Colt Python Model I3640 Blue 4″ 357 Magnum Double Action, MFD 1977
SOLD FOR: $3181.99
LSB#: 220420JR009
Make: Colt
Model: Python Catalog No. I3640
Serial Number: 52673E
Date of Manufacture: 1977 (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, CONN. U.S.A.”. The flat under the crane and the crane are marked “52673E”, the flat has inspection marks. 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: 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 Eagle Grips two-piece checkered rosewood with smooth diamonds around the grip screw escutcheon. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. 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 97% of its finish. The majority of the balance is in turn-wear on the cylinder which consists of a thin line between notches and more notable wear in the lead-in notches. The side faces of the hammer show light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Fine-Excellent 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 faux-wood cardboard box with serial-matching label (the serial marking has faded significantly, but is still legible with proper lighting). The box has fraying and short tears at edges and corners, scattered storage wear, a missing short-ear on the label-end and discoloration from oil on the interior of the two-piece styrofoam trays.
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 which appears to have seen responsible use over the last 40 years. It has operational wear, but otherwise retains about 97% of its metal finish. The bore is bright and the mechanics are strong. With its original box, this will make just as great of a collector piece as it will a shooter. Please see our pictures and good luck!