Colt .357 Magnum from 1959

Hoping someone on here can point me in the right direction. I have a revolver from when my grandfather passed away a number of years ago and I don't really know anything about it. I'm not really interested in keeping it for any reason, so I mentioned it to the guys at my work (all retired police and military). I'm just trying to get an idea of how much this might be worth or if I should actually hold onto it myself.

All I've been able to figure out is it is a Colt .357 model (pre python?) it has no other model name on it, just says Colt .357 in big print with .357 magnum ctg. in small print under it on the left side of the barrel and he bought it in Dec. 1959, the serial # is 20580. It is a 6 shot, double action revolver with a 4" (if I measured right) barrel. It is made of nickel (? dark blue/black) with a wood grip. It is in very good condition.

I can't really find much info on the pre-python .357 models in terms of value. Any info or links to other sites is appreciated.

Not so great cell pics, but best I can do at the moment.

 

Did a quick search and found this. They don't show any pictures of it, but it seems to fit in with the correct time period.

Sounds like a pretty cool revolver. If it were me, I'd hang on to it.

 

I'd hang on to it if it were mine. You never know what it might be worth someday, and it was your grandfathers. It just sounds like something cool to own.

 

Great link! Thanks...yup looks like the Premium Model 357 which was made from 1953-1962, so this might be a rare model...?

All the gun auction sites I've checked so far keep giving me the python and trooper models . Edit: just found one listed and it says these are a rare model, they go for about $400-500 in fair/good condition.


I'm thinking about keeping it, but I still want to know what its worth and learn a little about it. I've had it in a box for about 7 years and never even thought about it.

 

This says pretty much the same thing. I'd be curious if it shoots on the same level as a python.

 

Unless you are strapped for cash and really need the money, I would hold onto it. You may have a child or a spouse etc. that would really appreciate that firearm someday and be glad that it was a part of your family. Hang on to it!

 

Yup, I'd found that in my searches, thanks.
I wouldn't know how it shoots compared to a python, I've never shot either and not really into revolvers. I have a Walther P22 and a H&K USPC .40 . But that is a good question .

I don't need the money, but I won't have any children and my 'spouse' never knew my grandfather so he isn't interested in it. I don't have a large family, so there won't be anyone worth passing it on to.
I'll hold onto it for awhile and maybe in the future sell it to someone who is a collector and would appreciate it, by then it will probably be extremely rare. It's 50yrs old now, so in another 20yrs who knows. I never knew my grandfather had guns before he passed away, so it doesn't have any significant memories attached to it. I wish I knew the history of the gun and why my grandpa had it, from the dates it looks like he bought it when he was a Marine, he was 24 and was in the Vietnam War. He didn't really talk about his service though .

But I will be holding onto it . I wonder if I could find my grandfathers military history?

 

As far as I can tell comparing it to others on websites, but I can't find much to compare it to for accuracy. They are wood and 'full waffle' but there is that black extended area on the front that I'm not so sure about.

 

Yeah, I know there are replacement plastic grips and non-waffle grips which significantly decrease the value. I've been trying to figure out if the grips are original, but no luck so far. It was mentioned to call Colt direct, but I haven't had a chance. I don't trust taking it to a gun shop in town for accurate info.

 

I haven't posted up anything just yet, gun sites are blocked at work . I'll get around to it some day at home. I did some browsing on some forums though and basically found stuff like afd23a posted above ^^ people not knowing 357 is the model.

 

Thanks

 

looks to be in really nice shape!! You should keep it!

 

I would keep it since Colt doesn't make consumer fire arms anymore. Make a nice heirloom!

 

If you keep it--and, if I were you, I would--you should know that you can shoot the somewhat lower powered .38 Special cartridges in a .357 gun. (Despite the names of the cartridges, they are the same diameter.)

If the kick of the .357 bothers you, then moving down to the lower powered .38 would make it a useable gun for you.

 

Thanks, I don't plan on ever shooting it. One of the guys at work says it looks like it has barely been fired, something about there being not many marks on the outside of the cylinder.
I'll stick with shooting my semi-autos, I enjoy my h&k .40cal just fine .