Colt Python Stainless 4″ .357 Mag / .38 Spl DA/SA ‘Snake Gun’ Revolver 1987
SOLD FOR: $1,833.99
LSB#: LSB260429JR050
Make: Colt
Model: Python
Serial Number: T68999
Date of Manufacture: 1987 / Modern
Caliber: .357 Magnum / .38 Special
Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver With Swing Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked ‘’PYTHON .357’’ / “.357 MAGNUM”, and on the frame near the cylinder is the Rampant Colt logo. The right side of the barrel is marked “–COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.–”.
Barrel Length: 4” Vent-Rib Full Underlug
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a ramped blade, with a serrated orange insert fixed to the top of the rib. The rear sight is a white outlined 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 grips are two-piece Altamont checkered rosewood with silver-colored Colt medallions and floral engraving around the checkering. There is little to no handling wear. The checkering is sharp and well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Stainless
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, the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver’s stainless is bright. There are minor handling marks and scratches. There is some frosting on the trigger guard and the bottom of the frame near the crane. There are carbon rings on the face of the cylinder. There is a turn line on the cylinder. The markings are clear and legible. Overall, this revolver rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lockup is tight with no end shake. 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: Dillon Precision products blue soft case.
Our Assessment: The Colt Python was introduced in 1955 as Colt’s premium .357 Magnum double action revolver and remains one of the most celebrated American “Snake Gun” models. Built with Colt’s distinctive ventilated rib barrel, full underlug, adjustable sights, finely fitted action, and high-grade exterior finish, the Python quickly earned a reputation as one of the finest production revolvers of its era. The 4” barrel configuration is especially desirable because it balances practical handling with the Python’s classic target features, making it well suited for collecting, range use, and display. By the 1980s, stainless steel Pythons offered buyers the same iconic form with improved resistance to handling wear and corrosion compared with traditional blue finish examples. Manufactured in 1987, this revolver represents original-era Python production and has strong collector appeal as a stainless 4” .357 Magnum example from Colt’s classic double action revolver period.
This Colt Python is a stainless 4” .357 Magnum / .38 Special single and double action revolver with a vent-rib full-underlug barrel, adjustable white-outline rear sight, orange-insert ramp front sight, matte glare-reducing rib and topstrap, and Altamont checkered rosewood grips with silver-colored Colt medallions and floral engraving. The revolver’s stainless finish remains bright with minor handling marks and scratches, some frosting on the trigger guard and bottom of the frame near the crane, carbon rings on the cylinder face, and a cylinder turn line. The grips rate in Excellent condition with little to no handling wear, well-defined checkering, and no chips or cracks. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating 9.5 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion. The action functions correctly, and the lockup is tight with no end shake. This revolver should appeal strongly to Colt collectors, Python enthusiasts, Snake Gun collectors, and buyers looking for a desirable original-era stainless 4” Python with attractive upgraded grips. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY