Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Auction Company is pleased to present this limited-production double-action revolver today for a penny-start auction; this is the Colt Model Three-Fifty-Seven "357!"
The Colt Three-Five-Seven, a predecessor to the famous Colt Python, greatly appeals to Colt collectors worldwide. This limited edition model was produced between 1953 and 1961, with only 15,000 units produced. The specific example being referred to is a last-year production model, adding to its rarity and desirability among enthusiasts!
The Colt Three-Five-Seven, a predecessor to the famous Colt Python, greatly appeals to Colt collectors worldwide. This limited edition model was produced between 1953 and 1961, with only 15,000 units produced. The specific example being referred to is a last-year production model, adding to its rarity and desirability among enthusiasts!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Three-Fifty-Seven "357"
Serial: 28021
Date of Manufacture: 1961
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 4"
Optics/Sights: Ramped Blade on Ramp Base Front with Adjustable Rear
Stock/Grips: Second Type Target "Half Moon" Checkering Border under the Silver Colt Medallions
Action: Double-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
In the early 1950s, Colt began upgrading its product line by introducing new models and enhancing existing ones. After the war, Colt made a marketing error by assuming that post-war customers would continue purchasing the same fixed sight .38 Special revolvers they had bought before the war. They had also assumed that the .357 Magnum cartridge would only be bought by a few customers, so they largely ignored it. However, with the large frame New Service model discontinued during the war, Colt did not have any double-action revolver in its line that could be chambered for the powerful Magnum round.
Model: Three-Fifty-Seven "357"
Serial: 28021
Date of Manufacture: 1961
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 4"
Optics/Sights: Ramped Blade on Ramp Base Front with Adjustable Rear
Stock/Grips: Second Type Target "Half Moon" Checkering Border under the Silver Colt Medallions
Action: Double-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
In the early 1950s, Colt began upgrading its product line by introducing new models and enhancing existing ones. After the war, Colt made a marketing error by assuming that post-war customers would continue purchasing the same fixed sight .38 Special revolvers they had bought before the war. They had also assumed that the .357 Magnum cartridge would only be bought by a few customers, so they largely ignored it. However, with the large frame New Service model discontinued during the war, Colt did not have any double-action revolver in its line that could be chambered for the powerful Magnum round.
Realizing their mistake, Colt developed a new revolver specifically for the Magnum round, shaking up the gun world with its creation. Recognizing that many buyers would now demand adjustable sights on revolvers, Colt developed a new series of medium-framed, adjustable-sighted holster revolvers to meet this demand. For buyers seeking an inexpensive service-type revolver, Colt developed the Trooper series. These .38 Special adjustable-sighted revolvers were aimed at the law enforcement market. As a common practice, they also offered a .22LR version for use as a training revolver to complement the .38 Special model.
The Trooper models were essentially the Colt Officer's Model Match fitted with a heavy barrel with a ramp-type front sight on a large ramped base. To meet the demand for a .357 Magnum holster gun, Colt developed a completely new concept: a .357 Magnum revolver built on a medium frame. Prior to this, all .357 revolvers had been built on large frames, with Colt using the New Service frame and S&W using their large "N" frame. The new medium-frame revolver was built on a modified and strengthened Colt medium frame, which had been used since the Army Special of 1908.
For use with the Magnum round, Colt changed the medium "E" frame with its hammer-mounted firing pin to a new design with a spring-loaded firing pin mounted inside the frame. To withstand the much higher pressures of the .357, Colt gave the frame and cylinder of the new gun special heat treatment to increase its strength. This new frame design was named the "I" frame. The new gun was ready in 1953 and Colt gave it a unique name: The Colt 357. This was both the name and caliber.
The Colt 357 outwardly bore a close resemblance to the new Trooper models, as they used the same frame size and action. The new 357 and Trooper were virtually indistinguishable without close inspection. While the Trooper was a lower-cost model, the new 357 was Colt's premium model holster revolver, with a more carefully fitted and tuned action and a better external finish. The idea was that law enforcement and civilian buyers wanting a less expensive adjustable sight revolver would buy the Trooper, while buyers wanting the .357 Magnum cartridge or a higher quality gun would buy the 357. Things became confused in 1955 when Colt introduced the "Super Premium" Colt Python. Buyers seeking a cheaper gun continued to buy the Trooper, but those wanting a better gun opted for the new Python. This left the 357 as the odd man out, and in 1961, Colt discontinued the 357 model after producing about 15,000 units.
Contents:
This example will ship with the original colt box serialized on the bottom and the 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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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.
