Colt Python Model I3040 Stainless 4″ .357 Magnum SA/DA Revolver, MFD 1995
Sold For: $2226.01
LSB#: 201023LF14
Make: Colt
Model: Python, Model I3040
Serial Number: PN04676
Date of Manufacture: 1995 (https://colt.com/serial-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 with the serial number. The sideplate 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 “4”.
Barrel Length: The vent rib barrel with full underlug is 4”
Sights / Optics: This revolver is mounted with a white-outlined, square notched rear sight adjustable for windage and elevation that is pinned to the top strap of the frame. The front sight is a blade pinned to the top of the rib with a serrated orange plastic insert. 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 Vintage Industries checkered black rubber with silver colored Colt medallions which completely enclose the grip frame. The grips have scattered light scrapes and scuffing in the smooth portions. The checkering is well defined. There are no rips or tears. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good-plus condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Stainless
Finish Originality: Some areas show polishing, most notable on the sides of the hammer spur, but no new finish has been applied.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 90% of its metal finish. There is light scuffing scattered throughout. There are some minor nicks and scratches, most notable above and under the grips on each side. The cylinder has a turn-line. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Very Good-plus condition.
Mechanics: The lock-up on this revolver is SOLID, with no play when the trigger is depressed. The action functions correctly. We have not fired this revolver. This revolver has a wide target style hammer and a serrated trigger. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
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 (or at least, not made like this!), 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 example is a stainless steel finish, one of the less-common finishes for these revolvers and has a 4″ barrel, a nice balance between precision and size. It should draw the eyes of collectors and shooters, both. Please see our pictures and good luck!