Colt .357 Magnum -- first year production!

So I found this thread to get some more info on the 357 since one was for sale locally. Well, I bought it today. It's a nice 6" model with most of the blueing intact. There is a little wear on the front of the cylinder. A quick search on the colt website puts it at 1956. I'm really impressed with this gun. The action is nice and smooth and the trigger in single action is super crisp. There is no end shake and the cylinder gap is nice and tight. The only big flaw, if you can call it that, is it doesn't have the original stocks, there are some right handed target grips on it now. So why was the guy selling it? To free up some cash from a bucket list purchase - he bought a Python. He wanted to raise some quick cash so he included the rug, a speed loader, Hogue monogrip, and a Safariland holster. The holster is made for a Smith and doesn't fit this gun well so I'll probably sell it since don't have anything else that fits it. Maybe someday I'll get a Python too, but for now I'll enjoy this one.

Here are some pics:

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The only big flaw, if you can call it that, is it doesn't have the original stocks,
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Well thats a fixable issue. The other issue however is that someone polished the trigger and I think the hammer as well. While not a big deal, sometimes this is done with a re blue. I'm not trying to bust balls or anything. I like to know such info when its the other way around. Nice gun overall.
 
KyJim:

Thanks for the compliment on the engraving. It looks much better in person because in my above photo the flash from my camera washed out the deep bluing on my Colt .357. But, the engraving is very simple and is very pleasing to the eyes. I have never seen another engraved Colt .357.:eek::)
 
Winchester 73:

I understand your appreciation for my NIB 1959 Trooper .22. But, it would take alot to pry this revolver from me. It is very special to me, because it came as a complete package-mint box, shipper, test target, Colt sight tool, brush etc!:D
 
The other issue however is that someone polished the trigger and I think the hammer as well. While not a big deal, sometimes this is done with a re blue.
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Yeah, I didn't notice my trigger wasn't blued until I uploaded the pictures and compared my pics to the others. The seller wasn't the original owner and didn't have it that long either so he didn't have any info on its history. I did call Colt about the serial number to confirm what the website said but they couldn't give me any more info unless I bought a history report for $100! It does make me wonder though why it was polished.
 
Colt Model 357 (1959) with a 6" barrel:

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It's 1960 Officers Model Match (.22LR) cousin:

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In single-action, these are the two finest revolvers I own.
 
mine is a 1961 model. I bought mine from brother in laws dad he bought new and was his carry gun while hunting. The finish is not the best from holster wear but gun is tight and the action is smooth as silk. I used it this year to carry while hunting and shot it a bit I love the balance and feel with the 4" barrel. I have the original target grips but it wears a set of j scott faux ivory. These are great guns hard decision to carry it or my model 27-2. I will try to post pics later
 
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