At the NRA Show 2024, True Pearce, introduces the new Colt Python chambered in .357 Magnum, featuring an eye-catching 8-inch barrel.
While True appreciates Colt’s craftsmanship, this model made his list of less practical firearms at the show. He humorously suggests that such an oversized revolver might be compensating for something else.
Despite its length and lack of optic readiness, True notes that the Python surprisingly balances well and likely offers a soft shooting experience. However, the question remains: what practical use does it serve? True invites viewers to share their thoughts in the comments on this unique Colt Python.
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I’ve been shooting a python target 38 special in Precision pistol competition for almost 30 years. This model has an 8 inch barrel and with my grips and scope and mount it weighs 4 #. Perfect to help hold it steady against the 7- 1/2 pound trigger pull that I’m pushing against for timed and rapid fire. That new one is a beauty, but if it it’s got a 6 pound single action pull I’ll just leave that on the shelf at the store.
This sound strange coming from a lover of the “Original Python” but it was not noted for being particular robust. The top strap was weak which has been made thicker in the new model Python. If you have an “original Python” shooting heavy recoiling 158 grain loads all the time is not a good idea, especially since mint guns now are becoming so expensive only the ghost of King Farouk can afford to buy one. Mint original guns are becoming too expensive to even consider shooting.
The lock work on the “original” was noted for going out of time rather quickly if you were unfortunate enough to get one that had the hand fitted on the short side when it left the factory. I had one of these and I fitted a new hand on the “long” side and never had a problem with it going out of time after that but good luck getting a new hand for an “original Python” today. The new Python has entirely different lock work so since I as yet do not own one I do not know whether it will hold up longer than the “original” design.
I think the looks of the Python certainly has set it apart from all other handguns and probably contributed to its loyal following in the past and still in the present.
The “original” Python had an outstandingly light single action pull with many going off at only 3Lbs. The new Python’s single action pull is in the 6LB range which does not put it in the same class as the original Python although its frame is much stronger. Its a case of not being able to have your cake and eat it too.
I bought it in the 4.25 inch and was extremely disappointed with finding a QR code along with the serial number etched on the exposed right side of the frame. Such a shame on an otherwise beautiful revolver. Put the serial number on the yoke where it’s not such an eyesore!
Ref the new 8” barrel Python, I presume hunting is the major reason.
C’mon, it’s an 8″ barrel, not a buntline. Also, it’s the most beautiful piece of man jewelry ever built! What’s wrong with a longer sight radius?
Wow, talk about ignorance. The 8” barreled guns are hunters and silhouette shooters. Next time you critique a product, google the thing and learn the history behind it. Definitely has a use. Besides, if your viewers want a 20” barrel, it’s their call. Don’t berate them. If it’s a POS okay, but I doubt it is.
Love it and it would be the Python I would buy. Who needs optics with that sight radius!
Longer barrel = longer sight radius, more bullet velocity, less muzzle jump. I own a S&W 29 with an 8 3/8 barrel that is one of my most accurate revolvers. Heck, they made that gun with a 10″ too. While these are in .44 mag, there is nothing revolutionary about long barrel revolvers, they have been out for decades. Shoot one and you will change your mind. Ask Dirty Harry his opinion.
In fact, an eight inch barrel is perfect for hunting, So yes, it has a place. C’Mon man, if yer gonna dis something, dis a .25 ACP. I hunted with a Six inch GP 100 for years, and never found that length impractical, but once found it borderline for a 150 yard shot on a Whitetail in a pasture. 2 inches may not seem like a lot, but it counts, when it counts. Eight inches, 180 grains of Hard cast gas checked lead headed downrange on a Beautiful buck and pounds and pounds of venison???? Don’t get no better than that.
Dude, my only Python is an 8” blue that I bought NIB 25 years ago. So this is nothing new from Colt, just a reintroduction.
Why wouldn’t you want to shoot .357 at > 2k fps?!
This clown in that clip you posted sounds like every limp wristed loon that says why do you need that? What are you compensating for? F you douche nozzle I’ll buy or shoot whatever I want, piss off soy boi.
