Colt Python .357 Magnum 6″ Single Double Action 6-Shot Revolver 1966 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,525.00
LSB#: LSB260710SF009
Make: Colt
Model: Python
Serial Number: 51994
Year of Manufacture: 1966 / C&R (Colt Serial Number Lookup)
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Action Type: Single/Double Action Revolver With Swing Out Fluted 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 left side of the frame is marked with a Rampant Colt logo. The crane and crane cut are marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 6″ Vent-Rib with Full Underlug
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated, ramped blade pinned to the front of the rib. The rear sight is a square notch adjustable for windage and elevation in a base pinned to the top-strap. The top of the barrel rib and the top strap have a matte finish to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with Gold Colt Medallions at their tops. There are scattered scratches and compression marks. There is finish loss at the base and backstraps of the panels. The peaks are defined with peaks that are slightly worn. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. There is a squib ring about halfway down the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 5/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 95% of its refinish. There is finish loss at the muzzle end of the barrel and underlug. There is thinning on the leading edges of the frame, cylinder, and on the trigger guard. There are scattered scratches. There are spots of corrosion freckling on the frame, barrel, and cylinder. There is a turn line on the cylinder. There is carbon residue in the flutes of the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp. The markings range from legible to faint. Overall, this revolver rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lockup is tight at each chamber with no play. We have not fired this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards. Due to this revolver having a squib ring in the bore, we do recommend having the barrel inspected by a qualified gunsmith before attempting to fire.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Colt Python was introduced in 1955 as the company’s premium .357 Magnum revolver, combining Colt’s hand-fitted double-action lockwork with a full-length ejector-rod shroud, ventilated rib, adjustable sights, and a highly polished finish. Built on the medium I-frame, it was intended as a deluxe target, sporting, and law-enforcement revolver and quickly earned a reputation for excellent balance, accuracy, and exceptionally smooth operation. Early Pythons received considerable hand fitting and polishing, and the 6″ configuration became one of the model’s most recognizable forms, offering a long sight radius and additional forward weight. This 1966 example comes from the classic first-generation production period and remains desirable as a representative of Colt’s premier postwar revolver, though refinishing and the damaged bore materially affect its collector value.
This Python retains approximately 95% of its blue refinish, with muzzle and underlug wear, edge thinning, scratches, corrosion freckling, carbon residue, and a cylinder turn line. The checkered walnut grips remain in Very Good condition, and the action functions correctly with tight lockup and no perceptible play at each chamber. Although the bore is bright with sharp rifling, the squib ring approximately halfway down the barrel indicates a significant barrel obstruction event and makes the revolver unsuitable for firing until inspected and cleared by a qualified gunsmith. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY