Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Auction Company is pleased to present this DESIRABLE double-action revolver for a penny-start auction; this is the Colt Python!
According to Colt legend, the 2 ½ inch Python revolver originated from a playful prank by two of the company's managers. The pair aimed to amuse themselves by shortening a standard Python revolver's barrel to just 2 ½ inches, a length deemed impractical and even absurd at the time. However, the joke took an unexpected turn when the senior manager, upon handling the modified revolver, was impressed by its feel and functionality, so much so that he decided to put the unique snubby Python into production. Despite early doubts about the practicality of a short-barreled revolver coupled with the powerful .357 Magnum's heavy muzzle blast, the Colt Python 2 ½ inch quickly gained favor and became a popular choice. Today, these rare and distinctive revolvers are highly sought-after by collectors, celebrated for their unique history and scarce availability.
According to the included factor letter, this example was shipped to National Gun Traders Inc. at 251 S.W. 22nd Avenue in Miami, Florida, on July 6, 1970.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Python
Serial: E4340
Date of Manufacture: 1970
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Finish: Nickel
Barrel Length: 2 ½" Ventilated Ribbed and Full Lug
Optics/Sights: Pinned Serrated Ramp Front with Adjustable Rear
Stock/Grips: Checkered Walnut with Gold Colt Medallions
Action: Double/Single-Action Revolver
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
Smith & Wesson’s dominance in the .357 Mag. market changed forever in 1955; however, when Colt introduced its first revolver chambered in .357 Mag: the Python. By all accounts, Colt executives also considered this to be the finest revolver the company produced at the time. No expense was spared in the manufacturing process, from the revolver’s timing and lock-up to its Royal Blue finish, this would be the pinnacle of Colt’s manufacturing prowess and remains—to this day—one of the finest revolvers ever made, no matter the caliber.
Model: Python
Serial: E4340
Date of Manufacture: 1970
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Finish: Nickel
Barrel Length: 2 ½" Ventilated Ribbed and Full Lug
Optics/Sights: Pinned Serrated Ramp Front with Adjustable Rear
Stock/Grips: Checkered Walnut with Gold Colt Medallions
Action: Double/Single-Action Revolver
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
Smith & Wesson’s dominance in the .357 Mag. market changed forever in 1955; however, when Colt introduced its first revolver chambered in .357 Mag: the Python. By all accounts, Colt executives also considered this to be the finest revolver the company produced at the time. No expense was spared in the manufacturing process, from the revolver’s timing and lock-up to its Royal Blue finish, this would be the pinnacle of Colt’s manufacturing prowess and remains—to this day—one of the finest revolvers ever made, no matter the caliber.
Originally, it was introduced in Colt’s spectacular Royal Blue finish with a 6-inch-barrel length. Most folks will tell you that a vent rib on a gun barrel is for heat dispensation to maintain accuracy without being thrown off by the wiggly, mirage-like blurriness caused by excessive heat rising off the barrel. That all makes sense, but the designer of the Python, Al Gunther, stated that the vents were primarily there to reduce the gun's weight. The gun originally had a hollow barrel lug also to reduce weight, but it still came in at 43 ounces. Eventually, the barrel lugs were made solid to add weight to the gun at the barrel end.
Subsequently, the Python was offered in 2.5-, 3-, 4-, 6- and 8-inch barrel lengths, and some 8-inch Pythons came factory equipped with a hunting scope, making the Python the first revolver to be equipped—out of the box—ready for hunting. Incorporating Colt Accro and Elliason rear sights allowed the gun to be zeroed for windage and elevation. The oil-finished, checkered American walnut grips with the gold Colt medallion rounded out the presentation that came with a whopping $125 price tag—almost double the MSRP of Colt’s Trooper model. Demands were made for other finishes besides Royal Blue, so over the years, Colt offered the Python in Bright Nickel, satin electroless nickel known as "Coltguard," and in the early 1980s in satin stainless steel, and in bright mirror polished stainless steel, variously known as Bright Polish or Ultimate Polish. Between 1955, when it was introduced, and 1997, when production ceased for the first-generation Python, more than 750,000 were produced.
Contents:
Contents:
This example will ship with the matching factory Colt letter pictured above and remains in Absolute Superb Condition!
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
