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Python .357 Finish ID

bmwmc

Joined: Nov 2003

Posts: 815

EE: 100% (1)

TN, USA

Posted: 6/8/2026 2:20:16 PM EDT

I've come into possession of a 1981 Python. I question whether it's nickel plated or highly polished stainless. How to tell? I don't think this gun has had a whole box of ammo through it.

Ameshawki

Joined: Apr 2001

Posts: 34854

EE: 0% (0)

IA, USA

Posted: 6/8/2026 3:44:41 PM EDT

[#1]

Colt didn't do Pythons in stainless until 1984.

CheemsK1500

Joined: Nov 2025

Posts: 2063

EE: 0% (0)

USA

Posted: 6/8/2026 5:09:35 PM EDT

[Last Edit: CheemsK1500][Edited] [#2]

Poster above is correct. Stainless does not exist as an option prior to '84/late '83. Also Colts tend to have N or S stamps in various places like grip frames and ejector rod shrouds to denote whatever the factor finish was. Regarding Nickel vs stainless in general though, (not just Colts) Nickel has a yellowish hue to it, stainless looks more like chrome or polished silver.

dfariswheel

Joined: Feb 2005

Posts: 10717

EE: 0% (0)

USA

Posted: 6/8/2026 6:41:15 PM EDT

[#3]

The first stainless Pythons began shipping in late '83.

A stainless Python would have an "S" stamped inside the ejector rod shroud in the barrel, in the center of the cylinder under the ejector, and on the lower-left side of the frame under the grips.

rhaney02

I like tater tots

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 2301

EE: 100% (135)

USA

Posted: 6/14/2026 7:47:27 PM EDT

[#4]

Coltguard finish?

No good will come from me a fightin' your war....-John Carter

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Python .357 Finish ID

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Python .357 Finish ID