Colt .357 revolver 6" brl

[mandolinboy7]

I'd like a little info on a Colt .357.
I friend of mine bought this revolver in '56 up in Jersey for $90.00.
It seems to be in good to excellent condition with the box. It's in a brown paper box with Colt on top and Colt .357 Revolver 6 inch Barrel on end of box.

I'd like to know if this gun is very collectable and approx. value.
Thanks guys, Kirk

PS: by the way it has a full checkered grips and target sights.

 

[guy sajer]

Look like this ?

Probably bring $450-500 in the condition you describe . Prices will vary in diffrerent parts of the country .

Great gun . Buy it if you can .

 

[mandolinboy7]

Yeah Mitch, that's the gun. Why are these great? I think what attracts me to this one is that it looks sorta old style. thanks, Kirk

 

[Dfariswheel]

For why the Python is so great, read this recent post:
http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=152407

1956 was the second year Python's were made, and these are sought after by both collectors and shooters.

If this Python still has the original fully checkered Colt factory grips, the grips alone bring $100.00 PLUS on Ebay.

 

[guy sajer]

For why the Python is so great ....

...Why are these great?...

Very good explanation on the Python . However , I believe that he was asking about the Colt 357 model . But , I think some of the reasons for the Python's "greatness" will coincide with the "357" being they use the same action .

I prefer the Model 357 personally because of it's balance and pointability . As cliche' as this sounds , it hits where I point it . It's almost like you can't miss .

 

[Majic]

The "357" is probably the best well kept secret of all the Colts that were ever made. Most people see them and think it is just a Trooper. Collectability rates about the same as any Colt, but it's shooting ability rates it up with the best of them.

 

[Dfariswheel]

Sorry, blew that one by not more closely reading the original post.

The 357 is often described as a "pre-Python". In fact, the only difference between the 357 and the Python is the Python's barrel and the much higher blued finish and the extra polishing and fitting of the action.

The 357 is a "sleeper" in that most people never heard of it, and overlook it, thinking it's just a Trooper.

An added attraction of the 357 is the low production, with only about 15,000 made between 1954 and 1960.

 

[4V50 Gary]

Opps. Dfariswheel, I'm one of those who thought mine was a MK I Trooper. I'd better find it and look a little more closely.