Colt 8" Blue Python .357 mag Revolver, MFD 1981

SOLD FOR: $1,744.00
LSB#: 190610SF04
Make: Colt
Model: Python, Model I3680
Serial Number: K53737
Date of Manufacture: 1981 (https://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, CONN. U.S.A.”. The flat under the crane and the crane are marked with the serial number. The left sideplate is marked with a “Rampant Colt” logo.
Barrel Length: The vent rib barrel with full underlug is 8”
Sights / Optics: This revolver is mounted with a square notched rear sight adjustable for windage and elevation that is pinned to the top strap of the frame. The front sight is a serrated ramp blade with its top face polished and painted yellow 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 grip is one-piece checkered black rubber Pachmayr Presentation grips. The left side has some spots of residue in the checkering with a few other minor scattered spots and there are short tears at the top and bottom of the rear seam. Overall, the grip is in about Good-Very Good condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 87% of its finish. There is finish wear on each side of the barrel and lug toward the front, on each side of the frame at the crane hinge and on the cylinder at the front and behind each flute. The cylinder has a turn-line. The edges of the topstrap have thinning finish. There are several scattered minor marks. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The serial markings are clear, the barrel and sideplate markings are legible and complete with slightly soft edges, the “VP” and inspector marks which should be on the left of the trigger guard are almost completely removed. Overall, this gun rates in about Very Good condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The double action trigger is smooth. The single action is crisp. The lock-up on this revolver shows barely perceptible play when trigger is depressed on each chamber. 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, 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 an 8″ example which appears to have been someone’s favorite, having been refinished and since showing evidence of use. It still has a great bore and strong mechanics, making this an excellent Python to actually shoot, but will still likely retain value well. If you’ve been looking for a Python you can use instead of leaving in your safe, look no further. Please see our pictures and good luck!
CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This handgun CANNOT be transferred as a dealer sale in California but CAN be sold as a Private Party Transfer (PPT) at our Simi Valley shop. This section does not apply to out of state residents.