Colt Model Python I3640 .357 Magnum 4″ Vent Rib DA/SA Revolver MFD 1979
SOLD FOR: $1445
LSB#: 210526BD02
Make: Colt
Model: Python, Catalog No. I3640
Serial Number: V78998
Date of Manufacture: 1979 (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 CONN. U.S.A.”. The crane cut and the crane are marked “V78998”. 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 “F”.
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 with a red insert and is 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 black rubber Pachmayr grips. There are gaps along the front and back. The right panel has a gap to the sideplate. There are some scattered light handling marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no rips or tears. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good 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 87% of its finish. There is finish loss on the edges, heaviest on the cylinder and barrel and underlug at the muzzle. The finish loss on the barrel and underlug has been touched up. There are some scattered little spots of frost, mostly on the barrel. There are some scattered little nicks and some hairline scratches, most noticeable on the cylinder and barrel. The cylinder has some scattered scuffs and there are some little dings into the metal. There are some spots of discoloration on the sides of the hammer and the left side of the trigger has some light erosion. There are a few light handling marks. The screw heads are lightly worn. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The ejector rotates and will get caught on the rear face of the cylinder, othwerise the action functions correctly. The lock-up on this revolver is soild, 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 & 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 that has seen some use over the last 40 plus years. With its good bore and nice trigger pulls, this will be a nice revolver to take shooting without having to worry about getting a few marks on it. Please see our pictures and good luck!