Bill Johns Engraved Colt Python Model 3″ .357 Magnum Revolver, MFD 1965 C&R
SOLD FOR: $6575
LSB#: 220817BP002
Make: Colt
Model: Python
Serial Number: 48003
Date of Manufacture: 1965 (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 crane cut and the crane are marked with the serial number; the cut is also marked “X” and “J”. The left-front of the trigger guard is marked “VP” in triangle, the left-rear with “S”. There is decorative scroll and foliate relief engraving throughout the metal surfaces with gold bands on the cylinder and barrel. The bottom of the frame in front of the trigger guard has “BJ” engraved on a banner (Bill Johns).
Barrel Length: 3? 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 gold-plated serrated ramp blade pinned to the top of the rib.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece Ajax faux-ivory panels with gold-colored Colt medallions at their tops. The grips have some thin cracks at edges which appear as “grain-line” cracks. Otherwise, they show only light handling marks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-Fine condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished at the time of engraving.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 98% of its finish. The action shows minor operational wear. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Excellent condition as custom engraved.
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: None
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 has a scarce 3” barrel, and was custom engraved by Bill Johns in Cody, Wyoming. With a deep blue finish set off by gold bands and a set of Ajax faux-ivory grips, this is a beautiful revolver, in about Excellent condition, and it will make a great addition to any collection. Please see our pictures and good luck!
