
Colt Python Model I3660 Blued 6″ .357 Magnum Revolver, MFD 1961 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3263
LSB#: 230722WB001
Make: Colt
Model: Python
Serial Number: 15453
Date of Manufacture: 1961 ( bhttps://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver With Swing Out Cylinder
Barrel Length: 6″ vent rib barrel with full underlug.
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 blade pinned to the top of the rib. The top of the barrel rib and the top strap have a matte finish to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with silver-colored Colt medallions. The grips have a few scattered light marks, most notable is a nick at the bottom edge of the right panel. There is some minor verdigris at the medallions. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are a few scattered minor nicks and small scratches. The action shows minor operational wear with a thin turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with a strong slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Fine-Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lock-up on this revolver is SOLID, with no play when the trigger is depressed. The double action trigger is smooth. The single action is crisp. We have not fired this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes with a two-piece faux-wood cardboard Colt box, an assortment of facsimile paperwork including manual and a Colt-branded sight adjustment tool. The box has the serial number hand-written on the bottom, but the label is a reproduction. It is possible that the box is as well.
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 was made in 1961 and has a blued finish with a 6″ barrel, a great choice for target shooting or even handgun hunting. This revolver’s high condition makes it great for addition to a Colt collection. It should draw the eyes of the shooters, too. Please see our pictures and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
