Make: Colt
Model: Python Catalog No. I3660
Serial Number: 83909E
Date of Manufacture: 1977 / Modern
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver With Swing Out Cylinder
Barrel Length: The vent rib barrel with full underlug is 6".
Sights / Optics: The rear sight is a square notch adjustable for windage and elevation that is pinned to the top strap of the frame. The front sight is a serrated ramp 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 two-piece checkered walnut with gold-colored Colt medallions. The grips have a few light nicks, most notable at the bottom edges. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 99% of its finish. The balance is mostly in minor operational wear. The unfinished side-faces of the hammer have some tiny spots of oxidation. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lock-up on this revolver is SOLID, with no play when the trigger is depressed. The trigger is smooth in double action, and crisp in single action. We have not fired this revolver. This revolver has a wide target style hammer and a serrated trigger.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes in a faux-wood cardboard box with serial-matching label and an assortment of Colt paperwork including a newer-vintage Python manual.
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 original Colt Python revolvers were discontinued in 2005, so the price for these fantastic weapons are just going to continue to appreciate. Colt revived this iconic piece in 2020, but they just don't make them like they used to. These vintage 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 6" example which appears to have seen minimal use over the last 49 years. It has minor operational wear, but otherwise retains about 99% of its metal finish. The bore is bright and the mechanics are strong. With its original box, this will make just as great of a collector piece as it will a shooter.
