Colt Model Python I3640 .357 Magnum 4″ Double Action Revolver MFD 1964 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2525
LSB#: 210726RP01
Make: Colt
Model: Python
Serial Number: 39870
Date of Manufacture: 1964 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .38 Special/.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 CT. U.S.A.”. The flat under the crane and the crane are marked “39870”, the flat has inspector marks “P” and “V”. The sideplate is marked with a “Rampant Colt” logo.
Barrel Length: The vent rib barrel with full underlug is 4”.
Sights / Optics: The rear sight is a square notch adjustable for windage and elevation that is pinned to the top strap of the frame. The front sight is a serrated ramp pinned to the top of the rib. The top of the barrel rib and the top strap have a matte black finish to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth faux-ivory panels with finger grooves and gold-colored Colt medallions. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 99% of its finish. The cylinder has a thin, faint turn-line, mostly not through the finish. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are generally clear, the rampant colt on the sideplate is incomplete at the rear and the frame’s verified proof and inspection marks are not present. Overall, this revolver is in about Excellent condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lock-up on this revolver is SOLID, with no play when the trigger is depressed. The trigger is smooth in double action, and crisp in single action. We have not fired this revolver. This revolver has a wide target style hammer and a serrated trigger.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
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, 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. This revolver is a 4? example from 1964 which has seen little use since it was refinished with 98% of its new metal finish remaining, a great bore and strong mechanics. The revolver was likely in good shape when it was refinished, with most markings still in good shape and little in the way of dishing and no erosion under the finish. The gun looks great with its after-market faux-ivory grips. This Python is sure to attract collectors as well as shooters. Please see our pictures and good luck!