COLT Python I3660 .357 Magnum 6” DA/SA Double Action Revolver, MFD 1970 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2912.99
LSB#: 220930MH037
Make: Colt
Model: Python (Model #I3660)
Serial Number: E10792
Date of Manufacture: 1970 (COLT Serial Number Lookup)
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Action Type: DA/SA Double and Single Action Revolver with 6-Shot 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 crane and crane cut are marked “E10792”; the crane is also marked “H” and “0”. The left side plate features a “Rampant Colt”. The left front of the trigger guard is marked with “VP” in a triangle and at the rear with an “L”.
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 that is pinned to the top strap of the frame. The front sight is a serrated ramp and is 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 and Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut each with a Gold Rampant Colt medallion. There are minor handling marks and a few spots, especially on the panel where the checkering is worn down or nicked. The checkering is otherwise sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition.
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 left side of the barrel has one notable nick that disrupts the metal. The muzzle has three distinct nicks that disrupt the metal. The cylinder has a very faint turn line in addition to a few minor nicks. Forward edges of the cylinder have very minor thinning. The screw heads are sharp. All markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Fine-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lock-up on this revolver is solid, as God intended and the gunsmiths at Colt ensured, 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. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be required to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This Colt Python will ship in a rather brilliant facsimile box with period-correct details and a veritable litany of facsimile factory handouts, pamphlets, and manuals.
Our Assessment: In 1955, the United States launched the first nuclear-powered submarine, West Germany joined NATO, Vladimir Nabokov’s Lolita was published, 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 is exemplified both cosmetically and in operation. With barrel lengths ranging from 2.5? to 8? (this fine example is a perfect 6”) 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 like the originals, 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 has been well kept over the past 52 years. In its high condition, this would be a sterling addition to just about any collection, never mind just a Colt collection! Good luck and happy bidding!
