Colt Python Model I3620 Blue 2 1/2″ .357 Magnum SA/DA Revolver, 1970 C&R
SOLD FOR: $4279
LSB#: 220927HE009
Make: Colt
Model: Python, Model I3620
Serial Number: E11762
Date of Manufacture: 1970
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 crane cut and the crane are marked with the serial number. The left 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 “H”. Under the grips, the left side of the grip frame is marked “M” or “W” as well as “D” and “INS” or “SNI. The right side of the grip frame is marked “G”.
Barrel Length: The vent rib barrel with full underlug is 2.5”
Sights / Optics: This revolver is mounted with a square notched sight 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 black finish to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are oversized checkered walnut that enclose the front strap and the bottom of the grip frame. Silver colored medallions are set into both panels. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is sharp. The grips are in Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Royal Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates a 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 98% of its finish. The balance of the finish being tiny marks including one on the left edge of the muzzle, a couple on the bottom front edge of the lug/ejector shroud, one on the bottom left of the ejector shroud approximately 1? from the muzzle, a hairline scratch above the “VP” on the trigger guard, a light scuff under the cylinder on the left side in front of the sideplate screw, a tiny mark on the sideplate near rear of the trigger, two on the right side of the frame above and to the rear of the recoil shield, one on the front edge of the frame on the right side by the barrel rib and a light turn line which is more pronounced in the cylinder-stop lead-in grooves and does not go through the finish for the most part. Perhaps the only mark visible at arm’s length is that on the front of the frame by the barrel rib; to see this at arms length requires facing the muzzle. The screw heads are sharp with only minor tool marks on the grip screw. The markings are clear. Overall, this gun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lock-up on this revolver is SOLID, with no play when trigger is depressed. We have not fired this revolver. This revolver has a wide target style hammer and a serrated trigger. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes with a reproduction Colt box, paperwork including manual and yellow “stop-sign” hang-tag.
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?, such as this example, 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 example is in good enough shape to keep in collectible condition, though it would make a fine carry or home defense revolver if one so chose. Reproduction box and paperwork have been included for display purposes. This revolver has been sold previously by Lock Stock & Barrel at which time it had a Colt letter confirming that the barrel length is factory original. While the letter was not included when it was re-consigned with us, we will guarantee that the revolver will letter with Colt Archives. Please see our pictures and good luck.
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California -Bud
