Colt Python Bright Stainless 6″ .357 Magnum Double/Single Action Revolver
SOLD FOR: $1,650.00
LSB#: LSB260609AH006
Make: Colt
Model: Python
Serial Number: PN13516
Year of Manufacture: 1996 / Modern (Colt Serial Number Lookup)
Caliber: .357 Magnum / .38 Special
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 left side of the frame is marked with the Rampant Colt logo. The right side of the barrel is marked “–COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.–”. The crane and crane cut are marked “PN13516”.
Barrel Length: 6″ Vent-Rib, Full Underlug
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a ramped blade with a serrated orange insert pinned to the top of the rib. The rear sight is a white outlined square notch adjustable for windage and elevation in a base pinned to the topstrap. The top of the barrel rib and the topstrap have a matte finish to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are a two-piece checkered rubber with silver Rampant Colt medallions and a speed loader cutout. There are scattered handling scratches, compressions, and scuffs. The checkering is sharp and well defined. There are no rips or tears. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Bright Stainless
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 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver’s stainless is bright. There are scattered storage and handling scratches. There is a faint compression at the muzzle on the left side. There are carbon rings on the face of the cylinder. There is a light turn line on the cylinder. The markings are clear and legible. Overall, this revolver rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lockup is tight with no end shake. We have not fired this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Serial matching Colt blue plastic case, chamber flag disc, and paperwork.
Our Assessment: The Colt Python occupies a special place among American double-action revolvers, having been introduced in 1955 as Colt’s premium .357 Magnum and built with a degree of hand-fitting, polishing, and action work that established its reputation for exceptional accuracy and an unusually smooth trigger. Its distinctive ventilated rib, full-length ejector-rod shroud, adjustable sights, and refined finish made the Python as visually recognizable as it was mechanically respected. Stainless-steel Pythons joined the line in 1983, including highly polished examples that offered much of the visual brilliance of Colt’s traditional premium finishes with the durability of stainless steel. This 1996 example dates from the final year of regular Python production before the model transitioned to more limited Custom Shop production, placing it near the end of the classic, original-production Python era.
This is an attractive late-production 6″ Bright Stainless Python retaining its original high-polish finish, factory-style rubber stocks, matching-numbered crane and frame, and serial-numbered Colt case with paperwork. The revolver shows evidence of use and handling, including scattered scratches, a faint compression near the muzzle, carbon rings on the cylinder face, and a light cylinder turn line, but it remains a sharp example overall. The excellent 9.5/10 bore, tight lockup with no end shake, properly functioning action, strong markings, and desirable complete presentation further enhance this Python. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY