6″ Stainless Colt Python 357 Magnum Revolver & Box
Sold For: $3,425
LSB#: 130533BL49
Make: Colt
Model: Python
Serial Number: T19819
Date of Manufacture: 1983
Caliber: .38 Special and .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 flat under the crane and the crane are marked “T19819”. The left side of the frame is marked with a Rampant Colt logo. The left side of the grip frame at the top of the trigger guard is marked at the front with “VP” in a triangle and at the back with a “C”.
Barrel Length: The vent rib barrel with full underlug is 6”.
Sights / Optics: This revolver is mounted with a square notched rear sight adjustable for windage and elevation that is pinned to the top strap of the frame. The front sight is a serrated ramped blade pinned to the top of the rib.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut with gold colored Colt medallions on each side. The right grip shows two compression marks on the back surface. The left grip shows a very shallow chip in the finish at the bottom inside edge of the grip, with a slight ding in the bottom outside edge of the grip. The checkering is sharp and without flaws. The grips rate in about Fine to Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Stainless Steel
Finish Originality: All Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 98% of its finish. There is a shiny wear mark on the crane from rubbing on the frame and light scratches on the bottom of the trigger guard. The cylinder has a very light drag line. The knurling on the ejector rod and the checkering on the hammer are sharp. The screw heads all sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this gun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The lock-up on this revolver is PERFECT, with no play. The trigger is Extremely smooth in double action and crisp and light in single action. The action functions correctly. We have not fired this revolver.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes in the original factory box. The box has a cardboard sleeve with a dark brown finish marked “COLT” on the top with gold colored letters. The sleeve shows light surface loss on the edges with minor fraying at the corners. One end flap is torn at the fold with a tear about 1 ½” long. The box is white Styrofoam that is fitted for this revolver plus accessories. The Styrofoam is intact with only light discoloration from oil. Overall, the box and sleeve are in Fine condition. The factory label that was originally attached to one of the end flaps on the sleeve is also included. It is correctly marked for the make, model, finish, barrel length, caliber and serial number of this revolver. It is in Excellent condition.
Our Assessment: The Colt Python was first introduced in 1955, the same year as Smith & Wesson’s M29 .44 Magnum. The now discontinued Python targeted the premium revolver market segment. Some firearm collectors and writers such as Jeff Cooper and Ian V. Hogg have described the Python as the finest production revolver ever made. If this revolver is any example, they were certainly right! The tight lockup, smooth action and heavy barrel make this a perfect choice for the competition revolver shooter. It can also be used for home protection and the Excellent condition of this revolver makes it a great gift for the man who always wanted one but never thought he could afford it.