Colt Python Elite Stainless 6″ .357 Mag / .38 Spl DA/SA Snake Gun Revolver
SOLD FOR: $2,185.00
LSB#: LSB260430DB013
Make: Colt
Model: Python Elite
Serial Number: PN13994
Year of Manufacture: 1997 / 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 ELITE’’ / “* .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.–”.
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 Vintage Industries with silver Rampant Colt medallions. There are scattered handling marks 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: 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 minor handling marks and scratches. There are a couple spots of heavier polishing. There are carbon rings on the face of the cylinder. There is a 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 is one of the most celebrated American double action revolvers, introduced in 1955 as Colt’s premium .357 Magnum and long regarded as the flagship of the company’s “Snake Gun” lineup. Known for its hand-fitted action, full underlug, ventilated rib barrel, adjustable sights, and high-quality exterior finish, the Python became a benchmark revolver for target shooting, collecting, and premium defensive or field use. The later Python Elite marked one of the final original-production evolutions of the classic Python before the line was discontinued, and these late stainless examples have strong collector appeal due to their limited production era and connection to Colt’s high-end revolver legacy. This 1997 Python Elite, with its 6” vent-rib full-underlug barrel, stainless finish, orange-insert front sight, white-outline adjustable rear sight, Colt-marked case, chamber flag disc, and paperwork, represents a desirable late-production Snake Gun in one of the most iconic Python configurations.
This Colt Python Elite is a stainless .357 Magnum / .38 Special DA/SA revolver with a 6” barrel, bright bore, sharp rifling, tight lockup, Vintage Industries checkered rubber grips with silver Rampant Colt medallions, and a serial-matching Colt blue plastic case with paperwork. The revolver rates in Fine condition, showing minor handling marks and scratches, a couple spots of heavier polishing, carbon rings on the cylinder face, and a cylinder turn line while retaining clear markings and a bright stainless presentation. This revolver should appeal strongly to Colt collectors, Python enthusiasts, Snake Gun collectors, and buyers looking for a late-production stainless Python Elite with case and paperwork. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY