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In 2022, Colt shocked the market by reintroducing the Python. The return of the Python not only pleased old Colt enthusiasts but also introduced a new generation to the king of revolvers. In appearance, the new Python 2.5 Inch is almost an identical copy of the original. It retains the same graceful lines and famous vent rib that have endeared the Python to its fans.
Return of the Snake
The Python 2.5 has some very significant improvements. First, Colt has made extensive use of modern manufacturing technology to make individual parts to a higher tolerance. This eliminates most of the hand fitting that was so costly. Second, there are also subtle changes in design, specifically the frame, that make the new gun stronger than the original. This ensures that the new Python will withstand a steady diet of full house .357 Magnum loads.
One great feature is that the user can change the front sight using an Allen wrench. Finally, Colt redesigned the rear sight to be more durable. Last year I tested a 3” model and was so impressed that I purchased it.
The Newest Snake
The most recent Python is the 2.5” barrel model. This model was probably the rarest of the original guns and now brings premium prices if you can find one. When Colt introduced the new snub, I immediately ordered one. Having previously tested a 3” Python, I was excited to compare the two. I was not disappointed.
The new model is as gorgeous as the previous four Pythons that I have evaluated. The brightly polished stainless finish is flawless. The double action, on the new gun, is like glass and the single action breaks nicely with no grit or excessive creep. Using a Lyman electronic trigger gauge, the double action measured 8.7 oz. and the single action broke cleanly at 5 lbs. The pistol is void of sharp and offending edges and there are absolutely no visible machine marks.
I immediately saw why this barrel length is in such demand. The front sight is a pinned blade style with a red ramp while the rear sight is fully adjustable. As with all the new Colt revolvers, the front sight can be replaced by the user in less than a minute. The 2.5” model features service-style checkered wood stocks that follow the contour of the frame. These give the new Snake a real retro look that I appreciate.
Python 2.5 Inch Range Impressions
Range time with the new Python was a lot of fun. Given that it weighs 35 oz., it soaked up the recoil of the .38 Special rounds with ease. Magnums were another story! Unlike the previous models, the new 2.5” Python comes with service stocks that follow the contour of the frame. These were too small for my hands, and when shooting, my middle finger knuckle took a beating against the back of the trigger guard. I reached out to my friend, John Harrison, who was kind enough to loan me an original Tyler T-Grip adaptor.
The Tyler-T filled the sinus behind the trigger guard and increased the overall diameter of the grip. It does this without increasing the overall size or bulk of the pistol. This addition enhanced the shootability of the Python.
As with the previous Pythons I have tested, I had difficulty with the red ramp front sight. However, part of this is due to my aging eyes. My other complaint is with the trigger. I am not a fan of serrations and, more importantly, the edges of the trigger are not really radiused. Other than that, I really liked the new gun.
Testing Time
I fired Justin Dyal’s 5-Yard Roundup Drill with the new Python. This is a simple 10 round drill with all stages shot from 5 yards, with each stage having a 2.5 second par time. While not extremely difficult, it is a challenging test. 4 rounds in 2.5 seconds is rather spicy, and 3 rounds, strong hand only with the same par time, is very challenging. I let 3 rounds get outside the black, 2 on stage two and 1 on stage three. I managed a score of 91, which isn’t horrible. As with my other “tests”, I shoot them only once and I live with that score, be it good or bad!
Ammo For the Python 2.5
Recently, I have been providing ballistic gel results in my articles. This is extremely helpful and allows me to catalog how popular personal defense ammunitions perform. Granted, the gel is not the same as a living target. However, it provides a consistent medium to compare the loads tested, in a controlled environment.
While the new gun weighs 35.5 ounces, I found that full-house magnums resulted in significant recoil. While not painful, follow-up shots were more difficult. I tested two magnum loads, Hornady’s Critical Defense 125 gr. FTX and their Critical Defense 135 gr. Flex Lox. The Critical Defense averaged 1,356 fps, while the heavier Critical Duty averaged 1,224 fps. As the two below charts reflect, both did relatively well in bare gel, but when shot through four layers of denim, the nose of the Critical Defense load collapsed into itself. By comparison, the Critical Duty expanded almost as well as it did through the bare gel.
Probably the most practical personal defense load for the snub Python is a well-designed .38 Special load. I tested the Hornady Critical Defense 110 FTX load and Federal’s 120 gr. +P Punch JHP. In bare gel, both averaged about 12” of penetration and both loads expanded. The difference was that the bullet design of the Punch round resulted in a larger expanded diameter. When shot through denim, both loads did as expected. The Punch expanded and deformed but performance was very inconsistent. As in other tests, the Hornady 110 FTX did not expand, but in some cases did invert. Both loads were controllable and would make a good self-defense load, especially in an armed citizen situation where barriers are generally not an issue.