Glad they finally came out with the 8 inch barrel Colt Python, I will probably buy one now. Have been holding back waiting to see if they were going to make it.
“Over compensating” says the tool who looks like he spends most of his day staring at himself in a gym surrounded by his gym bros. He might think the 8in Python is the dumbest gun he’s seen, but his haircut is the dumbest thing I’ve seen in a while. Maybe that extra length in back is for his gym bros to hold on to like horse reins while they reenact Broke Back mountain?
Try handgun hunting and you will see what purpose a longer barrel serves. I thought Warren Center put this to rest?
Never have been a big Colt fan, maybe the 1911 or a Thompson made by them, but other than that nada!
Certainly never been a big fan of any of their revolvers as it’s always been Smith & Weston for me, even my EDC is an S&W, a SHIELD 9!
I can see a few good reasons for the 8″ barrel. Longer sight radius, less muzzle flip, a bit more velocity, and more manageable recoil.
Nothing new here… It’s just a reintroduction of the 8″ Python that they made for many years in the first generation. They were popular for silhouette shooting, as well as for hunting. Special rings were made by Redfield (and probably others) that clamped onto the ventilated rib, so optic mounting was no big deal, although, admittedly, Colt could have modernized this new release with something suitable for today’s optic options.
Sounds like you’re not happy with COLT either…
Not quite, Mr. “Colt”, I like em’ just fine! I was just pointing out Mr. Pearce’s oversite of the prior history of the 8″ Python. Hell, I even like Smith & Wesson, even after THEY sold us all out back in the 90’s – if you recall, their’s was an actual betrayal, where Colt’s situation was more based on their financial situation in the market. After the Brits sold S&W following the backlash from their foolish capitulation with the Clinton Administration, I let my grudge go and even bought a few Smiths. My suggestion to you is to get yourself a Colt and let the past be the past. As I said, it is not the same Colt that you have an apparent beef with, so it’s not fair to hold that against them. But, some people will only drive a Chevy, some a Dodge, and some prefer a Toyota – the point being, it may simply be a preference for you. To each his own…
Peace to you brother – we’re still in the same fraternity, even though we may not like the same beer… or trucks… or guns! 😉
Smith and Wesson may have changed owners, but they never turned their back on their former customers like Colt did. I was a dealer, I know what they did. Colt also screwed over their unionized employee’s during that time. Yes, Colts’ financial situation was bad at that time and that’s one of the reasons they decided to stick with their military contracts and stop producing for the general public. If want a Colt – buy a Colt. I’ll pass …
I like the longer barrels, bullets go faster longer distance great for hunting or even long range plinking
While initially 8″ might be questionable, to someone who hunts regularly with a handgun, the longer barrel/sight radius may be a welcome feature. Several years ago, I watched a shooter, using his original Python, continually hit the target at 100 yds, but the groups were not that great. I suspect that he might do better with a longer barrel and sight radius.
Youth and inexperience aren’t aware that the additional 2 inches provide 80-140 more fps and 40-120 more ft lbs of energy. Youth and inexperience haven’t hunted with a revolver, shot 100 yd silhouette, or enjoyed hands-free stalking with a crossbody chest holster. It isn’t for everyone and hasn’t anything to do with anatomical deficits but invariably will reveal youth’s knowledge deficit.
Optic readiness????
This isn’t a tacti-cool gun. It’s a classic. If you need a scope with pistol, you need a rifle. If you can’t see to shoot, maybe you shouldn’t. Same with lever guns. They’re not AR platforms. Stop making them into AR’s.
The reason we are seeing “AR” Lever guns and eventually I guess pump or slide action “AR’s” is the states banning the MSR. If I can’t have an AR or other MSR I will want something with optic rails and attachment points. In all seriousness, pick up an 1873 or 1892, and then compare the feel to a new “tactical” lever gun and you can’t deny they feel like something new and better.
