For more information on the new and improved Python, visit Colt.com.
If there was one gun we had to see and shoot at SHOT Show 2020 “Media Day at the Range” it was, of course, the COLT PYTHON.
We’ve been not-so-secretly tracking the rebirth of this widely coveted snake gun for some time now. We first got faint whispers of its imminent return as far back as SHOT Show 2016; I kid you not. We were told then that it was coming, it was only a matter of when.
Well, now it’s here and the question on everyone’s mind, including our own, is does this new iteration live up to the legacy of its forebearers?
Hard question to answer in any real depth following a very brief encounter at Range Day. But what we can say, for certain, is that our appetite was whetted after that very first shot. Watch the video (embedded below) to see True’s take.
Chambered for .357 Magnum, the new Colt Python has a 6-round capacity and comes in two barrel length options.
The new Colt Python is offered with a high-polish stainless steel finish and either a 4.25-inch or 6-inch barrel. Both come with walnut grips that bear the Colt medallion. These updated versions of the Colt Python have a few changes to differentiate them from the old snake guns but they maintain the classic looks and operation of the originals.
The classic grip pattern, boxy frame, generous trigger, ribbed topstrap, and full-length underlug are all just as they should be. Both models are double- and single-action with a spurred hammer.
Colt redesigned the Python in order to reinforce the frame at the top where it gets stressed the most under fire to make it even more durable. According to Colt, the top of the frame has 30 percent more steel in it by cross-section.
As a result. Colt modified the sights. The rear sight is still a fully adjustable target sight, which is standard for full-size revolvers, and the front sight can be changed by the user like on the new Colt Cobras.
Colt doesn’t want these to be safe queens, they’re meant to be shot. Along with the stronger frame, these Colt Pythons have recessed target crowns for improved accuracy no matter what they’re being used for. Chambered for .357 Magnum they can withstand a lifetime of full-power loads and can be used with light .38 Special rounds when teaching new shooters or just relaxing at the range.
The starting weight for the 4.25-inch model is 42 ounces. It is 5.5 inches tall, 1.55 inches wide and 9.75 inches long. The 6-inch model will be 11.5 inches long and weigh around 46 ounces.
The big question is how much will these cost? Colt lists the MSRP at $1,499. It’s no doubt that these will sell close to, at, or possibly over full price when the first batch hits the streets.
The price is fair. Sure, it’s higher than other popular brands of full-size revolvers, but it’s not at the upper end of the price range for premium revolvers and it’s competitive with and even less than what used Colt Cobras sell for on GunsAmerica.
See Also: Colt Announcing World War I-Era 1911 Black Army
In other words, Colt could sell the new Python for less, but they could also sell it for more, so in the end, it’s probably priced just right. The new Colt Cobras are a little more affordable for people who just need a new Pony.
The new Pythons are definitely the sort of guns that will go with you to the range every time you head out this year, and probably also next year and the year after that … But they’re also serious shooters.
With the Cobra series Colt has tested their new revolver designs and took their time to make sure that the Python launch was going to be solid. It’s safe to say that these Pythons want to be shown off, but they also want to shoot in competitions, they also want to take game, and they want to do all the things people stopped doing with Pythons when they became collector pieces.
For more information on the new and improved Python, visit Colt.com.
I bought two new Pythons in 1992 and had to send them both back to Colt because they both were out of time! Will I buy a new one, probably not! And from what I read Colt’s QC is not that great. Like several others, I”ll stick with a Ruger or pre-lock Smith!
DAMN…Gun Manufacturers and apparently the Customer Base are becoming as moronic and tasteless as the Music Industry. Everyone wants some ugly plastic pistol/rifle or a soft inferior weapon that at least stays shiny until you scratch it up with a fingernail.
It WOULD have been a beautiful day to see a premium revolver back on the scene. Made from some real steel with a “Blue” finish??
I could even have swallowed it being worth over a grand to plink at silouettes at a hundred yards like I used to do with even an old Trooper Mk III.
Naww…”beef up the top strap” indeed….Stainless is like that.
Heavy and Soft as a grape. Uggh
They’re not COOL! These guys are absolutely NUTS! They are CRAZY!!!!
WOW ….. Are there really people that stupid to go out and waist $1,500.00 dollars on a remake of an wheel gun from Colt? I have only had one Colt all my life and that was one to many. I truly hope they have changed their quality of their products, not that I would buy one, just for the poor saps that do. What a waist of a lot of money. For that price I could get a far better gun than that and I would enjoy it. And not have to put it in a glass show case and say look how stupid I am!
YOU sir are completely correct in my view!
Disagree, I’ve had a handful of old colts that all ran beautifully incl an old 1969 python
I will bet all the people who buy Pythons can actually spell “waste”. Stay broke, boi
Waist? UMMM, OK. The question I have for you is quite simple, how many plastic pieces of JUNK do you own? Specifically how many of those cheap, ugly pieces of junk called “Glock” do own? Now there is a gun that is a serious “waste” of “money”.
After watching Hicock45’s problem Python and others on youtube,I have decided to keep my always reliable Ruger GP-100! This double action gem has never let me down and has never not advanced the cylinder to shoot the next round! Also, the price is much better on the GP100’s every day of the week! 1500.00 dollars for a pretty looking .357 double action revolver does not make it any better than a more than half the price Ruger GP100!
You got my vote!!
I do like my Ruger revolvers, one of which is a GP100 like yours. That thing has one smooth double-action trigger, and it is built like a tank. I love it.
This new version of the Python is pretty, but I like to have unfettered confidence in my firearms, which the Colt does not inspire. Nothing is worse than a disappointing range trip because of multiple malfunctions or catastrophic breakages. Even worse would be a malfunction at the very moment you get a shot at a hog or a deer. My Rugers do not disappoint, and they will last for the rest of my lifetime with consistent use, with the heaviest loads. I am not so confident in other manufacturers’ revolvers, Colt included.
GP100 is a great gun but I disagree that it is the equal of a python. Still a great revolver. I had a 1969 python and it ran flawless but couldn’t resist the inflated resale haha. Now work with an old dan wesson model 15.
Yep, GP100’s fill the bill nicely and at half the cost.
After watching 2 shooters who don’t know how to shoot revolvers cause a user error malfunction, you decide to keep a sub par gun. Well, the world needs its ditch diggers
( Pic with the front site )
The finish on this on the model shown. My grandson could have done a better job! Oh ya we can’t turn out a quality product it will drive up the price
Did they sub these out to some third world country?
My other peeve!! Why is it that before this gun came out Colt claimed they don’t make it any better than this.
New model comes out Now Colt says the old one is a piece of S_ _ t!
To bad for those poor soul who spent their kids college funds on the old one!
Let’s see, I can buy a striker fired 10mm that holds 15+1, a thousand rounds, holster, laser and a bag of chips for $1,400. Or I could buy a 3 lb chunk of polished metal that holds six rounds. But wait, I can use moon clips, and it looks retro cool. Right now I do not need another safe queen
No truer words were ever spoken!
The fascination with Colt’s Python continues unabated and all I can do is watch and shake my head in wonder at how such a problem child retains it’s mystique. Complex, fragile and WAY over priced is what we’re talking about here. I’m thinking that Colt must expect that 90+% of all Pythons sold are going to be rat holed and remain unfired. They do shoot okay for a while, until they get out of time, which is usually within a box or two of ammo, and then it’s back to the ‘smith’ to work their magic again. Very tiresome . . . Kinda like owning a Rolls Royce. Not that I’ve ever owned a Rolls, but I have had several Pythons, and shot many others. I am in no hurry to repeat the experience.
I really do not need anymore guns, but a python just might be of interest.
A local gun shop has a “factory shoot”, and I may just show up to try the new python.
a 357 is my favorite handgun, and a python might just be an upgrade to my 30+ year old Ruger Security Sixes (that are in near perfect condition).
I’ve owned multiple Ruger revolvers over the years as well. The first, a stainless Security-6 with a 5 inch barrel, was the best. I regret trading it away. I bought a 2″ blued model, but that gun was stolen. My wife gave me a 4″ stainless as a Christmas present in 2016 and I purchased a blued GP-100 with a 4′ barrel (to replace the stolen gun). I am surprised at all the negative comments here about the Colt Python! The owners that I know all rave about them as “extremely accurate right out of the box”. Although it is highly unlikely that I’ll be shelling out $1500 for ANY new firearm now, I do daydream about several revolvers, this Python, the Kimber .357 MAG and the Ruger .45 LC/ACP.
