Colt Model Python I3630 .357 Magnum 3″ Blue Vent Rib DA/SA Revolver 1983
SOLD FOR: $7626
LSB#: 210311HE01
Make: Colt
Model: Python I3630
Serial Number: K87104
Date of Manufacture: 1983 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver With Swing Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “PYTHON .357 / .357 MAGNUM CTG.”. The right side of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD CONN. U.S.A.”. The crane cut and the crane are marked with the serial number. The sideplate is marked with a “Rampant Colt” logo. The left front of the trigger guard is marked with “VP” in a triangle and at the rear with “P”. The sides of the grip frame have inspection marks. The interior of the grips are marked “104” in pencil, these do not appear to be original markings.
Barrel Length: 3″ vent rib barrel with full underlug.
Sights / Optics: The rear sight is a white outlined square notch adjustable for windage and elevation that is pinned to the top strap of the frame. The front sight is a serrated ramp blade with a red insert and is pinned to the top of the rib. The top of the barrel rib and the top strap have a matte finish to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with gold-colored Colt medallions. The grips have light handling wear with no major defects. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition. The indexing pin is missing.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion but there is some stubborn fouling.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 95% of its finish. The finish is thinning on the edges of the barrel at the muzzle, front of the cylinder, and trigger guard. There are a few scuffs through the finish on the right of the barrel at the muzzle. There are some little spots of thinning on the top strap. There are some light scuffs on the butt of the grip frame likely from a previously installed grip mounting bracket. There are a few light handling marks. The cylinder has a turn-line, heavier in the lead-in grooves. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The lock-up on this revolver is SOLID, with no play when the trigger is depressed but can easily be pushed out of timing without the trigger depressed. The action functions correctly. The double-action trigger is smooth. The single-action is crisp. We have not fired this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes in its original box with paperwork including a manual, extra front sight, and a Colt letter. The box shows a few scuffs, a couple of light creases, and some corner wear. The internal foam casing is intact. Overall, the box rates in about Fine condition. The front sight appears to be a night sight but the lamp is dead.
Our Assessment: In 1955, the United States launched the first nuclear powered submarine, West Germany joined NATO, and Colt began shipping the finest precision combat and target revolver ever made. Each revolver was hand-tuned at the factory and this attention to detail shows both cosmetically and in operation. With barrel lengths ranging from 2.5? to 8? and with some of the finest machining and finishing ever seen in the industry, the Python has earned its reputation and continues to be sought after to this day. The Colt Python revolvers are no longer being made (or at least, not made like this!), so the price for these fantastic weapons are just going to continue to appreciate. The revolvers by themselves are becoming harder and harder to find, making it difficult to bring oneself to actually fire a Python. The grips on this one are marked with the last three digits of the serial number but with a missing indexing pin and light marks to the butt they may not be original. This example was shipped to Sile Distributors in 1983 and has a blued finish, a 3” barrel, and comes with its original box. Please see our pictures and good luck!