I have the 6” barrel and love it. The 8” would be if it was a 44 mag😂
It has it’s place- range or stand hunting close-in. I was in Palmetto State Armory a few weeks ago and saw a pallet of flame throwers. I shook my head and moved on. Saturday while clearing brush and attacked by ground bees, I thought, hey, wish I had a flame thrower. To each his own. I tend to like shirts that aren’t two sizes too small, but again, to each his own.
Obviously this revolver is not likely to be anyone’s EDC but if you want a sweet shooting and accurate revolver, my bet is this is it. I am an anomaly in CAS shooting because I shoot 7 1/2” barreled guns. I shoot gunfighter (which means one revolver in each hand at the same time). The long barrel gives an exceptional site picture and helps manage recoil shooting one handed. When I’m competing I do use light cowboy loads but have shot those guns a lot with full power magnum loads and have a pleasant experience. I bet this new gun would do the same thing.
Lets talk about the elephant in the room. COLT… Some of you folks may be too young to remember, but back in the 90’s COLT fell prey to all the anti-gun hype from ‘Slick Willie & the Brady Bunch”. So much so in fact they turned their back on their loyal retail customers and ceased production on anything that wasn’t considered important to their military contracts. They didn’t give a damn about the public and their desire for COLT products. Why did this happen? Apparently because they were scared to death of getting sued for something stupid, like selling a gun for public use.
Being an FFL at the time, I had to reach out to COLT several times for product support after they closed their doors to the public and was basically told to pound sand, which I conveyed to their loyal customers. This went on for years until recently COLT realized what they were missing out on – MONEY. Now they want their once loyal customers back.
Am I bitter? No, but I won’t do business with a firearm company that turns their back on the very people that kept them alive for generations, all because they folded to political pressure. F#@K COLT!
Colt is now owned by CZ. CZ has their act together big time and has drawn Colt along with them.
Uuhhh, sorry to have to point this out, but you obviously ARE bitter! You’re talking about something from 30 years ago my friend – it’s time to let it go. It’s quite literally a new company – new owners, new management, etc. so you really can’t blame them for whatever happened in the distant past. It’s 2024 and there are PLENTY of new battles to be fought, so let’s adjust our sights a little bit, ok?
Uuhhh, I don’t give a crap if it happen 100 years ago. The name of the company is still COLT, and I don’t care who owns it. Opinions are like buttholes, everybody has one and most stink. So you fight your “PLENTY of new battles” at whatever battleground you seek. If you choose to do business with them – knock yourself out.
Thanks, Mr. Cheerful – I think maybe I will buy myself one of these “NEW” COLT guns one of these days! I’ll keep an eye out for you on the battleground, in case you decide to join us here in 2024 some day. But make sure you bring your Python, along We’d love to see it! 🙂
This makes my list of one of the dumber videos I’ve seen. I guess this “expert” is unfamiliar with the Python Silhouette, Python Hunter, or Python Ten Pointer. Learn somethingwhat you’re talking about before embarrass yourself by posting something that only displays your ignorance.
Eight inch revolvers have been around for decades and hunters prefer them if they hunt from a stand. The eight inch offers less recoil, more velocity and is more accurate because of the longer sighting radius. Admittedly Colt could have made the 8 inch optic ready but a lot of hunters know that when you rely on anything that has a battery in it you risk failure at the most critical moment of the hunt when the batteries or electronics suddenly go dead.
I might add there is a dearth of 8 inch revolvers on the market these days as even the historic 8 inch Smith & Wesson Revolvers have not been made for quite a few years. I had to hunt high and low to find a used Smith 41 mag in an 8 inch model and I paid through the nose to get it. Which brings up another idea. I wish Colt would once again make a .41 magnum in one of their revolvers and in 8 inch.
I think it’s a great idea! More velocity, less recoil, increased accuracy. I deer hunt with a Smith & Wesson 686 with a 8 3/8 inch barrel. Plus it’s just fun, not every revolver has to be tactical. I also have the new Anaconda in 8 inch. It’s not tactical but it’s cool and fun to shoot and hunt with.
