Make: Colt

Model: Python, Catalog No. I3640

Serial Number: 50338

Date of Manufacture: 1965

Caliber: .357 Magnum

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

Barrel Length: 4"

Sights / Optics: The rear sight is a square notch adjustable for windage and elevation that is pinned to the top strap. The front sight is a serrated, ramped blade pinned to the front of the rib. The top of the rib and top strap have a matte finish to reduce glare.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with gold-colored Colt medallions. The grips have even handling wear. The checkering is slightly smoothed, but generally well defined. There are some nicks, mostly around the bottom edges. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, just a little stubborn fouling. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 95% of its metal finish. The balance is mostly in light handling wear in the backstrap. The finish is thinning at most corners and a few edges, most notable at the muzzle on the left. The action shows minor operational wear including a thin, light turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Fine condition.

Mechanics: 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: 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 like the originals, 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 a 4″ example which appears to have seen little use over the last 60 years. There's a little bit of handling wear in the backstrap, but the revolver is otherwise in great shape with a bright bore and strong mechanics. This will make for a nice Python you can add to your collection and actually take out shooting without feeling like you're ruining an unfired collector's piece. Please see our pictures and good luck!