Colt Python Model I3860 Coltguard Nickel 6″ .357 Magnum Revolver 1984
SOLD FOR: $3726
LSB#: 210829DM05
Make: Colt
Model: Python, Model I3860
Serial Number: K85170
Date of Manufacture: 1984 (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 “C”.
Barrel Length: The vent rib barrel with full underlug is 6”
Sights / Optics: This revolver is mounted with a white-outlined square notched rear sight adjustable for windage and elevation that is pinned to the top strap of the frame. The front sight is a blade pinned to the top of the rib with a red plastic insert. The top of the barrel rib and the top strap have a matte finish to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is a one-piece checkered black rubber Pachmayr Presentation with gold colored Colt medallions. The grip has minor handling wear, mostly scuffing in the smooth borders. The checkering is well defined. There are no rips or tears. Overall, the grip is in Fine-Excellent condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: “Coltguard” Electroless Nickel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some stubborn fouling.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 98% of its finish. There is light operational wear including a thin turn-line on the cylinder. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with a strong slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this gun rates in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The lock-up on this revolver is SOLID, with no play when trigger is depressed. The action functions correctly. We have not fired this revolver. This revolver has a wide target style hammer and a serrated trigger. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes in a faux-wood cardboard Colt box with serial-matching label. The box shows moderate storage wear with some fraying and tears at edges and corners.
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 were discontinued, then re-introduced, but the originals appear to still be of much higher quality 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 example has a “Coltguard” electroless nickel finish, one of the less-common finishes for these revolvers and has a 6″ barrel making it suitable for target shooting or even handgun hunting. It’s also in high enough condition that it will fit well in a collection of Colt’s Serpent revolvers. Please see our pictures and good luck!