Colt Model Python I3640 .357 Magnum 4″ Double Action Revolver MFD 1970 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2025.99
LSB#: 210425EN04
Make: Colt
Model: Python, Catalog No. I3640
Serial Number: E9942
Date of Manufacture: 1970 (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 “E9942”, the crane cut has inspection marks. 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 “H”.
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 grip screw is not factory and does not thread into the grips, they are not screwed to together. The grips have a few tiny marks into the finish and there are some compressions, the most noticeable are on the rear border of the right panel. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. There are small gaps on the front of the grips at the top and bottom. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition but you will need to get a screw to secure them to the frame.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion but there is stubborn leading.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 91% of its finish. The finish is thinning at the leading edges with more notable finish loss on the edges of the trigger guard. The barrel & cylinder some spots of finish loss from previous oxidation. There are some spots of oxidation and discoloration from previous oxidation on the barrel & cylinder. There are some scuffs that have thinned the finish. The bright sides of the hammer have spots of dark discoloration from previous oxidation. The action shows minor operational wear including a turn-line on the cylinder. There are a few light handling marks. The screw heads show use with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Very Good 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 has some wear but retains a great bore and strong mechanics. This will make for a nice Python you can add to your collection and actually take out shooting without feeling like you’re ruining a pristine collector’s piece. Please see our pictures and good luck!