Colt Python .357 Magnum Nickel 6″ Single/Double Action Revolver MFD 1980
SOLD FOR: $2,833.99
LSB#: LSB260414NH014
Make: Colt
Model: Python
Serial Number: AL1437
Year of Manufacture: 1980 / Modern
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver with Swing Out Fluted 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 left sideplate is marked with a Rampant Colt logo. The crane arm and crane cut are marked with the serial number. There is a Verified Proof mark on the left front trigger bow, and an “E” on the rear bow.
Barrel Length: 6″ Vent-Rib with Full Underlug
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated, ramped blade pinned to the front of the rib. The rear sight is a square notch adjustable for windage and elevation in a base pinned to the top-strap. The top of the barrel rib and the top strap have a matte finish to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The custom target grips are two-piece smooth wood with gold Rampant Colt medallions. There are minor handling marks and compression dents. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Nickel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. There is minor copper fouling present. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 98% of its finish. The balance of the finish is strong throughout. There is little to no handling wear. There is a faint turn line on the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp with light tooling. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lockup is tight with minimal play. We have not fired this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Colt serial-matching ‘woodgrain’ box and paperwork.
Our Assessment: The Colt Python is one of the most celebrated American double-action revolvers, introduced in the 1950s as Colt’s premium .357 Magnum revolver and quickly recognized for its hand-fitted action, ventilated rib barrel, full underlug, high-polish finishes, and excellent balance. Often regarded as one of Colt’s finest production revolvers, the Python became a favorite with target shooters, law enforcement officers, collectors, and handgun enthusiasts who prized its smooth action and distinctive styling. This nickel-finished 1980 example represents the classic original-production Python era and includes its serial-matching Colt “woodgrain” box and paperwork, which adds strong collector appeal.
This Colt Python is a .357 Magnum single- and double-action revolver with a 6″ vent-rib barrel, full underlug, swing-out fluted cylinder, pinned serrated ramp front sight, and adjustable square-notch rear sight. The revolver retains about 98% of its original nickel finish, with the finish remaining strong throughout, little to no handling wear, a faint cylinder turn line, sharp screw heads with light tooling, and clear markings. The custom two-piece smooth wood target grips with gold Rampant Colt medallions rate in Excellent condition, showing minor handling marks and compression dents but no chips or cracks. The bore is bright with sharp rifling, no erosion, and minor copper fouling, rating 9/10 in this writer’s opinion. Mechanically, the action functions correctly and the lockup is tight with minimal play, though the revolver has not been test fired. Overall, this is an Excellent condition 1980 Colt Python with desirable nickel finish, 6″ barrel, strong bore, tight mechanics, custom target grips, and its serial-matching Colt box and paperwork. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY