Colt Custom Shop Python Model E-Nickel 6″ .357 Magnum Revolver, 1979
SOLD FOR: $3501
LSB#: 230521CG004
Make: Colt
Model: Python
Serial Number: V66962
Date of Manufacture: 1979 (COLT Serial Number Lookup)
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver With Swing Out Cylinder
Barrel Length: The vent rib barrel with full underlug is 6”.
Sights/Optics: The rear sight is an Elliason square notch adjustable for windage and elevation that is pinned to the top strap of the frame. The front sight is a blade pinned to the top of the rib. The front sight is a non-standard type and the included Colt Archives letter does not note a special sight. It is possible that the sight has been replaced.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grip is a one-piece checkered black rubber Pachmayr Presentation grips with gold-colored Colt medallions. The grip has no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no rips or tears. The checkering is well defined. Overall, the grip is in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Electroless Nickel
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 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 97% of its finish. There are a few light nicks and scratches, most notable on the left of the frame above the crane. The action shows light operational wear including a thin turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lock-up on this revolver is SOLID, with no play when the trigger is depressed. The trigger is smooth in double action, and crisp in single action. We have not fired this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be required to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This revolver comes in a faux-wood cardboard Colt box with an assortment of factory paperwork including manual. The box shows moderate-heavy wear with fraying, tears and tape-repairs. The Colt Custom Shop label on the box is serial-matching. Also included is a Colt Archives letter which indicates that this revolver shipped May 14, 1980 to Ashland Shooting Supplies in Ashland, Ohio as one of three guns of the same type in the shipment. The letter specifies the finish as Electroless Nickel.
Our Assessment: In 1955, the United States launched the first nuclear-powered submarine, West Germany joined NATO, Jonas Salk’s polio vaccine was declared safe and effective, 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 is exemplified both cosmetically and in operation. With barrel lengths ranging from 2.5? to 8? (this gorgeous example is 6”) 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 like the originals, 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 is an interesting example due to its electroless nickel finish. While this was offered as a standard catalog feature in 1982, dubbed ‘Royal Coltguard’, this revolver was produced in 1979 and shipped in 1980. Coming from the Colt Custom Shop, it is a very early example of this new finish, applied before it was offered for standard production Python revolvers. In its high condition, this would be a welcome addition to just about any collection, especially with the included Colt Archives letter. Please see our pictures and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