Range Results
| Colt Python Range Tests | |||||
| Manufacturer | Caliber | Bullet | Average | Accuracy | |
| Hornady Critical Defense | .38 Special | 110 gr. FTX | 968 fps | 1.75” | |
| Federal Punch | .38 Special +P | 120 gr. JHP | 1,038 fps | 1.5” | |
| Hornady Critical Defense | .357 Magnum | 125 gr. FTX | 1,356 fps | 2.5” | |
| Hornady Critical Duty | .357 Magnum | 135 gr Flex Lok | 1,224 fps | 3” | |
| Velocity measured at the muzzle with a Garmin Xero C-1 Pro Chronograph | |||||
| Accuracy fire off-hand at 15 yards | |||||
The below photos show the recovered projectiles from the four loads we tested. Again, this a limited test for comparison between loads.
A Classic Pistol Deserves Classic Leather
For my revolvers, I’m addicted to custom leather. I recently received an exceptional rig from Eric Humphries and the great folks at Palmetto Leather Works. The rig is reminiscent of a Rhodesian holster and is a straight drop with a flared belt loop. It is a rough-out, mid-ride holster that rides very nicely. The holster, shown in the photo, is for my 3” Python. It works fine but as I decide to purchase the snub, I will be ordering one specifically for a 2.5” model. One note as of this writing, this holster has not been added to their website. I would suggest you contact them directly if you wish to purchase one.
READ MORE: Colt Python Review: 2.5 Inch Snub-Nose Classic
Python Final Thoughts
Having grown up on Smith & Wesson revolvers, I never thought I would fall in love with a Colt. The new Pythons have changed my mind. Colt continues to expand the line and now offers 17 Python models in a variety of barrel lengths and finishes. For more on the complete line of Pythons visit Colt Pythons here.
| Colt Python Specifications | |
| Model | SP3WTCPYTHON-SP2WCTS |
| Caliber | .357 Magnum |
| Capacity | 6 Round |
| Length | 8.75” |
| Front Sight OEM | Red Ramp |
| Rear Sight OEM | Fully Adjustable |
| Action | Single/Double |
| Grip | Walnut w/Colt medallion |
| Material | Stainless |
| Barrel Length | 2.5” |
| Weight | 35.5 oz. |
| MSRP | $1,499 |
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Nice gun, but da-n . . . it’s just a gun, a tool in my eyes. I see it as a highly polished smoothed out framing hammer.
Having said that, my revolver of choice in 357mag is the 7 shot Taurus 66. Every bit as good as a S&W or Colt, yet nearly 2/3 less expensive. I am a regular sport shooter and hunter and appreciate fine firearms but ALL of mine are black, several spray painted black via rustolieum satan rattle can. The ducks & bucks still fall even though I use cheaper “tools” to do the job.
My CCW’s are nice but not special. If your gun is involved in a self-defense incident, then LE will confiscate the firearm and scratch the detective’s initials on the finish. That has been done for a long time and still is done today. Lt. Tragg on Perry Mason also had depicted this policy generations ago on the TV show.
I was a diehard Colt fan until Slick-willie and the Brady-bunch launched an attack on mom & pop FFL’s and scared the shite out of gun manufacturers back in the 90’s until Colt decided to turn their backs on the general public because they and were only interested in their military contracts. AND they wanted to bust their union contracts. I remember getting any customer support from COLT was virtually impossible, they just didn’t care. They EFF’ed us dealers AND their customers.
Now they want to jump back into recreation gun owner market feet first. Why, because they don’t have the robust military contracts they once had? As much as I’ve always loved the python, anaconda, the diamondback lines, you couldn’t run fast enough to sell me a Colt. I have a memory like an elephant. EFF COLT!
First time I’ve ever seen Single Action trigger pull be MORE than Double Action pull. “double action measured 8.7 oz. and the single action broke cleanly at 5 lbs”
It seems Smith wants on average about $1000 for one of their new revolvers. I don’t mind spending a couple of hundered more for a more refined product with no frame safety and two piece barrel.
I only wish the write up did a better job on accuracy testing. It makes me wonder if something is being kept from me. Accuracy tests at 5 and 15 yds? That tells us zip about how it shoots. There is no reason you can’t shoot a 2-1/2″ barrel revolver out to at least 25 yds. Fifty yds would be even better. If you must, bag it or shoot it over baracade. Some of us older guys use to have to qualify at 50 yds with a revolver, and yes a 2-1/2″ barreled one. I would like one of these but I will want to shoot one first or see other reviews on accuracy.
I accessed the Colt lineup thru the link in this article. Some of the images shown are not to scale and there are barrel discrepancies on at least 2 different models. If you plan to order from this chart, you may not get what you want. I suggest that this is happens when someone is hired to fill a quota rather than qualified to do a job.
Good article and good information on ammo comparison. I may try the Palmetto holster for my 3″.
I recently purchased a Lipsey’s 2,5 inch Python and the results you folks got are identical to mine. I really don’t like the edges of the trigger but, due to the fancy bluing on it I won’t be radiusing the edges to a more pleasing rounded shape. The Holly-wood grips are great looking but were immediately replaced with a set of custom (made by me!) claro walnut grips with a great deal of figure. Awesome.
I want one, but , had the Elite 3 inch. Didn’t like the fat grips, the grooved trigger or the nose heavy feel. If the best load for this is a .38 load , I guess I will stick with my snubbie 2 inch S&W model 15 (their Cadillac snub), though much older and blued (and half the price). I DO love the trigger & finish on the new Pythons.