Favorite Firearms: Dreaming Of A Colt Python

My son asked me if there was any firearm that I had always wanted but was never able to acquire. I told him it would be a Colt Python. He then asked why I didn’t buy one. I said that I once had the chance to buy one, but decided not to spend the extra money, and, over the years, the price kept one out of my reach. He then asked, “What was the chance you once had?” So I told him the story.

Back in 1971, I felt it was time to purchase my first centerfire handgun. Off I went to the local gun shop to see what was available. Looking over the handguns in the display case, I saw a pair of brand-new 4" Colt revolvers: a Colt Diamondback in .38 Spl. and a Colt Python. No sense in looking any further; that full-lug, ribbed-barrel design was outstanding, so I asked to look at them. The fit, finish and overall feel of the revolvers had me sold.

Now, how to choose which one? They were both similar in appearance, so I had to choose between .38 and .357. I really wanted the Python.

However, finances would make the choice for me. The cost difference was $20 more for the Python—­having a young family, $20 went a long way back then. I decided to save the $20 and purchase the Colt Diamondback.

Over the years, I’ve often thought about that day. What if I had spent that additional $20 for the Python?

Weeks after telling him the story, my son called and asked me if I would like a new Colt Python for my birthday. I laughed and said, “I’ve always wanted one, but they’re so expensive.”

He said, “Dad, I’ll buy you one for your birthday. You sacrificed for me all those years ago, and I want to return the favor.”

He sent me a check for the cost of a new Colt Python, and, after 52 years, off to the gun store I went. Thanks to my son, I can say dreams really do come true.

—Eric Oberdorf