*SOLD* 2022 Colt Python .357 Stainless 3" *EXCELLENT NEW MODEL SNAKE REVOLVER*

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. The incorporation of Colt Accro and Elliason rear sights allowed the gun to be zeroed for both 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.
 
The reintroduction of the Colt Python under SKU PYTHON-SP3WTS represents a thoughtful blend of classic design and modern engineering, reinforcing Colt’s commitment to its legendary Snake Gun heritage. This new iteration retains the iconic styling that made the Python a collector’s favorite, while incorporating substantial upgrades to improve performance and durability. Notably, the use of modern stainless steel alloys and a redesigned rear sight system—with 30% more steel beneath the adjustable target sight—enhances both structural integrity and recoil management, providing a more robust shooting experience. The inclusion of a recessed target crown underscores Colt’s attention to accuracy, while the user-interchangeable front sight adds a layer of customization for discerning shooters. Complementing these functional improvements is the elegant Walnut grip, inlaid with the traditional Colt medallion, which connects the revolver to its historical roots. Overall, the updated Python is not just a revival of a classic—it’s a precision firearm designed for performance, aesthetics, and the modern shooter’s expectations.

Specificaions:

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Python
Serial: PY238082
Date of Manufacture: 2022
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Finish: Stainless
Barrel Length: 3" Ventilated Rib and Full Lug Barrel 
Optics/Sights: Pinned Serrated Red Insert Ramp Front with Adjustable Rear
Stock/Grips: Checkered Wood with Silver Colt Medallions
Action: Double/Single-Action Revolver
Markings: Standard

May 14th 2025 Bryant Ridge

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