Book Review: Seven Serpents—The History of Colt’s Snake Guns

by
posted on April 28, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
book.jpg

Tried to buy a Colt Python recently? In Seven Serpents—The History of Colt’s Snake Guns, author Gurney Brown (of Cherry’s and the Colt Collectors’ Ass’n) covers seven of the hottest firearms on the market today. Although suitable for a coffee table, this is an impressive book filled with lavish, high-quality photography that also serves investors and collectors alike with detailed information on the guns, their histories, markings, features (including finishes, barrel lengths, stocks, chamberings and sights), engraved and special-editions guns, serial numbers, production figures and variations. 

Brown covers the double-action Colt Cobra, Python, Diamondback, Viper, Boa, King Cobra and Anaconda, although most of the book is devoted to the flagship Python (140 out of the 343 pages). Also included are original Colt ephemera, including price lists, dealer correspondence, manuals, hang tags, advertising and even copies of Colt factory letters. 

The Blue Book of Gun Values team also generated an innovative “Performance Spreadsheet” that tracks how the prices on these wheelguns have risen during the past 55 or so years—and how they have performed against gold, silver and other commodities. Is there such a thing as a “blue chip revolver?”

Although not inexpensive, this 9¼" by 11¼" hardbound, landscape-format book contains more than 350 high-resolution images and is the most impressive single reference work on these guns done to date. If you enjoyed Blue Book of Gun Values’ Steve Fjestad’s article in the September 2015 issue of American Rifleman, “Snake Venom Epidemic Paralyzes Colt Collectors,” then this book belongs on your shelf—or coffee table. Price: $100. Contact: Blue Book Publications, Inc., 8009 34th Ave. S., Suite 250, Minneapolis, MN 55425; (800) 877-4867; bluebookofgunvalues.com.

Latest

Teaching Liberty Hillsdale College 1
Teaching Liberty Hillsdale College 1

Teaching Liberty: Hillsdale College & The Second Amendment

At Hillsdale College, students don't just learn about the fundamental truths behind the Second Amendment. They also learn the practical side of the right to keep and bear arms.

Smith & Wesson Partners With Lipsey's On Line Of "Mountain Guns"

First applied to its Model 629 in 1989, the Smith & Wesson "Mountain Gun" is a lightweight and compact variant designed to be carried afield, and thanks to a partnership with Lipsey's, Smith & Wesson is bringing them back.

Pro-NRA & Second Amendment Supporter Dr. Michael Fuljenz Wins National Writing Award

Longtime NRA benefactor Dr. Mike Fuljenz, president of Universal Coin & Bullion, was honored by the Numismatic Literary Guild for his recent and timely article about the need to eliminate copper pennies.

Reloading The Stalwart .308 Winchester

For more than 70 years, the .308 Win. has been one of the world’s most tested and versatile cartridges—and it’s still far from obsolete.

The Rifleman Report: Tried-And-True Attributes

In this August 2025 issue, we explored how several entirely different kinds of firearms, and a classic cartridge, possess the tried-and-true attributes that make them effective for self-protection or hunting—even though none is as popular as the modern sporting rifles, semi-automatic pistols and specialty chamberings that account for much of today’s gun coverage.

C&H Precision And Grounds & Rounds HQ Grand Opening

Cavalier Attitude Global Holdings, parent company of eight industry brands, will officially host their grand opening celebration in September with raffles, concerts and the unveiling of Grounds & Rounds, a combination coffee bar and gun range.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.