Colt Model Python I3640 .357 Magnum 4″ Double Action Revolver MFD 1964 C&R

SOLD FOR: $2525

LSB#: 210205MS21

Make: Colt

Model: Python Catalog No. I3640

Serial Number: 36771

Date of Manufacture: 1964 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .38 Special/.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 CT. U.S.A.”. The crane cut and the crane are marked “36771”, the crane cut has inspection marks “2” and “T”. The left sideplate is marked with a “Rampant Colt” logo. The left front of the trigger guard is marked with “VP” in a triangle and at the rear with “S”.

Barrel Length: The vent rib barrel with full underlug is 4”.

Sights / Optics: The rear sight is a square notch adjustable for windage and elevation that is pinned to the top strap of the frame. The front sight is a serrated ramp pinned to the top of the rib. The top of the barrel rib and the top strap have a matte black finish to reduce glare.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut target stocks with gold-colored Colt medallions. The grips have some little nicks and scuffs, most notable on the bottom faces, bottom edges, and right panel along the back and towards the top. There is finish loss below the backstrap and on the bottom edges. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good-Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 97% of its finish. There is hardly noticeable thinning on the front corners of the frame. There are two little spots of finish loss from oxidation on the cylinder. The cylinder has a hardly noticeable turn line. There are some little spots of light oxidation on the front of the trigger guard. There are a few light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Fine Plus 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. This revolver has a wide target style hammer and a serrated trigger.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: In 1955, the United States launched the first nuclear powered submarine, West Germany joined NATO, 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 shows both cosmetically and in operation. With barrel lengths ranging from 2.5? to 8? 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 a 4? example which appears to have seen little use over the last 50 years. This will make for a nice Python you can add to your collection and actually take out shooting. Please see our pictures and good luck!