Description
Item Description
This example, with serial number T02297, was shipped to Sportsman Emporium Ltd. at 1414 Willow Avenue in Melrose Park, VA on April 28, 1983.
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The Python Silver Snake Special Edition Signature Series is a limited edition of 250 units, as mentioned in the factory letter. This model is the first stainless steel model ever produced by the Colt Company. The edition features special elements such as a chemically-etched unfurled banner on the right side of the barrel that reads "LIMITED EDITION" SILVER SNAKE .357 MAGNUM, accompanied by the Custom Shop insignia and the Colt Dome amidst floral design. Similarly, the left side of the barrel is also chemically etched with an unfurled banner, stating "1836 Sam'l Colt 1982" flanked by the Custom Shop insignia and the Colt Dome amidst floral design. Additionally, the side plate is etched with a coiled snake!
Model: Python Silver Snake Special Edition
Serial: T02297
Date of Manufacture: 1983
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Finish: Stainless Steel Black Chrome
Barrel Length: 6" Vent Ribbed
Optics/Sights: Red Ramp Front with White Outline Adjustable Rear
Stock/Grips: Pachmayr with Colt Custom Shop Pweter Medallions
Action: Double
Markings: Standard / Chemically etched on the right side of the barrel is an unfurled banner that reads "LIMITED EDITION" SILVER SNAKE .357 MAGNUM flaked by the Custom Shop insignia and the Colt Dome amid floral design. The left side of the barrel is chemically etched with an unfurled banner and the inscription "1836 Sam'l Colt 1982," flanked by the Custom Shop insignia and the Colt Dome amid floral design. The side plate is etched with a coiled snake.
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.
Contents:
This example will ship with the original Custom Shop-labeled Colt box, matching factory letter, and the above-pictured paperwork! The owner states that this example remains New Old Stock and we see no evidence to indicate otherwise.
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
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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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