RARE Colt Viper Model D6443, Nickel 4″ Revolver Double Action Revolver & Box, MFD 1978 .38 Special

SOLD FOR: $6,125.00
LSB#: 190223IB01

Make: Colt

Model: Viper, Catalog# D6443

Serial Number: 66158R

Year of Manufacture: 1978 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .38 Special

Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “=VIPER= / .38 SPECIAL CTG.” The crane cut is marked “66158R / 1” and the crane is marked “66158R”. The left side plate is marked with the Rampant Colt logo. The rear left trigger guard bow is marked “F” and the forward trigger guard bow is marked with the Verified Proof. The right of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD. CONN. U.S.A.”.

Barrel Length: 4”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short smooth blade. The rear sight is a square notch in the top strap. The edges of the rear sight notch are serrated and the top of the barrel rib is matte-finished for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut panels which leave the smooth backstrap exposed. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Nickel

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The cylinder has a faint turn-line, not through the finish, and there is slight discoloration in the matte finish on the top of the barrel rib. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The single and double actions function correctly. The cylinder produces no play when the trigger is depressed. The double action is smooth and the single action is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes in a faux-wood cardboard Colt box with styrofoam tray and assorted Colt paperwork not including manual. The box has been written on in red marker, lost all of its ears and has scattered light-moderate wear with fraying and tears at edges and corners, in about Poor-Fair condition.

Our Assessment: Introduced in 1977 and only produced briefly, the Colt Viper is a D Frame Colt. It is basically has the alloy frame of the Cobra with a 4” barrel attached from the factory and slightly longer walnut grips with no medallions. The viper did not sell as well as Colt had expected and was discontinued. Original Colt Vipers are extremely rare, as the discerning collector will know, and the nickel finished guns were the less common of the two variants, the more common being blued. It appears to have been used little with only a faint turn-line on the cylinder and some slight discoloration in the matte finish on the top of the barrel. This is a true find and maybe one of the rare opportunities for a collector to obtain one in this high condition. Please see our photos and good luck!

CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This handgun CANNOT be transferred as a dealer sale in California. This handgun CAN be sold as a Private Party Transfer (PPT) at our Simi Valley shop. This section does not apply to out of state residents.