Description
Item Description
Click here to view our other Live Auctions!
If you have missed out on this auction or are looking for a particular firearm, contact us. We have 100s of Collector Grade firearms (not on auction) in our inventory and available for immediate purchase.
Click here to let us know what firearms you are searching for!
The Python Hunter was manufactured in 1981, and approximately 2,400 were produced, with hunting enthusiasts being the target audience. This example also comes with all the original contents and the original case!
Model: Python Hunter
Serial: LA827
Date of Manufacture: 1981
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 8" Ventilated Ribbed and Full Lug
Optics/Sights: Pinned Orange Insert Ramp Front, Adjustable White Outline Rear, and Original Factory-Installed Leupold M8-2X Extended E.R. Scope
Stock/Grips: Original Presentation Grip with Inlaid Colt Medallions
Action: Double-Action
Markings: Standard / "Python Hunter" is roll marked on the left side of the barrel.
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 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 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 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.
The Python Model Revolver, one of the finest firearms Colt has ever produced, also came in a special variation known as the Python Hunter. Chambered in .357 Magnum caliber, the Python Hunter had an eight-inch barrel and an elaborate, factory-installed telescopic sight. The grips were neoprene with gold Colt medallions. It also came standard with an aluminum carrying case, made by Halliburton, with a cleaning rod, cartridge case, and instruction manual. The concept for the Python Hunter came from Colt Director of Marketing Thomas A. Thornber. Manufactured in 1981 only, approximately 2,400 were produced, with hunting enthusiasts being the target audience.
Contents:
This example will ship with the original Zero-Halliburton aluminum case with a die-cut foam interior to accommodate the revolver with scope and accessories, a 50-round ammunition case, an ebony cleaning rod with brass muzzle guard, a tool kit consisting of an Allen wrench, a tip and brush for the cleaning rod, a Colt disassembly tool, and a Patridge sight.
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
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
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
Bryant Ridge also reserves the right to cancel any sales that may occur while gunbroker.com is experiencing technical issues that affects the entire site or a complete site outage, within an hour of the auction ending.
We have an amazing inventory of classic and collector firearms that we are adding to Gunbroker daily. Stay up to date on all of our latest auction by adding us to your favorite sellers list.
About Us