Colt Python Model Blue 6″ .357 Magnum Double Action Revolver & Box 1962 C&R
SOLD FOR: $4725
LSB#: 230116BK014
Make: Colt
Model: Python
Serial Number: 23991
Date of Manufacture: 1962 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .38 Special/.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 CT. U.S.A.”. The flat under the crane and the crane are marked “23991”. The sideplate is marked with a “Rampant Colt” logo. The left front of the trigger guard is marked with “VP” in a triangle.
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 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 at their tops. The grips have a few minor marks, most notable at the bottom-front edge of the left panel. The finish is thinning throughout. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
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 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 98.5% of its finish. The action shows very minor operational wear with a faint turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp. 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. This revolver has a wide target style hammer and a serrated trigger.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes with a two-piece cardboard box with the serial number hand written on the bottom of the box as it was done in 1962. This is correct for this year Colt. Also included is factory paperwork and wax paper as originally sold. A suede zipper case is included with this Python.
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 6? example from 1962 which appears to have little use over the last 61 years with about 97% of its metal finish remaining, a great bore and strong mechanics. This Python is sure to attract collectors as well as shooters. Please see our pictures and good luck!
Brian