Perfect for those with less than enviable manly features. Or, a walking stick for the extra short men out there.
Not the first time an 8″ Python has been made. Some people hunted with them and had scopes attached to the barrel rib.
As a home or self defense weapon, no, not very practical. But the “shoot the bad guys” crowd need to look beyond that scenario to the “shooting sports” aspects of handguns. The longer barrel will stabilize a bullet better for more accurate long range shooting. The longer barrel will result in more efficient powder burn resulting in a higher velocity. If shooting open sights, the longer barrel will give you a longer sight radius resulting in more accuracy. Not every gun needs to be about home defense. For me, this gun would be great for handgun hunting and long range plates. For home defense, I’ll keep my 1911 any day.
Quit trying to gain more advertiser dollars with petty controversy. Taurus makes some fine revolvers in these lengths for hunting that are optics ready. I own a taurus 8 3/8″, 8-shot revolver for 24 years. It is a great hunting hunting revolver. Ive taken large hogs, turkey, yotes, and my largest buck to this day. Yes, a longer barrel revolver serves a purpose, only if it is optics ready. For well under half the price I can buy a Taurus that is optics ready, higher cap, and has the longer length barrel in .357 that helps wring out more velocity from a great cartridge with longer barrel lengths. The expensive, junk Colt doesnt meet those standards. Here comes the hate mail about Taurus firearms. I have and had plenty, along with Colt, Smith, Ruger, Dan Wesson etc…most of my Taurus have been solid, even my .480s. Im sure people have got some duds, like the .380 and some .38’s. Not everyone out there can afford a $1200 gun. So Hold your fire, I dont care.
You’re the first person in human history to have a good experience with Taurash firearms. Their customer service and warranty are absolutely pathetic as well as their firearm quality.
I have had several Taurus’ with good results. Mainly PT99 and PT92’s. I picked up a used Taurus 1911 and have shot it a lot with no problems. The complaint I had with Taurus was a recall they did several years ago and they sent me a new model pistol to replace my PT145 in 45acp. They said they could only replace it in 9mm not the 45acp I sent in. That really burned my butt! I have had issues with S+W semi autos in the past. Experience vary.
Tell us of your experience
Who is this guy and how old is he? I increasingly see this in the new generation: Every firearm gets referred to as a “weapon” and must be a great self-defense tool. Learn to enjoy life and get out of you gen-z bubble. I am not a boomer so don’t even go there. I hate the term “range gun” since for most of us, they really are all “range guns” since we don’t go around shooting people. Consider that some guns are just a blast to shoot for their own special characteristics. Pretty sure this guy was not even born when IHMSA was a big thing, but for those that aren’t aware, there was a class of competition in which handguns were shot at really long distances and had to *knock over* some large, heavy steel silhouettes. 8″ (and longer) guns dominated that. You wanted all the velocity you could get and long sight radiuses make it easier to shoot a firearm more accurately. In one position, that long barrel sat alongside your outer calf so you could steady it. A shorter gun would not work. And, not everything needs to be fuglied up with a red dot, but you can still mount one if you want. The rest of us don’t want a gun with a big empty “slot” up top. This from a guy who also shoots and enjoys red dots on some guns.
Well said …
An eight inch barrel will deliver more accuracy at extended ranges because of the longer sighting radius. Duh ! Here’s a clue, it ain’t a fighting gun, that’s why handgun manufacturers make 4” guns and snubbies.
A lot of guns are not practical. I love it. I need a blue one.
Looks kinda cool. At pistol ranges in the woods lack of an optic not that big a deal. Velocity with that barrel would be high as noted making this a viable hunter, I think…
I would say it is probably deadly accurate and would be a good option for whitetail deer with open sights. A nice custom leather chest holster would perfect to carry it.
The 8″ Python was a thing back in the earlier 1980s. Glad to see it’s back. It was popular among handgun hunters and metallic silhouette competition in the revolver class. S&W always offered their N frame model 27 with an 8-3/8ths” option and Colt needed to compete with that market segment.