Colt Model Python I3640 .357 Magnum Blue 4″ 6-Shot SA/DA Double Action Revolver & Box, 1974

SOLD FOR: $1,795.00
LSB#: 180719JH11

Make: Colt

Model: Python, Model I3640

Serial Number: E75496

Date of Manufacture: 1974

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 crane cut and the crane are marked with the serial number, the crane cut is also marked “J” under the serial number marking. 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 “6”.

Barrel Length: The vent rib barrel with full underlug is 4”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated, ramped blade with red plastic insert pinned to the front of the rib. The rear sight is a square-notch, white-outlined leaf in a base pinned to the topstrap, adjustable for windage and elevation. Also included is a front sight blade without insert and a rear sight leaf without outline with a pair of pins for the front sight blade.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered wood panels with gold-colored Colt medallions at their tops. The grips have scattered light compressions, drag-lines and light wear, mostly in the smooth portions outside the checkering. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering shows light wear from handling but is well defined. 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 90% of its finish. Most of the finish loss is in holster wear at the front of the barrel and under-lug on each side, the bottom-front corners of the frame at the hinge and on the outside of the cylinder to the left of each flute. The finish is thinning at most edges. The cylinder has a very faint turn line. Each side of the frame has some light scuffing under the tops of the grips, concealed when the grips are installed, there are a few light freckles scattered in the topstrap and there are some light tool marks around the frame’s screw heads. The trigger guard has a spot of wear at the left edge toward the front. The backstrap shows light handling wear with some frosting at the shoulder toward the top. The side faces of the hammer have some very light freckling. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this gun rates in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The lock-up on this revolver is SOLID, with no play. The double action trigger is smooth, the single action is crisp. The action functions correctly. 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 in a two-piece cardboard Colt box with red interior which has a label which correctly describes the revolver but does not have a serial number, an assortment of factory paperwork including manual, Colt multi-head screwdriver tool and the replacement sight parts as described. The box has light wear at edges and corners with a tear at one corner of the lid, in about Very Good 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 a carry gun. This revolver is in Very Good condition with holster wear but little operational wear. Colt isn’t making more Pythons at the moment and Pythons in almost any condition are treated as investment pieces more than firearms in most cases. If you’re looking for a Python to shoot, this is one to take a look at. It already has all the wear one would expect from use and none of the damage one would expect from abuse, so shooting it will likely not affect future value while allowing you to actually use your Python. 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 does not apply to out of state residents.