Colt Python Model Blue 4″ 357 Magnum Double Action Revolver, MFD 1965 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,834.00
LSB#: LSB251210CF010
Make: Colt
Model: Python Catalog No. I3640
Serial Number: 49262
Date of Manufacture: 1965 (C&R)
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver With Swing Out Cylinder
Barrel Length: The vent rib barrel with full underlug is 4”.
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 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 & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with gold-colored Colt medallions. The grips have even light-moderate handling wear. There are some scattered nicks and scratches with a more notable ding on the back edge of the left panel. There is a tiny loss at the bottom-front corner of the left panel. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
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 some stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8+ out of 10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 98% of its finish. The finish is thinning at most edges, more notable at leading edges and on the trigger guard. There are some scattered minor nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are a few more notable scratches on the topstrap and the top of the rib. There is infrequent minor oxidation, most notable on the unfinished side faces of the hammer. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good 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. This revolver has a wide target style hammer and a serrated trigger.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes in a faux-wood cardboard box with two-piece styrofoam inserts and a manual. The leaves are missing from both ends of the box, there is no label. Included is an El Paso Saddlery left handed cross-draw holster for a 6″ Python, a Triple K two-speedloader belt pouch and two HKS Python speedloaders. The holster, pouch and speedloaders show very little sign of use.
Our Assessment: In 1955, the United States launched the first nuclear powered submarine, West Germany joined NATO, 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 shows both cosmetically and in operation. With barrel lengths ranging from 2.5″ to 8″ 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, 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 revolver is a 4″ example which appears to have been put to its intended use over the last 61 years. The bore is mostly bright and the mechanics are still strong strong. This will make a nice addition to a collection missing a Python, but is also one you could take out to the range and shoot without worrying about ruining a safe queen. Please see our pictures and good luck!
-Bud