*SOLD* 1962 Colt Python .357 Magnum 4" *FACTORY REFINISHED SATIN NICKEL FINISH*
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.
Specifications:
Serial: 22681
Date of Manufacture: 1962
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Finish: Satin Nickel
Barrel Length: 4"
Optics/Sights: Pinned Serrated Ramp Front with Adjustable Rear
Stock/Grips: Black "Pachmayr" Grips
Action: Double/Single-Action
Markings: Standard
Recent Posts
-
*SOLD* Smith Wesson Model 915 9mm Blue 4 1/4" *ACCURATE & RELIABLE PERFORMANCE* ORIGINAL BOX & PAPERS
Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Smith & Wesson Model 915 is highly regarded for its exceptional rel …May 29th 2025 -
*SOLD* Glock 44 .22LR Black 4" *FANTASTIC PLINKING / EVERY DAY CARRY PISTOL*
Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Glock 44 is a standout addition to Glock's renowned lineup, offering th …May 29th 2025 -
*SOLD* 2013 Smith Wesson 629-6 .44 Mag 5" *INCREDIBLE CLASSIC MODEL "DIRTY HARRY"*
Bryant Ridge's Analysis: The Smith & Wesson Model 629-6 is a powerful and versatile revolver cha …May 29th 2025