Colt Python Silhouette .357 Magnum Revolver Double Action DA & Factory Leupold Scope
SOLD FOR: $3,225.00
Make: Colt
Model: Python Silhouette
Serial Number: K49956
Date of Manufacture: 1981
Caliber: .38 Special and .357 Magnum
Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “Python Silhouette / * .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 “K49956”. The left side of the frame is marked with a Rampant Colt logo. The left side of the grip frame at the top of the trigger guard is marked at the front with “VP” in a triangle and at the back with a “Y”.
Barrel Length: The vent rib barrel with full underlug is 8” in length.
Sights / Optics: This revolver is mounted with a white outline 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 ramped blade pinned to the top of the rib. There is a scope mounted to the top of the barrel rib marked “”M8-2X EXTENDED E.R.” at the objective and with patent dates and “Made In U.S.A.” at the eyepiece. The scope has a bronze medallion on the left side marked “Colt / Leopold” and with the Rampant Colt logo. The outside of the scope shows one or two very light marks. The scope has a duplex reticle, and the lenses appear clear and free of distortion. Overall, the scope rates in about Excellent condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are black checkered walnut with gold colored Colt medallions on each side. They are marked “Presentation Grip / By Pachmayr” on the bottom. The grips show no marks and the checkering is sharp without flaws. The grips rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: All Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 98% of its finish. There is a small mark on the front left corner of the barrel rib and a small mark through the finish on the left side of the barrel about 1 ½” behind the muzzle. There is also a wear mark on the crane pivot from rubbing on the frame and marks in the grooves leading to the bolt stop cuts in the cylinder. The cylinder does not have a drag line. The knurling on the ejector rod and the checkering on the hammer are sharp. The screw heads are mainly sharp but show marks of a screwdriver, except for the rear scope mount screw, which is disfigured. The markings are clear. Overall, this gun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The lock-up on this revolver is SOLID, with no play. The trigger is Extremely smooth in double action, while crisp and light in single action. The action functions correctly. We have not fired this revolver.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes with its factory installed Leopold scope.
Our Assessment: The Colt Python was first introduced in 1955, the same year as Smith & Wesson’s M29 .44 Magnum. The Python targeted the premium revolver market segment, and some firearm collectors and writers such as Jeff Cooper and Ian V. Hogg have described the Python as the finest production revolver ever made. If this revolver is any example, they are certainly right! The tight lockup, smooth action, long heavy barrel and factory installed Leopold scope make this a perfect package for the competition silhouette revolver shooter. It can also be used for hunting small to medium sized game. The Excellent condition of this scoped revolver makes it a great gift for the man who always wanted a Python but never thought he could afford it. This is really a beautiful revolver so please see our pictures for a better description than we can provide in words.