NOTHING I’VE SEEN/HEARD MENTIONS THE MAINSPRING (FLAT LIKE ORIGINAL OR COIL?! IF COIL, THEN IT’S JUST A STAINLESS, VENT-RIB TROOPER III)!
WILL HERRET’S CUSTOM STOCKS FIT AS ON ORIGINAL FRAME?!
WHAT IS IT’S 25 YARD GROUP?!
Pray Tell, who would have known Colt would bring back an iconic Colt Product after I sold my pristine 6″ nickel plated model a few years back, thinking the value was as high as it was going to get. Fooled me, $1,500 for one of these new ones !!!! Still, it’s a beautiful piece of workmanship and it’s a COLT.
Colt, don’t get taken by the phony medias’ political correctness, you have the whole country behind you and we have our 2nd Amendment.
Hey YAYHOOS out there, “Don’t even think about infringing on our rights”
More fake news…at least disclose mechanical issues. I’m sure you were aware of them. Did you get hush money from Colt! Shame.
Why would anybody give this company any of their money? I put them in the same category as Springfield Armory. I’d say 99% of shots how attendees dont own an original, aren’t into revolvers and probably dont know what a good revolver is, but it’s got a smooth trigger. For $1400 you could have bought something you know something about, an AR, oh but wait, Colt refuses to sell those to lowly civilian citizens any longer because they want to play politics, and no matter the publicly stated reason, that’s the real reason, we shouldn’t have them, we dont need them. My how fast shot show makes people forget the past, and give your money to people who wish to destroy your freedoms.
WWG1WGA and you’re paying the way.
Prices will fall, give it 6 months or so. Keep in mind revolvers are a much smaller market than semis despite how many of us feel about them. The average person out there who owns guns is not a “gun person “, and those folks are looking for a $500 Glock from Cabelas.
I’m curious has Colt figured out why sometimes the cylinder does not advance? I’ve been looking for an older python then these came out . Not sure if I want one or not. A wheel gun is supposed to fire when you pull the trigger.
Can’t wait too get one and compare it to my old 1970s version! The old Pythons are already my favorite revolver, and one of my favorite firearms EVER, so I am hoping these new ones live-up!
Following the release closely, you say. Yet, not a word on issues that have already surfaced including: (1) cylinder does not always turn when trigger is pulled in DA mode; (2) light primer strikes; (3) muzzle crown issues; (4) rear sights without detents; and, perhaps others that have been shown in videos so we don’t have to take some guy’s word for it. You could have at least asked Colt for a comment.
I’m only saying what I hear….Okay. Please don’t get upset. I am just one guy with an opinion.
Your, so called, rep’s tone is one of apology. He talks about the old Python’s lack of quality.
I agree with him. I had my Python for about two years before I traded it for a S&W 357 Combat Masterpiece.
It was far superior to the Colt. Looks like you have made some very good improvements to the New Python.
He seems to be applogizing for the price of $1,400+. The price seems about right (a little high) because of the popularity of the old model. (price driven-investment-collector) (These collectors may take a bath).
The grips on the new model should be of some kind of Rare Wood to make it really desirable.
To make the new Python an exceptional revolver: Cylinder sealed to barrel like the ‘Nagant M1895’.
Another feature long lost: S&W Revolver…First trigger pull cocks the revolver and second pull shoots the gun.
I saw one once and do not know the model. You will have to do the research. With these two features, you will have an extraordinary new type of revolver. That is what is needed on the market. I’ll be the first to buy one of these. Good luck Colt……mike, Lake of the Ozarks. Retired Metallurgist /
Question: Re. New Python…What type of stainless steel is used ? (416R) ?
Is this comparable to the 357 6″ barrel Rossi I had that got taken by a house fire ? It was my favorite gum, easy to shot , accurate, Polished Stainless. Louder than my 30-06
So far most I’ve seen are selling above MSRP, in some cases, way above.