(GunReports.com) — Three handguns recently tested in Gun Tests magazine were listed for auction on GunBroker.com.
In auction #369626059 is a Colt Python tested in the April 2013 issue in the article, “Available Revolvers: Colt Python and S&W 686 Go Head to Head.”From that review:
“The Colt Python is a 357 Magnum caliber revolver formerly manufactured by Colt’s Manufacturing Company of Hartford, Connecticut. It is sometimes referred to as a Combat Magnum. Introduced in 1955 and discontinued in 1999, the Python was available in 2.5-, 3-, 4-, 6-, and 8-inch barrels with blued, stainless, or nickel finishes. The 6- and 8-inch barrels were marketed as target pistols, and one model even came with a 2x scope. As Colt’s top-of-the-line model, it was originally intended to be a large-frame 38 Special target revolver — thus its precision adjustable sights, smooth trigger, full barrel underlug to dampen recoil, and a ventilated rib to disperse heat.”
“For this test we had a 4-inch stainless Python with black rubber grips. This gun had a tight lockup and lacked endshake. Pythons are always tight because of their hand-to-ratchet construction. On most revolvers, the hand turns the cylinder until it indexes into the timing slot. Pythons have an extra mechanism, a second hand, that catches and holds the cylinder in place. When the revolver is at full cock, just as the trigger is pressed, the cylinder locks up for the duration of the hammer strike. Other revolvers have a hint of looseness even at full-cock. The gap between the cylinder and forcing cone was very tight, further aiding accuracy and velocity.”
The Gun Tests Team Said: “Overall, the Python is an excellent revolver, and although prices for them are steep, true revolver aficionados should start saving up to buy one of these classics.”
In auction #369636672 is a CZ 75 refinished after it was tested in the August 2013 issue. Gun Tests’ Sr. Tech Editor Ray Ordorica compared two full-size 9mm pistols, a surplus CZ 75 (about $350) and a new Tokarev M70A, made in Serbia by Zastava (about $330). The CZ, designed in 1975 and with more than a million having been built, is one of very few DA/SA pistols that can be carried cocked and locked. The new Tokarev M70A was beaten badly in the test by the battered CZ 75.
After the August test, Gun Tests took the CZ 75 to a Houston-area gun shop called Full Armor Firearms [(832) 486-9086] and asked owner James Hillin to address the biggest areas needing improvement, namely, fixing the front sight and refinishing the pistol.
“Full Armor’s work on the CZ 75 is impressive,” wrote Editor Todd Woodard in the October 2013 issue. “The steel frame and slide have been polished and richly reblued, erasing almost all of the scratches on the pistol. The stainless areas have been polished as well, removing almost all of the blemishes on the trigger shoe, hammer spur, and chamber that detracted from its cosmetics. Full Armor also reshaped the front sight and painted in a single white bar, which is much easier to use than the previous treatment. Also, they added new rubber grips that feel tacky to the hand and offer superb grip. The all-in price for this treatment was $175.”
In auction #369637940 is a Beretta Model 84 380 ACP tested in the April 2103 article, “Two High-Capacity 380 ACPs: Beretta and CZ Square Off.” From the review:
“The Beretta was comfortable in the hand. The generous frame extension below the hammer kept the hand from getting bit. All the metalwork was well done, with the flat sides of the steel slide showing off good bluing. The sides of the well-anodized aluminum grip frame were also dead flat. Inside the gun, the workmanship was good, too. We confess to a weakness for guns made the old way, with machined metal frames instead of the ubiquitous plastic of today. Beretta does nice metalwork, and this was a well-made gun. The sights were small but adequate. The front blade was part of the slide, and the rear was driven securely into a tight dovetail.”
The Gun Tests Team Said: “We very much liked this used Beretta. While the 380 would not be our first choice for self defense, it’s lots better than nothing at all, or anything smaller. If you were stuck with the cartridge for any reason, we thought the average shooter who has no need for extreme concealment would be happier with a gun this size than, say, a Kel-Tec P3AT or Ruger LCP. Though the latter two would be far easier to conceal, the bigger guns are far more fun to shoot. Except for the lack of grip traction, we could not fault the Cheetah.”
