California Combat Python Facts
The recent sale of "California Combat" Pythons has brought to light some information previously known by few. However, one critical piece of information seems to have failed to make it into the collective knowledge of most Colt collectors concerning these guns.
The “California Combat” Pythons in their 3 inch .357 magnum configuration WERE NOT MADE BY COLT.
An aftermarket alteration was done to the 8 inch 38 Special Target models by representatives of the distributor - Pacific International AFTER the Guns were shipped from Colt.
Because these guns were not made in there final form by Colt, they cannot be lettered as such by Colt. Colt archives will only indicate that they were produced as 8 inch Pythons. If you attempt to letter them with Colt, it is likely that the best that you can achieve is to confirm that they were shipped to Pacific International as 38 Target models.
1. Colt never made a “California Combat Python.” source: Colt Archives
2. Colt was having a hard time selling the 8" Python. source: Owner of Pacific International and Others
3. Colt sold and delivered 8" barreled Pythons to a Pacific Internation source: Colt Archives
4. This 8” version was the .38 Special target edition source: Various and backed by California Combat Python Sales (Thank Jackthedog and some savvy buyers; hence the “38SP” stamp on the end of the cylinder)
5. Pacific International then had the barrels
a. cut down to 3"
b. the cylinder chambers altered to accomodate the .357 magnum catridge
c. the barrel rollmarked “California Combat”
d. speculation on my part--- the barrel reblued
------thus creating enigmatic “California Combat” Python
but wait there's more...
They do seem to sell for big bucks but as stated above they are a made up gun
The recent sale of "California Combat" Pythons has brought to light some information previously known by few. However, one critical piece of information seems to have failed to make it into the collective knowledge of most Colt collectors concerning these guns.
The “California Combat” Pythons in their 3 inch .357 magnum configuration WERE NOT MADE BY COLT.
An aftermarket alteration was done to the 8 inch 38 Special Target models by representatives of the distributor - Pacific International AFTER the Guns were shipped from Colt.
Because these guns were not made in there final form by Colt, they cannot be lettered as such by Colt. Colt archives will only indicate that they were produced as 8 inch Pythons. If you attempt to letter them with Colt, it is likely that the best that you can achieve is to confirm that they were shipped to Pacific International as 38 Target models.
1. Colt never made a “California Combat Python.” source: Colt Archives
2. Colt was having a hard time selling the 8" Python. source: Owner of Pacific International and Others
3. Colt sold and delivered 8" barreled Pythons to a Pacific Internation source: Colt Archives
4. This 8” version was the .38 Special target edition source: Various and backed by California Combat Python Sales (Thank Jackthedog and some savvy buyers; hence the “38SP” stamp on the end of the cylinder)
5. Pacific International then had the barrels
a. cut down to 3"
b. the cylinder chambers altered to accomodate the .357 magnum catridge
c. the barrel rollmarked “California Combat”
d. speculation on my part--- the barrel reblued
------thus creating enigmatic “California Combat” Python
but wait there's more...
They do seem to sell for big bucks but as stated above they are a made up gun
