Colt Python Model I3620 2.5″ Blue .357 Magnum SA/DA Revolver, MFD 1963 C&R
SOLD FOR: $4,013.50
LSB#: 231115MG009
Make: Colt
Model: Python, Model I3620
Serial Number: 29632
Date of Manufacture: 1963 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .38 Special/.357 Magnum
Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver With Swing Out Cylinder
Barrel Length: 2 1/2″, Vent-Rib, Full Lug
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 two-piece checkered walnut panels that leave the grip straps and butt exposed. Silver colored medallions are set into both panels. The grips have a few scattered light compressions, the checkering has smoothed from handling and the finish is thinning at edges. There are no chips or cracks. The grips are in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Royal Blue
Finish Originality: Original. We have not confirmed the authenticity of this revolver’s configuration with Colt.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 87% of its finish. The finish is thinning at some edges and there are several light marks scattered throughout. The barrel has a spot of wear on each side toward the front. The frame has a spot of wear on the left at the bottom-front, opposite the crane hinge and the backstrap is mostly worn to white. The sideplate has some very light freckling just in front of the grip. The cylinder has a thin turn-line and wear at the fronts of the flutes. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this gun rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The double action trigger is smooth. The single action is crisp. The lock-up on this revolver is SOLID, with no play when the 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 two-piece faux-wood cardboard Colt box with model-matching label and the serial number hand-written on the bottom of the tray. A reproduction manual is included.
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 revolver appears to have been carried and used some, but still locks up tight as a drum and has a bright bore with strong rifling. It has just enough operational and handling wear that it could probably be fired without losing value, making this a great option for collectors and shooters alike. Please see our pictures and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
