Sold for $3026.00

LSB#: 220817BP020

Make: Colt

Model: Python

Serial Number: 86231

Date of Manufacture: 1968 ( bhttps://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, CT. U.S.A.”. The flat under the crane 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.

Barrel Length: 4″ vent rib barrel with full underlug.

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 blade 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 wood with a thumb shelf on the left panel. The grips envelop the front strap leaving the checkered back strap exposed. The grips are not original to the pistol. The grips have some light marks on the smooth borders with a more notable scratch on the right panel upper portion. There are some tiny nicks on the butt. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-Fine 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 finish is slightly thinning at some of the leading edges, most notable at the front lower edges of the frame and the rib. There are a few minor nicks and scratches with a more notable scratch on the right side of the frame. There is some faint red discoloration on the top of the rib from rubbing inside the box. The action shows light operational wear including a light turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with a strong slot. The markings range from clear to slightly faded. 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. 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 its original box with a test target.

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 (at least, not as well), 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, and this example is in Fine-plus condition and equipped with a nice set of custom grips. The revolver retains about 97% of its metal finish, a great bore and strong mechanics. Whether you’re looking for a great revolver for recreational shooting or to add to a Colt collection, this is a nice pony to add to any stable. Please see our pictures and good luck!