COLT Python I3661 6″ Nickel .357 Magnum DA/SA Double-Action Revolver, 1979
SOLD FOR: $1,632.00
WOA#: WY240729TW013
Make: Colt
Model: Python (Model I3661)
Serial Number: V41760
Date of Manufacture: 1979 (COLT Serial Number Lookup)
Caliber: .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 “V41760”. The side plate 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 “C”.
Barrel Length: The vent rib barrel with full underlug is 6”
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 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 and Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth laminate wood with finger-grooves, each with a gold-colored Colt medallion. The grips have only a few scattered minor marks. There are no chips or cracks. The fit of the grips leaves a minor gap at the bottom. Overall, the grips rate in Fine-plus condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Nickel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is a little stubborn fouling, mostly toward the muzzle-end. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 92% of its finish. There is some scattered minor freckling and cloudiness. There are some light nicks, scuffs and scratches, including tool marks at the crane-screw on the right of the frame. There is some light wear under the grips, concealed when they are installed. The action shows operational wear including a turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good-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: None.
Our Assessment: In 1955, the United States launched the first nuclear-powered submarine, the NATO exercise “Carte Blanche” took place in Western Europe, 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 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 Nickel revolver from 1979 appears to have seen some use over the last 45 years, retaining a strong bore and great mechanics. In its condition, this would be a welcome addition to just about any collection, but it should also prove to be a fun and classy shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
