Colt Python Model Blue 6″ .357 Magnum Double Action Revolver & Box 1964 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2625
LSB#: 220220MH018
Make: Colt
Model: Python
Serial Number: 39183
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 “39183”. 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 “S”.
Barrel Length: The vent rib barrel with full underlug is 6”.
Sights / Optics: The rear sight is a square notch adjustable for windage and elevation in a base 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 checkered walnut with gold-colored Colt medallions at their tops. 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 as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 90% of its finish. The finish is thinning at edges, most notable at the leading edges of the barrel and cylinder. There is some scattered minor surface oxidation, most on the sideplate and each side of the barrel. There are some scattered minor nicks and scuffs, most concealed by the grips when they are installed. The action shows light operational wear including a thin turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good condition.
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: This revolver comes in a two-piece faux-wood cardboard Colt box with model-matching label, matching serial number hand-written on the bottom of the tray portion, and with an assortment of factory paperwork including manual and serial-matching test target. The box shows scattered wear with tears at two corners of the lid and one corner of the tray.
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 6? example from 1964 which appears to have some use over the last 58 years with about 90% of its metal finish remaining, a great bore and strong mechanics. With its included test target and original box, this Python is sure to attract collectors as well as shooters. Please see our pictures and good luck!