Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Auction Company is pleased to present this ULTRA-RARE double-action revolver for auction today, this is the Colt Python Target!
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The year 1980 saw the introduction of the Python Target, a variant of Colt's Python revolver. This particular model was equipped with an 8-inch barrel and chambered for the .38 Special cartridge. The Python Target was designed with precision shooting in mind and quickly became a favorite among competitive shooters. The Python Target was produced in limited quantities and finished in two distinct colors. Specifically, only 3,489 units were finished in the highly sought-after Royal Blue, while a mere 1,962 were finished in nickel. These limited-edition finishes are prized by collectors and firearm enthusiasts alike!
According to the included Colt Factory Letter, this example with serial number LA8845 was shipped on September 26, 1980, with a nickel finish and an 8" barrel to Howco Distributor In. 122 Lafayette Avenue Laurel, Maryland in a shipment of eight! Remarks: It is of further interest to note the Python Target Model was produced from 1980 to 1985, with only 1,962 being produced in the nickel finish.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Python Target
Serial: LA8845
Date of Manufacture: 1980
Caliber: .38 Special
Finish: Nickel
Barrel Length: 8" Full-Lug Barrel with Ventilated Rib
Optics/Sights: Pinned Serrated Ramp Front with Adjustable Micrometer Click Rear
Stock/Grips: Black Pachmayr Grips with Checkering and Gold Colt Medallions
Action: Double/Single-Action
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. 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 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:
Model: Python Target
Serial: LA8845
Date of Manufacture: 1980
Caliber: .38 Special
Finish: Nickel
Barrel Length: 8" Full-Lug Barrel with Ventilated Rib
Optics/Sights: Pinned Serrated Ramp Front with Adjustable Micrometer Click Rear
Stock/Grips: Black Pachmayr Grips with Checkering and Gold Colt Medallions
Action: Double/Single-Action
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. 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 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:
This example will ship with the labeled post factory box, Colt Letter, and paperwork! According to the owner, this example is in new old stock 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.
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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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