Description
Item Description
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Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this highly sought after double-action revolver today for auction, this is the Colt Custom Shop Python Elite!
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With the Colt company in financial difficulties, Colt moved production of the Colt Python into the Colt Custom Shop in 1997 and made it a custom-order-only revolver. To highlight this move, the Python had the name "Elite" added to the barrel, and it became the Colt Python Elite. It was manufactured from 1997 to 1998, then reintroduced in 1999, and again from 2002 to 2006.
-This particular example was produced in 1997, which makes it a first-year production model-
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt Custom Shop
Model: Python Elite
Serial: PE01524
Date of Manufacture: 1997
Caliber: .357 Magnum /.38 Special
Finish: Stainless Steel
Barrel Length: 6" Full Lug Barrel with Ventilated Rib
Optics/Sights: Pinned Orange Ramp Front with Adjustable White Outline Micrometer Click Rear
Stock/Grips: Laminated Wood Grips with Finger Grooves and Colt Medallions
Action: Double/Single-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The original Colt Python was born from a late 19th-century design—an era when revolver actions were crafted with painstaking precision. Based on Colt’s classic double-action mechanism from the 1890s, the Python’s action was complex and required meticulous hand-fitting. Oversized forged components were assembled by skilled fitters who filed, stoned, and even bent parts into perfect alignment. In its quest to create the finest revolver ever made, Colt took this already intricate design and elevated it further, polishing and tuning the action to deliver an unparalleled trigger pull. Colt's commitment to quality was so exacting that, for the first two years of Python production, only two master craftsmen, Al DeJohn and one other, hand-built every revolver. When the overwhelming demand outpaced what two people could deliver, Colt transitioned the Python to standard production, assigning only its most experienced technicians to the task. Early feedback from law enforcement led to immediate requests for a 4-inch version tailored for police use.
Model: Python Elite
Serial: PE01524
Date of Manufacture: 1997
Caliber: .357 Magnum /.38 Special
Finish: Stainless Steel
Barrel Length: 6" Full Lug Barrel with Ventilated Rib
Optics/Sights: Pinned Orange Ramp Front with Adjustable White Outline Micrometer Click Rear
Stock/Grips: Laminated Wood Grips with Finger Grooves and Colt Medallions
Action: Double/Single-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The original Colt Python was born from a late 19th-century design—an era when revolver actions were crafted with painstaking precision. Based on Colt’s classic double-action mechanism from the 1890s, the Python’s action was complex and required meticulous hand-fitting. Oversized forged components were assembled by skilled fitters who filed, stoned, and even bent parts into perfect alignment. In its quest to create the finest revolver ever made, Colt took this already intricate design and elevated it further, polishing and tuning the action to deliver an unparalleled trigger pull. Colt's commitment to quality was so exacting that, for the first two years of Python production, only two master craftsmen, Al DeJohn and one other, hand-built every revolver. When the overwhelming demand outpaced what two people could deliver, Colt transitioned the Python to standard production, assigning only its most experienced technicians to the task. Early feedback from law enforcement led to immediate requests for a 4-inch version tailored for police use.
These were initially marketed as the Colt New Police Python, though the name never appeared on the gun itself. Building on that momentum, Colt introduced a 2.5-inch version—though its origin was unexpected. According to Colt lore, the snub-nosed Python began as a prank by two managers aiming to get a laugh with a shortened prototype. But instead of scoffing at the idea of a compact revolver chambered in the powerful .357 Magnum, the senior manager was impressed—and ordered it into production. Over time, the Python lineup expanded to include 6-inch and 8-inch barrels, as well as an extremely rare 3-inch version. The revolver’s popularity also spurred demand for alternate finishes. In addition to the signature Royal Blue, Colt offered options like Bright Nickel, the satin electroless nickel "Royal Coltguard," and later, both satin and mirror-polished stainless steel finishes—often referred to as Bright or Ultimate Polish.
Though best known for its .357 Magnum chambering, the Python was also briefly offered in a specialized .38 Special "Python Target" variant with an 8-inch barrel. Colt experimented with other calibers—including .22 LR, .22 Magnum, .256 Winchester, and .41 Magnum—but these remained limited to prototype status and were never released for commercial sale. Occasionally, non-standard caliber Pythons surface on the market, but these are almost always aftermarket conversions, not factory originals. In the mid-1980s, Colt even featured a pair of .22 LR Pythons on the cover of a company catalog, announcing plans for production. However, the project was canceled before manufacturing began. According to some collectors, a few .22 prototypes were made, though likely non-functional. Regular production of the Python continued into the late 1990s. As Colt faced financial challenges and the loss of veteran craftsmen, Python production was moved to the Colt Custom Shop in 1997, transforming it into a custom-order revolver. To mark the transition, the model was renamed the Colt Python Elite—a name change reflected only in the barrel engraving. Mechanically, it remained identical to its predecessor. Production of the Python finally ceased around 2003–2004. Even in retirement, the Python’s legacy endured, synonymous with meticulous craftsmanship, exceptional build quality, and timeless design. The Colt Python Elite stood as a final salute to one of the most iconic revolvers ever built.
Contents:
Contents:
This example will ship with the matching factory-labeled case, matching factory test fire target paper, and all other contents pictured above!
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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