COLT 357 Magnum .357 Mag 6” DA/SA Double Action Revolver MFD 1961 C&R
Archival record: Specifications and condition reflect the firearm as listed at the time of auction.
Final Auction Price: $1,113.99
Identification
MMA#: 250929TJ001
Make: Colt
Model: 357, “Three Fifty-Seven”
Serial Number: 29781
Year of Manufacture: 1961
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Action Type: Double and Single Action Revolver with 6 Shot Swing Out Cylinder
Barrel Length: 6 Inches
Sights / Optics
The front sight is a serrated ramped blade fixed to a serrated ramped base attached to the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable square notch leaf pinned into the top strap. The top strap has a matte finish to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration and Condition
The grips are replacement two piece checkered walnut with smooth borders and Colt medallions. The panels are slightly shy of the metal around the borders. There is no significant wear or damage. The checkering is sharp and there are no chips or cracks. The grips are in Excellent condition as replacements.
Type of Finish
Blued
Finish Originality
Original
Bore Condition
The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion. In this writer’s opinion, it rates 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition
This revolver retains about 94 percent of its metal finish. The cylinder has a few small spots of oxidation. There is light thinning on most edges and some light scratching on the right side of the barrel. There is minor finish loss around the crown. The screw heads are sharp and the markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Fine condition.
Mechanics
The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with no play when the trigger is depressed. Double action is smooth and single action is crisp. This firearm has not been test fired. A full cleaning may be needed to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork and Accessories
Included is a two piece Colt cardboard box that is not original to the revolver.
Our Assessment
When Colt introduced the 357 in 1954, it represented the company’s premium large bore service revolver, essentially an upgraded Trooper fitted with a wide spur hammer, target stocks, and chambered for the powerful .357 Magnum. Production of the 357 ended in 1962 with only about 15,000 made, making the model one of Colt’s scarcer mid century revolvers. Its greatest competition came from inside the Colt family: the Python, introduced just a year later in 1955, which quickly overshadowed nearly every other Colt double action revolver.
Despite living in the shadow of the Python, the Colt 357 remains an outstanding and well built revolver in its own right. This 1961 example is in Fine condition with excellent mechanics, a bright bore, and crisp lockup. For Colt completists or anyone who appreciates the company’s early magnum era craftsmanship, the Three Fifty Seven is a fascinating and collectible piece. Please see our photos and good luck.
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