Colt Model Python I3620 .357 Mag 2.5″ Blued DA/SA Revolver MFD 1980
SOLD FOR: $3331
LSB#: 210923SS51
Make: Colt
Model: Python, Model I3620
Serial Number: VA9004
Date of Manufacture: 1980 (https://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, 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 “A”.
Barrel Length: 2 1/2″ Vent Rib
Sights / Optics: This revolver is mounted with a square notched rear sight adjustable for windage and elevation that is pinned to the top strap of the frame. The front sight is a serrated blade 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 checkered walnut with smooth borders and gold-colored Colt medallions. There are light handling marks, no major defects. The checkering is sharp. Overall, the grip is in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original to the parts. Due to the box being a replacement, it is unclear if the barrel has been replaced (see Box, Paperwork & Accessories).
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 97% of its finish. There are a few little nicks and marks through the finish on the right side of the frame below the rear sight and behind the recoil shield. There is a light scuff on the left side of the frame below the cylinder. The trigger guard has a couple of tiny marks. There is light thinning on the bottom edge of the frame. The cylinder has a faint turn line. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this gun rates in Fine Plus 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. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes in a maroon box. The box has a matching serial number hand-written in ink on the end-flap and matching barrel length but the product code (I3630) is wrong and corresponds to a 3″ revolver. We also believe that the maroon box was not introduced until 1986.
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. This example is a blued model with a 2.5″ barrel, it looks beautiful and has a lot of its original finish remaining. It should draw the eyes of collectors and shooters, both. Please see our pictures and good luck!