COLT Python I3660 .357 Magnum DA/SA Double-Action Revolver, MFD 1978
SOLD FOR: $2725
LSB#: 230116BK011
Make: Colt
Model: Python, I3660
Serial Number: 01207N
Date of Manufacture: 1978 (COLT Serial Number 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 crane cut and the crane are marked “01207N”. The side plate 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 “D”.
Barrel Length: The vent rib barrel with full underlug is 6”.
Sights/Optics: 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. The rear sight is a square notch adjustable for windage and elevation that is pinned to the top strap of the frame.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered wood panels. There is light handling wear in addition to the intermittent nicks on the lower edges of both panels, and the right has a large spot where the checkering is marred and there are a few more moderate nicks. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is well-defined. Overall, the grips are in Good-plus-to-Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion, but a little bit of stubborn fouling persists at the throat. In the writer’s opinion, the bore rates an 8 out of 10!
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 97% of its finish. There are a few vey minor nicks scattered about. There is a turn line, and curiously, a secondary line at the center of the cylinder. The metal otherwise has scattered light nicks and a few scuffs and a tiny bit of holster wear on the left side of the barrel at the tip. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Fine-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lock-up on this revolver is SOLID, 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 Python will ship in a brown suede Allen soft case as well as its original Colt Python Serial matching box. The box includes factory paperwork as well as two piece insert.
Our Assessment: In 1955, the United States launched the first nuclear-powered submarine, West Germany joined NATO, the first cans of Coca-Cola were sold, 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 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 should they win it. This revolver has what is really very minor wear, clean markings, and a bright bore. The lucky winner may want to source a new pair of grips, however! This would be a welcome addition to just about any collection, but is sure to also still be a great revolver for recreational shooting or self-defense (helluva gun for that, actually). Now, ready, aim, bid!
