Colt Python Target Model 1 of 3,489 Blue 8″ 38 SPL Double Action Revolver, 1st GUN MADE IN 1980!

Sold For: $3,026.99

LSB#: 170303GO01

Make: Colt

Model: Python

Serial Number: K01001

Date of Manufacture: According to http://www.guncollectorsclub.com/python.htm, this was the very first Python made in 1980. They started the year off right!

Caliber: .38 Special

Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver With Swing Out Cylinder

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “PYTHON TARGET / * .38 SPECIAL 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 rear of the cylinder is marked “38 SPL”. 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 “E”.

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 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 checkered walnut with gold-colored Colt medallions, both enclose the front strap and the bottom of the grip frame. The butt of both panels have dings and scrapes, the left has a crescent removal of wood around the screw hole. A few minor compression marks in the checkers and smooth borders are seen on both. No cracks are found, both meet flush on the fore strap. The grips are in about Fine Plus condition.

Type of Finish: High Luster 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 90+% of its finish. The rib and front sight have scattered dings and scuffing marks. The underside of the barrel and trigger guard have rubbing wear and a few tiny spots of frosting. The cylinder’s drag mark has not pierced the finish, the pistol was probably not shot very often relative to its age. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this gun rates in about Fine Plus to Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The lock-up on this revolver is SOLID, with no play. The trigger is Extremely smooth in double action, and crisp in single action. The action functions correctly. We have not fired this revolver. This revolver has a wide target style hammer and a serrated trigger.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The revolver comes with a Pachmayr Gripper stock, which completely covers the grip frame, providing finger grooves and flank checkers. The stock has minor marks, in Fine condition.

Our Assessment: The Colt Python was first introduced in 1955, the same year as Smith & Wesson’s M29 .44 Magnum. The now discontinued Python targeted the premium revolver market, 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 and heavy barrel make this a perfect choice for home protection, target shooting and even as a carry gun, though this one is a Target Python, of which under 3500 were made. This one was the first Python made in 1980, according to our source, making it a neat addition outside of the HUGE 8″ barrel and unique .38 Special only chambering. The Colt Python revolvers are no longer being made, so the price for these fantastic weapons is just going to continue to appreciate. This revolver also makes the perfect gift for someone who always wanted one but never got around to buying one when they were still in production.