COLT Python I3640 357 Magnum Blued DA/SA Double Revolver, MFD 1965 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3030.15
LSB#: 211201SA02
Make: Colt
Model: Python (I3640)
Serial Number: 49865
Date of Manufacture: 1965 (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 with the serial number, “49865”. The side plate is marked with the “Rampant Colt”. The left front of the trigger guard is marked with “VP” in a triangle and at the rear with “S”.
Barrel Length: 4” with vented barrel rib.
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a serrated blade that is dual-pinned to a ramped base that runs the length of the barrel rib. The rear sight is an adjustable square-notch leaf pinned to a channel in the top strap. The top strap and front sight base are matte to better reduce glare.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut, each with an inset Gold Colt medallion in the smooth area. There are minor handling marks and a fews spots on the left panel where the checkering is worn down. The checkering is otherwise sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 98% of its blued finish. Very few minor nicks dot the revolver and can be seen on the right side of the frame and on the right side of the barrel. The cylinder has a faint, thin turn-line most evident between the lead-in grooves. Screws are lightly toolmarked, all have strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in Fine-to-Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The lock-up on this revolver is SOLID, with no play when trigger is depressed. The action functions correctly; the double action is smooth as all get-out with a clean break, and the single-action is ever so light. We have not fired this revolver. This revolver has a wide target style hammer and a serrated trigger. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: In 1955, the United States launched the first nuclear powered submarine, West Germany joined NATO, the “Johnny Carson Show” made its debut on CBS-TV, and Colt began shipping the greatest 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 1/2″ to 8″ and with some of the finest machining and finishing seen in the industry, the Python has earned its reputation and continues to be eagerly sought after to this day. The Colt Python revolvers were discontinued, then re-introduced, but the originals are by all accounts of much higher quality so the value of these fantastic weapons only continues to increase. The revolvers are becoming harder and harder to find, making it a tough go to attain ownership. This gorgeous example is blued, dates back to 1965, and looks for all the world to be a very recent firearm with very little wear—its timeless aesthetic truly sets it apart from all of its contemporaries. The old adage, “They just don’t make ‘em like they used to,” is apropos. Good luck and happy bidding!