Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Auction Company is pleased to present this ICONIC double-action revolver today for a penny-start auction...this is the Colt Python!
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This example is a DESIRABLE First Generation Model made in 1957 with a 4-DIGIT SERIAL and features the 6" vent ribbed barrel with the serrated ramp front sight and changed "Hump Top" version Accro rear sight, blue finish, and fully checkered walnut grips with gold Colt medallions!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Python
Serial: 5163
Date of Manufacture: 1957
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Finish: Royal Blue
Barrel Length: 6" Vent Ribbed
Optics/Sights: Serrated Ramp Front with "Hump Top" Version Accro Rear
Stock/Grips: Original Fully Checkered Walnut with Gold Medallions
Action: Double-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
Originally, the Colt Python 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 so you can 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 weight of the gun. The gun originally had a hollow barrel lug to also 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.
Eventually, the Python was offered in a nickel finish that evolved into a bright, mirror-like stainless steel finish that made the Python one of the most visually impressive firearms on the market. Between 1955, when it was introduced, and 1997, when production ceased for the first-generation Python, more than 750,000 were produced. It found an immediate home in the hands of law enforcement, where the ability to chamber both .357 Mag. and .38 Spl. cartridges gave it a clear advantage over the previously standard .38 Spl. then in common use. Hundreds, if not thousands, of them saw service in Vietnam as private-purchase sidearms for American military officers. In the hands of hunters and competitive target shooters, it had no peer.
Sadly, for many classic wheel guns, the advent of the semi-auto for police work starting in the 1980s knocked the wind out of the market for revolvers, and the Python (along with many other venerable Colt snake-gun series of revolvers) was discontinued. For years, Colt listed the Python in its catalog as “the world’s finest all-around revolver.” By the time the first generation run of Pythons ended, MSRP was $875. Today, collectors can expect a mint-condition, first-generation Python to go for substantially more!
Contents:
This example will ship with the post-factory "Colt" box and paperwork pictured above!
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.
Model: Python
Serial: 5163
Date of Manufacture: 1957
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Finish: Royal Blue
Barrel Length: 6" Vent Ribbed
Optics/Sights: Serrated Ramp Front with "Hump Top" Version Accro Rear
Stock/Grips: Original Fully Checkered Walnut with Gold Medallions
Action: Double-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
Originally, the Colt Python 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 so you can 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 weight of the gun. The gun originally had a hollow barrel lug to also 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.
Eventually, the Python was offered in a nickel finish that evolved into a bright, mirror-like stainless steel finish that made the Python one of the most visually impressive firearms on the market. Between 1955, when it was introduced, and 1997, when production ceased for the first-generation Python, more than 750,000 were produced. It found an immediate home in the hands of law enforcement, where the ability to chamber both .357 Mag. and .38 Spl. cartridges gave it a clear advantage over the previously standard .38 Spl. then in common use. Hundreds, if not thousands, of them saw service in Vietnam as private-purchase sidearms for American military officers. In the hands of hunters and competitive target shooters, it had no peer.
Sadly, for many classic wheel guns, the advent of the semi-auto for police work starting in the 1980s knocked the wind out of the market for revolvers, and the Python (along with many other venerable Colt snake-gun series of revolvers) was discontinued. For years, Colt listed the Python in its catalog as “the world’s finest all-around revolver.” By the time the first generation run of Pythons ended, MSRP was $875. Today, collectors can expect a mint-condition, first-generation Python to go for substantially more!
Contents:
This example will ship with the post-factory "Colt" box and paperwork pictured above!
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 $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping $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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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.
