Colt Python Model I3640 Blue 4″ .357 Magnum Double Action Revolver 1967 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2308
LSB#: 210204AL24
Make: Colt
Model: Python Catalog No. I3640
Serial Number: 68723
Date of Manufacture: 1967 (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 “68723”, the flat has inspection mark “B”. The left 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 “3”.
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 target stocks with gold-colored Colt medallions. The grips have some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches, most notable on the bottom faces and bottom edges. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 96% of its finish. The finish is lightly thinning at some edges, most on the leading edges of the frame and barrel. There are some scattered minor nicks and scratches with a concentration on the front of the trigger guard. There are a few spots of light surface oxidation, the most notable is on top of the rear sight. The action shows minor operational wear including a thin, light turn-line on the cylinder. The cylinder has stubborn fouling on the front face and in the chambers. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Fine 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: 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 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 revolver is a 4? example which appears to have seen mostly responsible use over the last 40 years. It has wear consistent with light use, but retains a great bore and strong mechanics. This will make for a nice Python you can add to your collection and actually take out shooting without feeling like you’re ruining a pristine collector’s piece. Please see our pictures and good luck!