Colt Model 357
I HAVE A COLT MODEL 357,ONLY FACTORY FIRED,WITH A 3 DIGET S/N,THE ORIGINAL BOX IS FAIR TO PORE,WITH THE FACTORY FIRED TARGET.WHAT IS IT WORTH?
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Just picked one up at the gun shop yesterday. Its a 4 inch in nickel. S# dates it to 1959. The gun is in near perfect condition with a silky smooth trigger pull. I payed 500 bucks out the door and it almost feels like a steal. Anyone know what these pistols are worth at the moment? 0 -
If the nickel is factory you did good. I would definitely get a Colt letter to verify it though. 0 -
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Those guns are great shooters; they are truly the pre Python! The stocks are replacements and I agree with rufe; I'd get a letter to verify that the Colt was originally shipped as a nickel gun. 0 -
It might be your photography, but the finish don't look right to me. The early Colt's from the 50's had a high polish nickel finish, similar to this 4" Python in a photo that I got off the net. Yours has more of a mat finish similar to that found on some of the later production Colts. It's also possible it was sent back to Colt for refinishing though. That's why you need the letter. 0 -
When I first looked at the revolver it was very hard to open the cylinder release and it felt a bit sticky. When I got home and opened her up I found old oil that had dried from long ago. If this gun was redone it was long ago. 0 -
Thanks for the replies I guess I will have to get a letter from colt to know for sure. 0 -
It would appear to be a Electroless Nickle finish. Back in the early 80's a company called Nitex from Texas was among the first to offer this , so yes it could have been done a "long" time ago..just feels like last week to me! 0 -
I'd save the $75; even if the refinishing was done by Colt (unlikely, as they referred requests for plating to Pittsburgh Handgun for many years), a factory letter wouldn't increase the value. If it was worked on by Colt, you will likely find a mark stamped on the frame under the grips.
Neal0 -
Is the red on the front sight just painted or an insert? It looks like it is painted, but if it is an insert, then it has been modified. If just paint, then it can be easily removed if need be.
Also, I just noticed that it doesn't appear to have a target hammer. If it doesn't, then the original stocks would have been full checkered service stocks; not the full checkered target stocks. If the left side frame screw that is covered by the left target stock panel is original and has a round head, then that would indicate service stocks; if it has a flat head, then target stocks.
I also agree with rufe, the finish looks too matt appearing for the period. Good luck with the Archive Letter configuration. I believe a letter for your gun will cost $75 with a 3-4 month wait for delivery.0 -
Looks like a round screw but not sure. Funny about the front sight I didn't even notice that. It was a piece of red tape. Hope these pics help. 0 -
Yes, it is a round head screw. With that screw and non-target hammer, it would have come from the factory with the full checkered service stocks.
If the gun has been refinished, and I suspect it has, someone did a nice job in my opinion!!!!!!0 -
I had one I bought in the eighties for a $150.00. Most accurate revolver I ever owned. The grips looked like the one in the photo. Have fun with it. 0 -
Great price for a great find............[:D] 0
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