively lighter, BUT the grain got plainer and plainer.
What you will likely have to do is look for a pair of Handgun Grips with better grain, then refinish them to a lighter color, AND replace the Gold medallions with a set of Silver.
The problem is, due to it's limited production status, you will not be able to find the EXACT style of grip with anything but Gold medallions.
The second problem is finding a pair with more grain, since this style of grip was made of progressively cheaper walnut.
Join Date: 11-22-2004
Location: East Tennessee
Posts: 10 Thanks again, Dfariswheel. As you suggested, I think I'll pick up another set of Handgun Grips and try to refinish them to a lighter shade. If I can find a set with decent grain, I'll give it a try. I'm not going to worry too much about the medallions if I can end up with a good looking set of Handgun Grips. I appreciate your help.
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