Offered here is a rare experimental Colt Python revolver chambered in .256 Winchester Magnum caliber. This revolver was sent to Colt's Engineering Department in March 1961 for conversion to .256 Winchester Magnum, a caliber developed by Winchester for shooting small game and varmints and first introduced in 1960. General Python production was in .357 Magnum. Recorded calibers other than .357 Magnum have included .22 Long Rifle, .22 Magnum Rimfire, .256 Winchester Magnum, .41 Magnum and .44 Special. Only a few known experimental Pythons exist. This revolver is documented in R.L. Wilson's "The Book of Colt Firearms" on page 402 and was once part of the Robert Sutherland collection. The barrel is marked "PYTHON .256/*.256 MAGNUM CTG.*" on the left side and Hartford address on the right side. A Rampant Colt is stamped on the left side plate, and a Colt triangle proof is stamped on the left side of the trigger guard. Except for the polished hammer sides, the revolver has a blue finish. Fitted with a pinned serrated ramp front sight, fully adjustable rear sight and checkered grips. The back of the left grip has a "A Genuine/Herrett's/Model RP" label. The revolver is pictured with these grips in "The Book of Colt Firearms."

Excellent. The revolver retains 97% plus original blue finish showing some scattered minor high edge wear and some minor dings and scratches. There is a series of light scratches on the right side of the frame. The grips are near excellent with some scattered minor dings and scratches and crisp checkering overall and retaining most of the finish. Mechanically excellent. A must have for the serious Colt Snake revolver collector. No Colt Snake collection can be truly considered complete without this extremely rare Colt .256 Magnum Python!