Scarce 3″ Colt Model Python I3630 .357 Magnum Revolver Box & Letter, 1983

Sold For: $8,726.00

LSB#: 220422DN003

Make: Colt

Model: Python I3630

Serial Number: K05229

Date of Manufacture: 1983 (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 sideplate is marked with a “Rampant Colt” logo. The preceding markings were filled with a gold paint, some has worn away. The crane cut and the crane are marked with the serial number. The left front of the trigger guard is marked with “VP” in a triangle and at the rear with “A”.

Barrel Length: 3? vent rib barrel with full underlug.

Sights / Optics: The rear sight is a white outlined square notch adjustable for windage and elevation that is pinned to the top strap of the frame. The front sight is a serrated ramp blade with a red insert and is pinned to the top of the rib. The top of the barrel rib and the top strap have a matte finish to reduce glare.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with gold-colored Colt medallions. The grips have a few minor nicks on their bottom faces. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion but there is some stubborn fouling.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 97% of its finish. There is some finish wear on the front face of the frame to the right of the barrel. The action shows minor operational wear with a thin, faint turn-line on the cylinder. There are a few other scattered minor marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Fine-plus condition.

Mechanics: The lock-up on this revolver is SOLID, with no play when the trigger is depressed but can easily be pushed out of timing without the trigger depressed. The action functions correctly. The double-action trigger is smooth. The single-action is crisp. 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 faux-wood cardboard Colt box with serial-matching hand-written label, two-piece styrofoam inserts, an assortment of factory paperwork including manual and a Colt Archives letter. The box has moderate wear, mostly at edges and corners where there is some fraying and tears, one of the short ears is missing from the label-end. The letter confirms that this revolver shipped in its current configuration on May 20, 1983 to McBride’s Guns Inc. in Austin, Texas as the only gun of its type in the shipment.

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 was shipped to McBride’s Guns of Austin, Texas in 1983 and has a blued finish, a scarce 3” barrel, and comes with its original box as well as a letter confirming its authenticity. It will make a great addition to a collection, but should also be a fun shooter. Please see our pictures and good luck!

Scarce 3" Colt Model Python I3630 .357 Magnum Revolver Box & Letter, 1983
Scarce 3″ Colt Model Python I3630 .357 Magnum Revolver Box & Letter, 1983