COLT Python I3660 .357 Magnum DA/SA Double Action Blued Revolver 1984
SOLD FOR: $3070
LSB#: 230116BK012
Make: Colt
Model: Python #I3660
Serial Number: T26581
Date of Manufacture: 1984 (COLT Serial Number Lookup)
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Action Type: DA/SA Double and Single Action Revolver with 6-Shot 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 “T26581”. The left side plate is marked with a “Rampant Colt”. The left front of the trigger guard is marked with “VP” in an inverted triangle and at the rear with “C”.
Barrel Length: 6”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramp and is pinned to the top of the rib. The rear sight is a square notch adjustable for windage and elevation that is pinned to the top strap of the frame. The top of the barrel rib and the top strap have a matte black finish to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered rubber Pachmayr Presentation grips, each with a Gold Rampant Colt medallion at the top. There are minor handling marks and a small amount of light bubbling at the front of the right panel. The checkering is sharp. There are no rips or tears. Overall, the grips are in Fine-Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 96% of its finish. The top strap has intermittent minor nicks. The frame and side plate have scattered light nicks, some of which go through the finish. There are a few scattered nicks through the finish on the shroud. There is a faint turn line. Screws and controls are undamaged. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Fine-Plus 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. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be required to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This revolver comes with a colt box with a matching end label, paperwork including the manual, and a suede Allen soft zipper case. The box shows moderate-heavy wear and the end label is secured to the box via tape.
Our Assessment: In 1955, the United States launched the first nuclear-powered submarine, West Germany joined NATO, Albert Einstein passed away, 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 is exemplified both cosmetically and in operation. With barrel lengths ranging from 2.5? to 8? (this fine example is 6”) 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 blued revolver from 1984 was lovingly cared for over the past 39 years. It is in high condition, and so this will be a welcome addition to just about any collection. Please see our pictures and good luck!
