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 357!
The Colt Three-Five-Seven is the predecessor to the world renowned Colt Python and is feverishly sought after by colt collectors around the world!
The Colt Model 357 is a limited manufactured model of only 15,000 produced from 1953-1961
The Colt Three-Five-Seven is the predecessor to the world renowned Colt Python and is feverishly sought after by colt collectors around the world!
The Colt Model 357 is a limited manufactured model of only 15,000 produced from 1953-1961
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: 3-5-7 "Three Five Seven"
Serial: 15431
Date of Manufacture: 1958
Caliber: .357 Mag
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 6"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Blade on Serrated Ramp Front/Adjustable Rear
Stock/Grips: Checkered Walnut with Inlaid Colt Medallions
Action: Double
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
In the early 1950's Colt began to upgrade it's product line by adding new models and upgrading old ones. After the war ended, Colt had made a marketing error in assuming that the post-War customers would continue to buy the same fixed sight, .38 Special revolvers they'd bought before the war.
Colt had assumed that the .357 Magnum would be a cartridge bought only by a few customers, so they'd largely ignored it. With the large frame New Service model discontinued during the war, Colt didn't have any double action revolver in it's line that could be chambered for the powerful Magnum round.
Realizing they'd made an error, Colt decided to develop a new revolver specifically for the Magnum round and they shook up the gun world with what they developed. Accepting that many buyers would now demand adjustable sights on revolvers, Colt developed a new series of medium framed, adjustable sighted holster revolvers to meet the need.
For those buyers who wanted an inexpensive service type revolver, Colt developed the Trooper series. These would be .38 Special adjustable sighted revolvers aimed at the law enforcement market.
Following a common practice, they also offered a .22LR version for use as a training revolver to complement the .38 Special model.
These Trooper models were really nothing more than 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 desire for a .357 Magnum holster gun, Colt developed a totally new concept: a .357 Magnum revolver built on a medium frame.
Prior to this, all .357 revolvers had been built on large frames, 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. Colt had used this basic medium frame since the Army Special of 1908.
For use with the Magnum round, Colt changed the medium "E" frame with it's 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 treating to increase it's 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 357 model outwardly had a close resemblance to the new Trooper models, since they used the same frame size and action. The new 357 and Trooper were virtually indistinguishable without a close inspection.
While the Trooper was to be a lower cost model, the new 357 was to be 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, buyers wanting the .357 Magnum cartridge or wanting a higher quality gun would buy the 357.
Things got confused in 1955 when Colt introduced the "Super Premium" Colt Python. Buyers wanting a cheaper gun continued to buy the Trooper, but those wanting a better gun were buying the new Python. This left the 357 as odd man out, and in 1961 Colt discontinued the 357 model after about 15,000 had been produced.
Condition and Contents:
As you can see in the many high resolution photos, this Colt is in Excellent condition showing what we believe to be much less than average evidence of use over the years that we can see!
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: 3-5-7 "Three Five Seven"
Serial: 15431
Date of Manufacture: 1958
Caliber: .357 Mag
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 6"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Blade on Serrated Ramp Front/Adjustable Rear
Stock/Grips: Checkered Walnut with Inlaid Colt Medallions
Action: Double
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
In the early 1950's Colt began to upgrade it's product line by adding new models and upgrading old ones. After the war ended, Colt had made a marketing error in assuming that the post-War customers would continue to buy the same fixed sight, .38 Special revolvers they'd bought before the war.
Colt had assumed that the .357 Magnum would be a cartridge bought only by a few customers, so they'd largely ignored it. With the large frame New Service model discontinued during the war, Colt didn't have any double action revolver in it's line that could be chambered for the powerful Magnum round.
Realizing they'd made an error, Colt decided to develop a new revolver specifically for the Magnum round and they shook up the gun world with what they developed. Accepting that many buyers would now demand adjustable sights on revolvers, Colt developed a new series of medium framed, adjustable sighted holster revolvers to meet the need.
For those buyers who wanted an inexpensive service type revolver, Colt developed the Trooper series. These would be .38 Special adjustable sighted revolvers aimed at the law enforcement market.
Following a common practice, they also offered a .22LR version for use as a training revolver to complement the .38 Special model.
These Trooper models were really nothing more than 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 desire for a .357 Magnum holster gun, Colt developed a totally new concept: a .357 Magnum revolver built on a medium frame.
Prior to this, all .357 revolvers had been built on large frames, 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. Colt had used this basic medium frame since the Army Special of 1908.
For use with the Magnum round, Colt changed the medium "E" frame with it's 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 treating to increase it's 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 357 model outwardly had a close resemblance to the new Trooper models, since they used the same frame size and action. The new 357 and Trooper were virtually indistinguishable without a close inspection.
While the Trooper was to be a lower cost model, the new 357 was to be 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, buyers wanting the .357 Magnum cartridge or wanting a higher quality gun would buy the 357.
Things got confused in 1955 when Colt introduced the "Super Premium" Colt Python. Buyers wanting a cheaper gun continued to buy the Trooper, but those wanting a better gun were buying the new Python. This left the 357 as odd man out, and in 1961 Colt discontinued the 357 model after about 15,000 had been produced.
Condition and Contents:
As you can see in the many high resolution photos, this Colt is in Excellent condition showing what we believe to be much less than average evidence of use over the years that we can see!
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 $65.00
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.
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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