I recently inherited a vintage Colt Python 357 Magnum from my Dad. He bought the gun when I was a kid and I always admired it. I am a handgun novice and need some help. To the best of my knowledge, he bought the gun in the late 1950's. The only numbers I can find on the gun are stamped in the frame and can be seen when the cylinder is rolled out. The same number is also on the arm that holds the revolving cylinder. It is only a 3 digit number, 3XX, so I was wondering if that is the serial number or not? The gun has custom walnut grips, FITZ, but I also have the originals. The gun is blue and in beautiful shape. The only issue with the gun is as follows. Once, a long time ago, my Dad was target shooting and must have gotten a bad cartridge. The bullet lodged in the end of the pistol. He had the gun professionally repaired, but now the barrel is 4 1/2" long. It originally was 6". It looks great, but not original. I have no intention of selling the gun, but wanted to know the approx. value for insurance purposes. Thanks for any help you can offer.